Letter From the Director

FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Well, that was quite a year, wasn’t it? However, you don’t miss a milestone like your 60th anniversary and ignore because of say...a pandemic. You step out of the spotlight. Take care of each other. Leap back onto the stage when the moment is right. And then, you celebrate.

Friends and supporters, Colorado Ballet is back, and we wouldn’t be here without you. Please accept our infinite and immeasurable gratitude for your unwavering support throughout this challenging intermission. Your contributions to the Relief and Recovery Fund successfully kept us moving forward, empowering us to weather a year without ticket sales, studios, classrooms, or performances at the Ellie. You cheered us on as we danced in our kitchens, living rooms, outdoors – anywhere we could find with enough room to stretch our legs, open our hearts, and continue nurturing our craft. We connected virutally, through broadcasts of treasured ballets like The Nutcracker and Alice in Wonderland, live stream rehearsals and performances, and events on Zoom filled with laughter and conversation. We forged forward together, steadfast in our love for this wonderful art form that has the power to uplift, to heal, to feed our souls and bring us together even when we’re apart. We emerged stronger, full of hope, and above all, ready to dance. As I start my 16th season as Colorado Ballet’s stronger, full of hope, and above all, ready to dance. As I start my 16th season as Colorado Ballet’s Artistic Director, I want to recognize everyone who made our return to the Ellie possible. Thank you to our incredible community of supporters, to our stalwart staff and board, and to our very talented dancers, whose resilience and commitment to their craft is truly inspiring.

With that, Colorado Ballet welcomes you with open arms to the first production of our celebratory 60 years+1 season. In the spirit of not missing a step, we’ve chosen to pick up exactly where we paused and bring you four of the productions planned, plus one. The 2021/2022 season offers over 60 years of innovation and tradition. Classical favorites include Giselle and Romeo and Juliet. Beloved Colorado tradition The Nutcracker returns this holiday season in a dazzling production featuring all new sets and costumes. Groundbreaking dance takes center stage with The Wizard of Oz and Ballet MasterWorks, which will feature acclaimed contemporary works The Wizard of Oz and Ballet MasterWorks, which will feature acclaimed contemporary works Theme and Variations, Petite Mort, and Nine Sinatra Songs. We look forward to giving you an unforgettable season.

Thank you for joining us for today’s performance of Giselle. A jewel of classical repertoire, Giselle remains one of today’s most frequently performed ballets, featuring choreography by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot with music by Adolphe Adam. Romantic style and ethereal elegance pair with challenging choreography to bring Giselle’s heartbreaking tale of enduring love (back) to life.

I want to wish all of you the best life has to offer during our continued recovery. Enjoy the performance!

Gil Boggs Artistic Director