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$100 raised by 1 donor
Colorado Gives Day is Taking Center Stage!
Established in 1961, Colorado Ballet is a non-profit organization celebrating 65 years of presenting world-class classical ballet and innovative dance in Colorado. Your donation to Colorado Ballet helps fund professional performances, training the next generation of artists, and making dance accessible to everyone and inclusive of all.
From now until December 31, your impact will be doubled up to $35,000, thanks to a matching gift opportunity made possible by Colorado Ballet’s Leadership Council.
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After 20 years with Colorado Ballet, Kevin Gaël Thomas was ready to retire. Then the John Cranko Trust entrusted Colorado Ballet to produce Romeo and Juliet. Now he’s back for one more season! Your support helps bring this caliber of artistic excellence to Denver. |
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The Raydean Acevedo Colorado Ballet Academy nurtures the next generation. Scholarships expand access to dancers from all backgrounds. Your gift helps ensure a thriving future for ballet in our community. |
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Sensory Friendly Performances offer new audiences the joy of live ballet in an inclusive and supportive environment. As the program grows, your generosity will open the door for more families. |
"One of my favorite moments happened right as the production began. The house went dark, the orchestra started, and the curtain rose. There was an audible gasp from all the children—and I’m sure from some adults as well. As a former performer and Music Educator, it brought tears to my eyes and reminded me why the Arts are so important, and why programs like yours that expose young people to the magic of live performance are truly invaluable."
- Principal at Maxwell Elementary after the student matinee performance of Dracula
"The number of students who were 'doing ballet' for the rest of the day filled my cup. When I was on recess duty, one of our most impacted students came up to me and wanted me to see how she now knows 'how to ballet'."
- Instructional Coach at Swanson Elementary after an in-school assembly performance
"It was breathtaking! The scenery, the orchestra and their gorgeous music, the costumes were outstanding! The Ballet was interactive, entertaining and full of talent. We loved all of the different ages involved. The professional dancers were extraordinary!!! Just an all around marvelous performance and ballet!"
- The Nutcracker ticket buyer
"We continue to be amazed by the quality of the faculty both for the kids and adults and are just so grateful to be part of such an amazing, growing, thriving, positive environment. "
- Colorado Ballet Academy Summer Intensive Parent
“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 mean 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
"When I think of Colorado Ballet Academy, the words that come to mind are nurturing, professional, joyful, and inspiring. The teachers create an environment where children feel supported while also learning strong ballet fundamentals. It’s a place where kids can grow both as dancers and as individuals."
- Colorado Ballet Academy Parent
Photos of Alexandra Wilson and students of Colorado Ballet Academy by Andrew Fassbender, Kevin Gaël Thomas and Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson, former company member Mylie Buck and her sister at the 2025 The Nutcracker sensory-friendly performance, and Leah McFadden and Kevin Gaël Thomas by Amanda Tipton.
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 20-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 classical and contemporary performances and 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 43 professional Company dancers, 17 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