Autumn is a time for reflection and refinement, something professional dance company Boulder Ballet is sharing with audiences this season.
Boulder Ballet’s 2025/26 season, Refined REDEFINED, takes guests on a compelling journey of humanity full of hardships and successes, while redefining contemporary ballet as we know it today.
“Everyone’s pathway is going to be their own,” says Ben Needham-Wood, Boulder Ballet’s artistic director. “No two people are going to dance the same way; no two audience members are going to see a show the same way, but we want to create something that is meaningful for everyone involved, so that we create more opportunity for people to find a personal connection to the art that’s shared on stage.”
With Refined REDEFINED, Boulder Ballet is balancing the raw, vulnerable aspects of humanity with the beauty and elegance of live ballet. This season is a celebration of being human, Ben says.
“The arts are a voice for expression. There is something really amazing about seeing the raw moments that a human is experiencing, and the emotional resonance that it has on the people around them,” he says.
The company’s goal is to juxtapose these visceral, messy, and relatable life moments with beautiful, composed movement. It’s a hefty task, one Ben, Executive Director Claudia Anata Hubiak, the company’s 10 professional dancers, and the rest of the Boulder Ballet team don’t take lightly.
“Boulder Ballet is reenvisioning how ballet is viewed by offering a contemporary approach that I believe our Colorado audiences are really ready for,” Claudia says. “While the classics will always hold a place for us, we are leaning toward the innovative and edgy works of choreographers that are making waves nationally and internationally in the dance industry.”
The season began on Sept. 19 with Ascending—a show with live music and four performances. Like Ascending, other performances this year are rooted in contemporary ballet but are pushing the envelope.
Shows On Deck
The Rebels & Innovators program, taking place from March 6-8, will highlight the struggle and potential of progress and beauty. The show is choreographed by Ben, Ching Ching Wong, and their mentors, Amy Seiwert and Stephanie Martinez.
“[Amy and Stephanie are] innovators who have challenged the traditional norms of dance, creating new pathways for the next generation to take the art form even further. They're 'rebels with a cause' in the most awesome way,” Ben says.
Each performance this season takes audiences on a journey—from rebellion and innovation to professional development. The final show will put all the growth and transformation of the Boulder Ballet into a three-day performance called Radiance.
Taking place from May 15 to 17, Radiance includes masterpieces by internationally celebrated choreographers Jorma Elo and Nicolo Fonte, who are known to push the boundaries of what’s expected in ballet.
“They are two people who have truly refined and redefined the art of contemporary ballet, and I have no doubt they're going to help launch Boulder Ballet to even greater heights,” Ben says.
Refined REDEFINED comes as the broader Boulder community rallies behind the University of Colorado Boulder’s football team and forthcoming Sundance Film Festival.
“We have these two dual sides of the city that are really building up quickly—one being centered in the arts and one being centered in athletics—and dance is that unique medium that brings the two together,” Ben says. “I’m really excited to see how the athletic artistry of our dancers can inspire our Boulder community and amplify how awesome the performing arts can be.”
To learn more, visit BoulderBallet.org
Sidebar: This Season’s Lineup
Dancers’ Choice — October 25-26
The Nutcracker — November 28-30, December 6-7 and 13-14
Rebels & Innovators — March 6-8
Radiance — May 15-17
Ballet in the Park — June (dates TBD)
“We want to create something that is meaningful for everyone involved, so that it creates more opportunity for people to find a personal connection to the product that’s put on stage.” — Ben Needham-Wood, Boulder Ballet’s artistic director
“We are always a work in progress, always seeking to evolve, to use the years of training and craft to bring a level of quality that takes your breath away.” — Claudia Anata Hubiak, Boulder Ballet’s executive director