2023 Vail Dance Festival Information

COMMITTEE

Susan Campbell Chair

Jill Plancher

Vice Chair

Judy Berkowitz*

Priscilla Brewster

Allie Coppeak

Stacey Gillett

Lisa Goldman

Sheika Gramshammer

John Harrison

Sally Hybl

Alexia Jurschak

Jonna Mackin

Jane Netzorg

Senenne Philippon

Fred Tresca

Betsy Wiegers

Damian Woetzel

*Dance Committee Chair

1998-2018

Dear Vail Dance Festival Friends,

It’s my pleasure to welcome you to the 35th annual Vail Dance Festival season!

Each summer, the Vail Dance Festival brings collaboration, connection, and creativity to the majestic Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. The Vail Dance Festival has become iconic to our community and to the dance world, both on a national and international level. By bringing world-class performers together and fostering unique collaborations between artists of various genres, the Vail Dance Festival pushes the boundaries of dance making and presenting, cementing Vail as a major incubator for new choreography and music in the United States.

Our mission continues to focus on fostering the development of extraordinary dancers, acting as an incubator for important new works, and bringing world-class dance and dance education to our community. Having commissioned over 100 new works since the beginning of Damian Woetzel’s artistic leadership in 2006, the Festival will continue to grow its expansive new works catalogue this summer with 10 cutting-edge dance makers creating new choreography, in addition to four new music compositions, all set to make their world debuts in Vail.

To help bring the Festival to life and ensure we can continue to bring high-quality, innovative, and accessible art to Vail each year, we rely on support from our donors. Ticket sales only represent 28% of our revenue each year, and rising costs make presenting the Festival more challenging than in years past. To those of you who are current donors, we thank you. And for those who are currently just fans, we hope you will consider joining us as a donor this year. Your support is critical to our success and sustainability.

The Vail Dance Festival has always been a place where artists and fans, dancers and dreamers, can come together, challenge each other to push the boundaries of artistic excellence and attain new heights, and explore what the best of all possible futures may hold. Whether this is your first time experiencing our Festival, or it has been part of your annual calendar for many years, we are thankful for your participation and support.

We hope you find this season’s programming invigorating, fulfilling, and captivating, and we look forward to sharing another extraordinary Festival with you this summer.

Sincerely,

Sierra Adams Vice President of Philanthropy

All gifts large and small contribute to our success! Donor benefits listed below for the 2023 Festival are available to donors who make a gift from September 2022 through the 2023 Festival.

Parking Pass (Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater)

*Bronze Dress Circle receives 2 complimentary tickets to Dance for $20.23.

Take advantage of the many benefits reserved for donors by making a gift at vaildance.org/annual-giving today! Please contact any of our philanthropy team members on the back page if you would like to discuss the giving levels above. Gifts must be made by April 29, 2023 to be listed in the Festival Program Book.

Gifts made through a donor advised fund, qualified charitable distributions, private foundations, charitable trusts or matching gifts may be restricted from receiving benefits. Please contact your tax advisor with questions.

COLOR KEY

●  PERFORMANCES

●  EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

●  DONOR EVENTS

●  EVENTS FOR CHILDREN

●  REHEARSALS

LOCATION KEY

AVON: Avon Performance

Pavilion at Nottingham Park

B&G: Cross streets of Bridge and Gore

BFPP: Borgen Family

Patrons Plaza at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

AMP: Gerald R. Ford

Amphitheater

LR: Larkspur Restaurant

MG: May Gallery Patrons

Lounge at the Vilar Performing Arts Center

MVL: Manor Vail Lodge

Piney Ballroom

SC: Social Courtyard at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

SP: Solaris Plaza

VMS: Vail Mountain

School Theatre

GPST: Golden Peak Studio

Tent

���� CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Learn more at vaildance.org

