History
Colorado Ballet is a nationally recognized regional dance company that was conceived as a ballet school, and founded in 1951, by Denver natives Freidann Parker and Lillian Covillo. To showcase their talented students, the life-long friends established Colorado Concert Ballet in 1961. The Company presented its very first production of The Nutcracker at the Bonfils Theater in Denver to sold out audiences. By 1978, Colorado Concert Ballet employed 16 men and women, and had achieved full professional status. The Board of Trustees increased the annual budget to $100,000 and refined the Company's name. In doing so, Colorado Ballet was born. In the 2006-2007 season, Gil Boggs, a former American Ballet Theatre principal, began his tenure as artistic director of Colorado Ballet. Under his leadership, the Company has received some of the best critical reviews in its history, and looks forward to many more exciting and inspired seasons.
Specialties
Colorado Ballet is a non-profit organization celebrating more than 50 years of presenting world-class classical ballet and innovative dance in Denver. Colorado Ballet is a multi-faceted institution, encompassing a 30 member professional performing company, a studio company for advanced dance students who aspire to professional careers in dance, an Academy instructing the next generation of dancers, and an amazing education and outreach department that enables thousands to experience the magic of dance. Professional Company: Under the leadership of Artistic Director Gil Boggs and his artistic team, Colorado Ballet remains committed to producing the highest quality dance. The performance seasons feature technically-challenging classical ballet and innovative contemporary premieres. Academy: Colorado Ballet Academy provides training to students ages 1 1/2 through adult, beginner through professional. The Academy provides the highest quality dance training to all students in a professional environment. Outreach: The education and outreach programs serve in-need students, teachers, families, people with disabilities and lifelong learners in Colorado and make approximately 30,000 community contacts each year.