Colorado Ballet

Colorado Ballet is a renowned non-profit organization that has been bringing world-class classical ballet and innovative dance to Denver since its establishment in 1961 by Lillian Covillo and Freidann Parker. Celebrating nearly 63 years of artistic excellence, Colorado Ballet stands as a premier institution in the state, presenting over 58 performances annually. These performances range from classical ballet masterpieces to full-length story ballets and contemporary works. Under the artistic direction of Gil Boggs, the company has earned critical acclaim for its repertory productions, including "Ballet MasterWorks" and "Ballet Director’s Choice," which showcase a mix of neoclassical ballets, contemporary pieces, and groundbreaking world premieres. The Colorado Ballet's professional company consists of 36 dancers, complemented by 22 Studio Company dancers. A hallmark of their season is the annual performance of the holiday classic "The Nutcracker," which has been a tradition since the company's inception. The Raydean Acevedo Colorado Ballet Academy serves as the official school of Colorado Ballet, adhering to the highest standards of ballet training. The academy offers a comprehensive curriculum that caters to students from the tender age of 1 ½ through adult levels, from beginner to pre-professional. The academy's Pre-professional Division is an audition-only program designed to facilitate a smooth transition from student to professional dancer. Beyond performances and training, Colorado Ballet is deeply committed to education and community engagement. With programs that reach over 35,000 individuals each year across 300 schools and organizations, the company works tirelessly to make dance accessible to everyone. Their mission is encapsulated in the motto "Every. Body. Dance."—aiming to make dance accessible to all, promote dance as part of a healthy lifestyle, and encourage creativity and expression through dance. The organization's Education & Community Engagement Department has been active for over 20 years, offering a range of programs including in-school workshops, assemblies, field trips, after-school programs, and adaptive programs for individuals with disabilities. These initiatives are designed to bring diverse communities together, overcoming real and perceived barriers to the arts. Colorado Ballet's commitment to excellence is also reflected in its support for the development of new works through the "Attitude on Santa Fe" productions, which feature new ballets choreographed and performed by the company's own dancers. All productions at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House are accompanied by live music performed by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Colorado Ballet continues to thrive with the support of its community and partnerships, ensuring that the art of ballet remains a vibrant and integral part of Colorado's cultural landscape.