Conversations on Dance

9:30am–10:20am // MVL

FREE Dancing in the Streets

12:00pm // B&G

Daily Rehearsal Access ††

12:00pm-5:00pm

Conversations on Dance

9:30am–10:20am // MVL

Daily Rehearsal Access ††

12:00pm-5:00pm

VVF Summer Donor Reception*

6:00pm // BFPP

�

AUGUST

Conversations on Dance

9:30am-10:20am // MVL

Daily Rehearsal Access ††

12:00pm-5:00pm

Dance for $20.23

7:30pm // AMP

Pre-Performance Access †

5:00pm // BFPP

UpClose | Mr. B: George Balanchine’s 20th Century

6:00pm // AMP

En-Pointe Party †

Post-performance // LR

L.A. Dance Project

7:30pm // AMP

Sparkling Reception** Post-performance // AMP Stage �

Conversations on Dance

9:30am–10:20am // MVL

Sparkling Brunch †

10:00am–1:00pm // SC

FREE Dancing in the Streets

12:00pm // B&G

Daily Rehearsal Access ††

2:00pm-5:00pm

Open House with Adji Cissoko

1:00pm // GPST

Pre-Performance Access †

5:00pm // MG

BalletX

6:00pm // VPAC

�

Conversations on Dance

9:30am–10:20am // MVL

Daily Rehearsal Access ††

12:00pm-5:00pm

Pre-Performance Access †

6:30pm // BFPP

NOW: Premieres

7:30pm // AMP

Sparkling Dance Party** Post-performance // AMP Stage

�

Watching Dance with Heather Watts

11:00am–12:00pm // VMS

Daily Rehearsal Access ††

12:00pm-5:00pm

Pre-Performance

Access †

5:00pm // MG

Music From The Sole

6:00pm // VPAC

FREE Dancing in the Streets

6:00pm // SP

Daily Rehearsal Access ††

12:00pm-5:00pm

Opening Night Reception †

6:30pm // BFPP

Opening Night

7:30pm // AMP

Conversations on Dance

9:30am–10:20am // MVL

Tiny Dancer Tea Party

10:00am–11:15am // SC

Daily Rehearsal Access ††

12:00pm-5:00pm

Pre-Performance Access †

6:30pm // BFPP

Martha Graham

Dance Company

7:30pm // AMP

Sparkling Reception** Post-performance // BFPP

�

Conversations on Dance

9:30am–10:20am // MVL

Daily Rehearsal Access ††

12:00pm-5:00pm

FREE Dancing in the Park

5:30pm // AVON

SPECIAL DONOR EVENTS KEY

† Reserved for Gold Dress Circle Donors and above.

Conversations on Dance

9:30am–10:20am // MVL

Daily Rehearsal Access ††

12:00pm-5:00pm

Pre-Performance Access †

6:30pm // BFPP

International Evenings of Dance I

7:30pm // BFPP

Conversations on Dance

9:30am–10:20am // MVL

Daily Rehearsal Access ††

12:00pm-3:00pm

Pre-Performance Access † 4:00pm // BFPP

International Evenings of Dance II

5:00pm // AMP

Pre-Performance Access †

7:00pm // BFPP

International Evenings of Dance III

8:00pm // AMP

†† Silver Dress Circle Donors and above may attend all rehearsals. Bronze Dress Circle and Fan Club Donors are invited to four rehearsals.

* Reserved for Gold Dress Circle Donors and above AND Vail Valley Foundation Alpine Circle level Donors and above.

** Bronze Dress Circle Donors and above are invited to all three Sparkling Receptions. Fan Club Donors are invited to one.

More information for Conversations on Dance and Master Classes will be available online at vaildance.org.

*Schedule is subject to change.

Friday, July 28, 7:30pm // The Amp Opening Night

A dazzling opening night of spectacular performances from artists and companies featured in the 2023 Vail Dance Festival! Don’t miss Martha Graham Dance Company, L.A. Dance Project, Brazilian tap force Leonardo Sandoval, and BalletX, all making appearances on the same night alongside other Festival stars as they kick off the new season.

Saturday, July 29, 7:30pm // The Amp Martha Graham Dance Company

The legendary Martha Graham Dance Company returns to Vail with a onenight-only program featuring Graham’s classic Errand into the Maze based on the myth of Theseus, and CAVE, a visceral new work created for the company by Hofesh Shechter that blends pulsating musical energy with thrilling contemporary choreography.

