SALT LAKE CITY – Salt Lake City-based dance company Ballet West has said two black dancers screamed racial epithets at them as they walked past, and it happened twice last week.

An Instagram post states that “Twice on the streets of Salt Lake City two black Ballet West dancers were subjected to angry racial epithets shouted at them by people walking past in their cars.”

The post went on to say how unimaginable it is that in 2021 public spaces will not be immune to this hatred, and called those who have done so as “racist.”

“As an organization committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment for all of its employees, Ballet West condemns the actions of these individuals in the strongest possible way. “

They also call on individuals and community leaders to elevate the race debate to raise awareness about the destruction of hate speech.

“We urge the community to unite in condemning racism in all its forms, including the cowardly acts perpetrated by individuals from the safety of their vehicles.”

Ballet West could not be reached for further comment.

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