Humble Beginnings
Colorado Ballet was conceived as a ballet school by the fast friends and highly imaginative duo, Lillian Covillo and Freidann Parker. The school was transformed into Colorado Concert Ballet in 1961. With the purpose to provide international level training and entertainment facilities to the natives of Denver, the company prepared some of the early ballets. With the help of a handful of dancers, Colorado Ballet presented their first show of The Nutcracker. Repetitive shows to the sold out crowds at the Bonfils Theater helped the company to establish its footing in the community.
Ballet’s Journey – A Glimpse
Founders, Covillo and Parker led the company with determination and hard work. Under their leadership, Colorado Ballet achieved reasonable success and professional status. In 1978, 16 male and female ballerinas were added to the company and their annual budget was expanded to $100,000. This expansion helped the company to enlarge its repertoire and performing facilities.
Covillo and Parker realized the need of an accomplished artistic director who could lead the company further. A nationwide search was conducted and as a result, Martin Fredmann was chosen as the future artistic director of the company. With his mastery and vision, Fredmann renewed the ballet and opened it to new paths of success and acclaim. A number of new routines were introduced in the company’s performing catalog.
In 1990, Colorado Ballet formed an alliance with Tampa Ballet in response to the ailing economy of Denver. This association helped both the companies as the combined resources resulted in better functioning. With financial stability, a number of new facilities were introduced in the company which solidified its standing in the business. In the following years, Colorado Ballet became one of the highly revered companies of the country.
Before the start of its 2006-07 season, Gil Boggs took over as the new artistic director of the company. Boggs’s expertise and years long experience pushed the ballet to new heights of fame. He gave a facelift to the company’s collection of ballets and introduced more contemporary styles of dance. In October 2010, Colorado Ballet celebrated its 50th anniversary and paid tribute to its creators, Lillian Covillo and Freidann Parker.
Colorado Ballet Today
With a new perspective, Colorado Ballet will move into the future as the company has finally found its home after 53 years. After renovating the building, the company plans to open eight new high-tech studios and advanced training facilities. The project will soon be completed and the ballet will move to its new home in 2014.
2013-14 Season
Colorado Ballet will start its 2013-14 season celebration with some of its finest works. Among others, the holiday classic – The Nutcracker and the magical saga – Cinderella are the highlights of the season. Colorado Ballet tickets are on the hotlist of this season’s popular ballet productions. Be a part of one of their upcoming shows to enjoy impeccable ballet routines by some of the world-class dancers.