Colorado Ballet

For residents of Colorado seeking to immerse themselves in the elegance and athletic artistry of ballet, the Colorado Ballet stands as a beacon of artistic excellence right here in Denver. This esteemed organization is far more than just a performance company; it's a comprehensive institution dedicated to presenting exceptional classical and contemporary dance, providing world-class training, and engaging the community through enriching educational programs. From the breathtaking beauty of a live performance to the disciplined pursuit of dance in its academy, Colorado Ballet offers an unparalleled experience for all ages and interests.

Founded in 1951 by Denver natives Freidann Parker and Lillian Covillo, what began as the Covillo-Parker Dance School eventually blossomed into the professional powerhouse it is today. With a mission to inspire and grow an increasingly diverse audience base, Colorado Ballet has consistently brought world-class productions to the stage, becoming a top choice in Denver for dance enthusiasts. Their annual production of "The Nutcracker," for instance, is a cherished holiday tradition that delights thousands of families each year, showcasing stunning choreography, enchanting sets, and the superb music of the Colorado Ballet Orchestra. This commitment to both tradition and innovation ensures that every visit is a memorable one.

Beyond the main stage, the Colorado Ballet is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of dancers and making the art form accessible to everyone. Their highly-regarded Academy provides a real ballet curriculum within well-equipped classrooms, while their extensive education and community engagement programs reach tens of thousands of students annually across Colorado. This multi-faceted approach truly makes Colorado Ballet a pillar of the state's vibrant arts scene, offering something for everyone, whether you're an avid balletomane or just beginning to discover the magic of dance.

The Colorado Ballet is centrally located in Denver's dynamic Santa Fe Arts District, a cultural hub known for its galleries, studios, and vibrant atmosphere. Their state-of-the-art facility, the Armstrong Center for Dance, is situated at:

1075 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204, USA

This prime location offers convenience for residents throughout the Denver metro area. While the Colorado Ballet's parking lot, accessible from 11th Avenue, is typically reserved for dancers and staff during business hours, ample street parking can often be found on Santa Fe Drive and Kalamath Street between 10th and 11th Avenues. Additionally, the Santa Fe Arts District is well-served by public transportation, including RTD bus routes, making it an accessible destination for those who prefer to travel without a car. Its proximity to other cultural attractions in the area allows for a rich experience for visitors, combining a trip to the ballet with exploring local art and dining.

Colorado Ballet offers a comprehensive array of services that cater to various aspects of the dance world, from professional performances to educational opportunities.

• Professional Performances: Colorado Ballet presents a full season of classical ballet and contemporary dance productions at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, including beloved classics like "The Nutcracker," "The Sleeping Beauty," and "A Midsummer Night's Dream," as well as innovative new works like "Casanova" and "The Great Gatsby." These productions feature their thirty-one-member professional performing company and Studio Company.
• Raydean Acevedo Colorado Ballet Academy: This is Denver's premier institute for classical ballet training, offering professional instruction for students from age 1.5 to seniors. The Academy provides a rigorous curriculum grounded in classical ballet, with elements of Russian, French, and Italian schools, and includes a Pre-Professional Division for aspiring professional dancers.
• Studio Company: Comprising advanced students and emerging professionals, the Studio Company provides valuable performance experience and serves as a stepping stone to the main company. Members dance in Colorado Ballet productions and their own performances across the region.
• Education & Community Engagement Programs: With a mission of "Every. Body. Dance!", these programs aim to make dance accessible to everyone. They reach over 40,000 students annually across 300 schools and organizations in Colorado through in-school assemblies, workshops, after-school programs, adaptive dance classes, and free community performances.
• Auditions and Trainee Positions: The Academy offers opportunities for advanced students to audition for their Pre-Professional Division, with pathways to Trainee positions and potential contracts with the Colorado Ballet Studio Company or main Company.
• Ticket and Subscription Services: Patrons can purchase single tickets for individual performances or subscribe to a season package for discounts and priority seating, ensuring they don't miss any of the thrilling productions.

What makes the Colorado Ballet a top-tier destination for dance and arts in Colorado?

• World-Class Productions: Renowned for their high-quality performances, stunning sets, exquisite costumes, and live orchestral accompaniment (especially for "The Nutcracker"), Colorado Ballet delivers a truly immersive and enchanting theatrical experience.
• Professional Company and Dancers: The thirty-one-member professional company consists of highly talented and dedicated dancers who receive consistent praise for their magnificent displays of technique, artistry, and passion.
• Comprehensive Academy: The Raydean Acevedo Colorado Ballet Academy is highly regarded for its professional staff, well-equipped classrooms, and real ballet curriculum, which has been shown to produce rapid learning and development in students.
• On-Site Black Box Theater: The Armstrong Center for Dance boasts a "very cool in house black box theater" with professional amenities including lighting, flooring, draping, seats, and acoustics, providing an excellent space for smaller performances and student showcases.
• Beloved "Nutcracker" Tradition: The annual production of "The Nutcracker" is a community favorite, celebrated for its beauty, color, and ability to enchant audiences of all ages, making it a must-see holiday event in Denver.
• Strong Educational Outreach: The extensive Education & Community Engagement programs demonstrate a deep commitment to making dance accessible and promoting its benefits across diverse communities in Colorado, fostering appreciation for ballet from a young age.
• Talented Orchestra and Costume Design: The Colorado Ballet Orchestra is often highlighted as the "unsung heroes" for their superb live music, and the costume designers receive accolades for their beautiful and elaborate creations, enhancing the visual spectacle of the performances.

Interested in attending a performance, enrolling in the Academy, or learning more about Colorado Ballet? Here’s how to get in touch:

Address: 1075 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204, USA

Phone: (303) 339-1637

Mobile Phone: +1 303-339-1637

For Coloradans, the Colorado Ballet is an invaluable cultural institution that offers a multitude of benefits, making it an excellent choice for entertainment, education, and community engagement. Attending a Colorado Ballet performance at the stunning Ellie Caulkins Opera House provides a world-class artistic experience right here in our own backyard, offering a sophisticated and enriching outing for individuals, couples, and families alike. The magic of productions like "The Nutcracker" creates cherished holiday memories, while their diverse season repertoire provides year-round cultural enrichment.

Beyond the stage, the Colorado Ballet Academy offers exceptional dance training, providing a pathway for aspiring young dancers to pursue their passion and for adults to explore ballet for fitness and enjoyment. This local resource nurtures talent and promotes healthy, active lifestyles. Furthermore, the Ballet's extensive community outreach efforts ensure that the transformative power of dance reaches all corners of the state, making ballet accessible and fostering appreciation for the arts among diverse populations. Supporting Colorado Ballet means investing in the cultural vitality of our state, ensuring that the beauty and discipline of dance continue to thrive and inspire future generations of Coloradans. It truly is a jewel in our local arts crown.

Colorado Ballet

1075 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204, USA