Sunday, July 30, 6:00pm // The Amp

UpClose | Mr. B: George Balanchine’s 20th Century

A celebration of the genius of choreographer George Balanchine, with an all-star cast of dancers assembled for the occasion.

Acclaimed author Jennifer Homans’ new book, Mr. B: George Balanchine’s 20th Century, has been hailed as a remarkable biography of the founder of New York City Ballet. This UpClose featuring performances of classic Balanchine repertory will be led by Balanchine ballerina

Heather Watts and Festival Artistic Director Damian Woetzel, joined by Homans as a special guest. Book signing with Homans to follow the performance.

BALANCHINE is a Trademark of The George Balanchine Trust

PERFORMANCE DETAILS

Monday, July 31, 7:30pm // The Amp

L.A. Dance Project

Based in Los Angeles with regular seasons internationally, L.A. Dance Project has garnered acclaim for its bold interdisciplinary collaborations in dance, music and visual art. For its 10th anniversary, L.A. Dance Project returns to Vail with a critically celebrated program by cutting edge dance makers of today: Quartet for 5 by Bobbi Jene Smith in collaboration with Or Schraiber, Elastic Ballet by Madeline Hollander, and Everyone Keeps Me by Pam Tanowitz.

Tuesday, August 1, 7:30pm // The Amp

Dance for ���.��

An annual celebration of dance at special prices! This year’s program includes Brazilian tap dancer Leonardo Sandoval, contemporary ballet troupe BalletX, ballroom stars Denys Drozdyuk and Antonina Skobina, and more.

Wednesday, August 2, 6:00pm // VPAC Music

From The Sole

Led by award-winning Brazilian dancer/ choreographer Leonardo Sandoval and bassist/composer Gregory Richardson, tap dance and live music come together in the acclaimed production I Didn’t Come to Stay which joyously celebrates tap’s Afro-diasporic roots and connections to Afro-Brazilian dance and music.

Thursday, August 3, 5:30pm // AVON

Dancing in the Park

Free and fun for the whole family, Dancing in the Park returns to Nottingham Park in Avon with a special evening featuring BalletX, DanceAspen, ballroom duo Denys Drozdyuk and Antonina Skobina among other Festival stars, along with an energetic and interactive performance by YouthPower365’s Celebrate the Beat Celebration Team.

Friday, August 4, 7:30pm & Saturday, August 5, 5:00pm & 8:00pm // The Amp

International Evenings of Dance I, II, & III

Showcasing a selection of today’s dance stars representing a wide range of styles and genres from ballet and modern to tap and street dance, these annual performances have become legendary in featuring new partnerships, debuts and daring collaborations by extraordinary artists from around the world.

Sunday, August 6, 6:00pm // VPAC

BalletX

BalletX returns with an evening of thrilling works new to Festival audiences! Programming for this headlining evening includes Caili Quan’s Love Letter, an ode to her native Guam, and Justin Peck’s adrenaline pumping Become a Mountain depicting the thrilling arc of a mountain climb.

Monday, August 7, 7:30pm // The Amp NOW: Premieres

Closing Night

The Festival’s lab-like environment is the ideal setting for new music and dance collaborations. Performed by an extraordinary lineup of Festival artists and the companies BalletX and DanceAspen, the 2023 NOW: Premieres performance will unveil new works created for the Festival by innovative choreographers of today including Kyle Abraham, Matthew Neenan, Justin Peck, Caili Quan, Jamar Roberts, Adji Cissoko, and Melissa Toogood.

*Programming subject to change.

Opening Night Reception, July 28, 6:30pm

Donors are invited to join us for a preperformance reception in the Borgen Family Patrons Plaza at The Amp for complimentary appetizers and libations. A benefit to Gold Dress Circle Donors and above. RSVP REQUIRED.

