Boulder Ballet’s rich history includes bringing classical, contemporary, and uniquely theatrical ballet to venues that range across the front range. In their upcoming season the impact that dance can have on connection and wellness within the community is evident. As they twirl into this 2023/2024 season, the ballet presents AMPLIFY, a season highlighting art, wellness and connection through focusing on the Eight Dimensions of Wellness: social, environmental, physical, emotional, spiritual, occupational, intellectual, and financial.
“In a nutshell, our focus this season is to celebrate how impactful the arts can be for our wellness,” says Artistic Director Ben Needham-Wood.
At Boulder Ballet this season, emphasis on the Eight Dimensions of Wellness is shaping the focus both on stage and in the studios. “So much of what we’re doing at Boulder Ballet connects to every piece of these dimensions. The emotional context in the work that we’re performing helps the dancers intellectually understand the technique, to have an emotional breakthrough, which leads to a spiritual result,” says Ben.
With the company’s 41-year anniversary approaching, their vision and goal for this season are largely amplified. “The main concept we’ve been working on has been spearheaded by us asking ourselves, ‘How can we use our art to have a positive impact?’” By focusing on this theme of wellness, the Boulder Ballet recognizes how therapeutic and positive dance and the arts can be for anyone. “The social and communal aspects that the arts provide are great for the community at large, and the benefits are felt by all,” Ben says. By taking these extra steps to support people's wellbeing, Boulder Ballet is taking ownership of the power the arts can hold.
This season, we can expect cutting-edge and powerful performances with the help of world-renowned choreographers. The company kicks off their year at the iconic Chautauqua Auditorium on September 23 with CONNECTION featuring works by celebrated dance makers Caili Quan and Amy Seiwert, and Denver-based talent, Sarah Tallman. According to Ben, “Personal connections are a fundamental human desire that can empower us to exceed expectations. Every work in this program amplifies that spirit, allowing both artists and patrons to enjoy a truly meaningful experience together. This is a must-see program”.
Another major highlight this season will be our winter performance, Limbic, which was developed in partnership with the Louisville Ballet, one of the nation’s oldest ballet companies. It is a powerfully unique program that will really embody the theme of our season.” says Ben. Choreographers Andrea Schermoly, Brandon Ragland and Ben Needham-Wood will collaboratively create the winter program, but they aren’t the only big names included in Boulder Ballet’s upcoming season. and there will be some big announcements that evening.” Other choreographers presented this season will include Val Caniparoli, Michael Smuin, and Christopher Wheeldon.
