Giselle performed by The Royal Ballet, London

Message In A Bottle arrives at the Buell Theatre in February, featuring the iconic music of Sting and spectacular choreography by Kate Prince. This groundbreaking production may be a new experience for usual theatre-goers, as the story is told through movement rather than words. If you’re intrigued by the exhilarating dance and athleticism, you might be interested to learn more about opportunities to see professional dance locally.

Also in the Arts Complex is the Colorado Ballet, which presents both classical ballet and a few contemporary pieces throughout the year. If you’re looking for an accessible entry to ballet, try their annual production of The Nutcracker. It is a familiar story, so you can spend more time enjoying the music and dancing rather than trying to decipher what it means.

If you enjoy ballet, there are a few other companies throughout the state, including Canyon Concert Ballet, Boulder Ballet, and Ballet Ariel that put on productions throughout the year.

Hubbard Street, a modern dance company based in Chicago

Now let’s get a little…modern. Typically rooted in the techniques of classical ballet, which is known for its grace and quiet strength in the aesthetic, is contemporary dance. But what is the difference? It isn’t a distinction easily articulated with words, but the movement feels softer or looser, though no less physical.

Contemporary dance is a blend of many different styles including classical ballet, modern dance, and even jazz. To get a taste for contemporary dance, companies or specific productions will often identify more strongly with either ballet or modern, so don’t limit yourself. Every production is guaranteed to be a completely new experience.

There are dozens of contemporary dance companies in Colorado, the most well-known of which is Wonderbound. They host several performances a year as well as open rehearsals, so visitors can get a sneak peek into the creative process and learn more about the art of dance.

Batsheva, a modern dance company based in Israel

Unless you are deeply invested in the dance community, other contemporary and modern troupes can be difficult to find. Luckily enough, we have put together a list below of some companies that typically hold at least one performance per year.

Alpine Artist Collective
Animus Movement
Authentic: Grooves
Front Range Contemporary Ballet Company, Heartbeat Ballet
Hannah Kahn Dance Company
HOLDTIGHT Company
IDA (Industrial Dance Alliance)
Jarrett Rashad Dance Theatre
jk-co
Life/Art Dance Ensemble
VisKosity Dance Collective
Wild Heart
Zikr
3rd Law Dance / Theatre

TU Dance, a modern dance company based in Saint Paul

Maybe contemporary and modern are a bit too ethereal for you. Still, there are other types of dance you might enjoy. Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, famous in Colorado and across the nation, hosts performances of ballet, hip hop, modern, African, and jazz dance.

Some more eclectic companies perform styles like sensual jazz (New Breed) or host workshops for aerial and pole dancing (Denver Circus Collective), and you don’t want to underestimate the power of tap dance (Rocky Mountain Rhythm).

This is by no means an exhaustive list of opportunities to see dance in Colorado, but it’s a great place to start. Remember, all companies are different, so give something new a try. You just might find your new favorite art form.