Tiny Dancer Tea Party, July 29, 10:00am

An event for the littlest dancers with the biggest dreams. Boys and girls ages 4–7 are invited to enjoy crown and tiara decorating, a dance session, meet-and greets with Festival dancers, snacks, and fun! TICKETED PUBLIC EVENT.

Sparkling Receptions, July 29 and August 1 & 7

Dancers and donors will mix and mingle over a glass of sparkling in the Borgen Family Patrons Plaza on July 29 and on The Amp Stage on August 1 & 7 after the performances listed in the calendar. A benefit to donors at all levels. Fan Club Donors are invited to one reception. RSVP REQUIRED.

En Pointe Party, July 30

Join us for a special post-performance celebration to show our appreciation for your support and dedication to the Vail Dance Festival. This exciting evening will include libations, dinner, and dancing at Larkspur Restaurant in Vail with some of your favorite Festival dancers. Valet parking will be available preperformance at Larkspur Restaurant. Gold Dress Circle Donors and above are invited to attend and will receive complimentary tickets (see page 2). Additional tickets maybe be purchased for $200 each. RSVP REQUIRED.

EVENT INFORMATION

Vail Valley Foundation Summer Donor Reception, July 31, 6:00pm

A pre-performance reception to show our appreciation for your support and dedication to the Vail Valley Foundation. Join us in the Borgen Family Patrons Plaza at The Amp for complimentary appetizers and libations. A benefit to Gold Dress Circle Donors and above as well as Vail Valley Foundation fund at the Alpine Circle level and above. RSVP REQUIRED.

Watching Dance with Heather Watts, August 2, 11:00am

Legendary Balanchine ballerina Heather Watts shares an interactive exploration of dance repertory through live demonstrations with Festival Artists. This event will take place at the Vail Mountain School Theatre and all proceeds benefit YouthPower365's Celebrate the Beat Eagle County. TICKETED PUBLIC EVENT.

Sparkling

Brunch,

August 6, 10:00am

Enjoy watching dancers take morning class from 10:00–11:15am on The Amp stage, followed by brunch and breakfast cocktails in the Social Courtyard. Donors may also stay to watch post-brunch rehearsals. Gold Dress Circle Donors and above are invited to attend and will receive complimentary tickets (see page 2). Additional tickets maybe be purchased for $150 each. RSVP REQUIRED.

Open House with Adji Cissoko, August 6,

1:00pm

Join Artist-In-Residence Adji Cissoko as she curates a look at elements of the 2023 Festival, including her own new work and role debuts taking place in Vail this season. Featuring Festival artists in the Golden Peak Studio Tent. TICKETED PUBLIC EVENT.

Conversations On Dance

Join Michael Sean Breeden and Rebecca King Ferraro as they interview a range of Festival artists in an intimate setting, as part of their popular podcast series Conversations on Dance.

TICKETED PUBLIC EVENT.

Underwritten by Town of Vail.

Daily Rehearsal Access

Attending rehearsals provides an inside peek into the creative process, the dedication and determination it takes for dancers to learn new works. Daily rehearsal access is available only for rehearsals at The Amp. Access is not for rehearsals at Vail Mountain School or the Golden Peak Studio Tent. A benefit to Silver Dress Circle Donors and above. Bronze Dress Circle and Fan Club Donors are invited to four rehearsals.

Plaza & Gallery

Pre-Performance Access

The Borgen Family Patrons Plaza at The Amp and May Gallery Patrons Lounge at the Vilar Performing Arts Center are designated for donor use on the evenings listed on the calendar. A benefit to Gold Dress Circle Donors and above.

Sierra Adams Vice President, Philanthropy sadams@vvf.org

Whitney Harper Director, Philanthropy wharper@vvf.org

Martha Brassel Senior Director, Philanthropy mbrassel@vvf.org

Kendra Powell Senior Manager, Donor Engagement kpowell@vvf.org

Euginnia Seyferth Director, Philanthropy eseyferth@vvf.org

Lee Steele Associate Director, Annual Support lsteele@vvf.org

Kathryn Weller Senior Director, Annual Support kweller@vvf.org