When Patricia Hoffman founded the Colorado Ballet Society in 1997, she formed a community that paired high-level dance training with meaningful performance opportunities, lifelong lessons and a distinct sense of place. Nearly 30 years later, her vision continues to evolve under Kate Walsh, the dance studio’s owner, artistic director and school principal.
“My goal is to continue to build upon the firm foundation Patty established,” Walsh says. “And to provide our students with opportunities that will shape them as dancers and humans.”
At CBS, developing a dancer goes well beyond mastering steps. Students balance demanding academic schedules with rigorous dance training, and the school emphasizes physical and mental well-being alongside technique. Dancers have access to educational “dance chats” with health experts, in-house physical therapy and cross-training opportunities. Its Pre-Pointe program includes a year of specialized preparation before students complete written and physical assessments to ensure they are ready for pointe work.
As an affiliate school of Ballet West Academy in Utah, CBS also receives curriculum guidance, instructor training and insight into current expectations for pre-professional dancers. But Walsh hopes students carry something even bigger with them.
“Whether the students want to become a professional dancer, dance at a university or just dance because they love it right now, they will learn grit, determination, teamwork, accomplishment and real-life lessons that will prepare them for whatever the future brings,” she says.
Of course, there should always be room for joy. A debut performance, earning a dream role or slipping into pointe shoes for the first time can become a memory that lasts a lifetime. Walsh says she still has her own first pair.
Performance is woven into the CBS experience, from showcases for its youngest dancers to pre-professional productions and competitive opportunities. Each December, students perform “A Colorado Nutcracker” at the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts alongside live music from the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs.
CBS also created “A Colorado Rodeo,” an original ballet inspired by local history and Western culture. The production tells the story of a young girl who dreams of becoming a Rodeo Queen in the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. Its premiere brought more than 130 students onstage with live music, original choreography, sets and costumes. “We want to celebrate our history through dance and share that with our community,” Walsh says.
That connection extends beyond the theater. Dancers in the Colorado Youth Ballet—a CBS dance company—have performed in community settings including the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. CBS also offers contemporary, faith-based and competition performance companies.
For someone hesitant to walk into a dance studio for the first time, Walsh’s message is simple: “Dance is for everyone.” CBS offers free trial classes for new dancers ranging from age two-and-a-half through adulthood and works to understand each student’s goals and appropriate placement. Those relationships often extend beyond the studio.
“You are probably going to find your best friend at the studio,” Walsh says, noting that parents frequently form friendships of their own while volunteering at performances.
With its 30th anniversary approaching, CBS is looking ahead to new performances, growing contemporary programming and expanding opportunities for boys in dance. Through it all, Walsh continues to give students the same encouragement: Dream big.
Colorado Ballet Society
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