Play a leading role at Colorado Ballet today!
Established in 1961 by Lillian Covillo and Freidann Parker, Colorado Ballet is a non-profit organization celebrating nearly 63 years of presenting world-class classical ballet and innovative dance in Denver. Colorado Ballet's 36 professional Company dancers and 22 Studio Company dancers present more than 58 classical and contemporary ballet performances every year. As the premier ballet training institution in the state, Colorado Ballet Academy provides training to students ages 1 ½ through adult, beginner through pre-professional. Colorado Ballet’s outstanding education and community engagement programs enable thousands to experience the magic of dance.
"Many of these students have never participated in an event that displays the arts. Many of them went home to tell their families about what they saw and how incredible it would be for the whole family to see something like that."
-Teacher after a student matinee performance
“The combinations of the music, dance, on-stage chorus for Carmina Burana, orchestra, sets, and costumes -- are world class. I've never had a dance performance move me so much. I said [to my friend] 'it is a privilege to be able to describe something like this, and then I cried."
-Audio describer Bonnie Barlow after previewing Ballet MasterWorks
“Thank you thank you thank you for doing this!!!! We have 3 boys with special needs, and this is the best way for us to attend without making it a painful experience for them. This would not have been possible for us without this being a special performance as well as the reduced pricing! Their special needs means I can’t work and all their therapies cost more than we can make as a one income household, I know that’s common in special need homes, so I truly thank you guys for this!!!!”
-Attendee after The Nutcracker with sensory- friendly adaptations
Colorado Ballet's mission is to present exceptional classical ballet and contemporary dance through performances, training, education and community engagement while inspiring and growing an increasingly diverse audience base.
1961 – Colorado Ballet is founded as a ballet school by Denver natives Freidann Parker and Lillian Covillo, then known as the Colorado Concert Ballet.
1961/1962 Season – Denver's first full-length production of The Nutcracker. The six performances of the holiday classic were completely sold out, ushering in a beloved tradition that has continued today.
2006 – The renovated Auditorium Theater reopened as the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and is today's primary performance venue for Colorado Ballet.
2006-2007 season – Gil Boggs began his tenure as Artistic Director of Colorado Ballet. During his 17-seasons, Colorado Ballet has added to its expansive repertoire and received some of the best critical reviews and ticket sales in its history. Under Gil's leadership, Colorado Ballet has grown into a world-class ballet company presenting more than 50 classical and contemporary performances. Moreover, six recent seasons achieved record-breaking ticket sales.
2014 – For the first time in its history, Colorado Ballet owned its home, The Armstrong Center for Dance. The 30,000 square foot state-of-the-art rehearsal and training facility now houses 36 professional Company dancers, 21 Studio Company dancers, 1,200 Academy students, and many community programs.
2016 – Colorado Ballet's The Nutcracker was named the best-loved Nutcracker in the 10th Annual Goldstar National Nutcracker Award contest, winning this coveted honor in a field that included more than 80 other productions throughout the U.S.
Present Day – As one of the oldest and most successful arts organizations in the region, Colorado Ballet continues to present world-class productions and its audience grows every year. The last four seasons have been the most successful in Colorado Ballet’s history, breaking both revenue and attendance records.
Organization name
Colorado Ballet
1961
Tax id (EIN)
84-6038137
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities, Education
Organization Size
Large Organization
Colorado State Tax Credits
Colorado Enterprise Zone Credit
Address
1075 Santa Fe DriveDenver County, CO, US