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performance opportunities at COLORADO BALLET ACADEMY

ENROLL. TRAIN. GROW. PERFORM.

Located in the heart of the Santa Fe Arts District near downtown Denver, the Colorado Ballet is surrounded by funky galleries, local coffee shops and all types of art makers. You'll see budding ballerinas in the tiniest of tutues cross paths with company members in full costume rehearsing for the next production. Classical music pours down the hallways as students train, the voices of the instructors floating on top. Inside these walls, the love of ballet and the art form of dance flourishes, careers are started and dreams are realized.  

Inside Colorado Ballet Academy’s eight state-of-the-art studios, students train alongside the professional Company with faculty who have lived highly successful careers with renowned companies such as American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, The Bolshoi Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada and Colorado Ballet. 

Performance opportunities are a priority for all Colorado Ballet Academy students. Level 1 through Pre-Professional Division have the unique opportunity to perform a full-length classical production at the beautiful Ellie Caulkins Opera House each May. Productions have included Swan Lake, Giselle, and Coppelia. One of the few ballet schools in the country to offer this type of opportunity, CBA is thrilled to provide this opportunity for students to learn and perform core repertoire.

Colorado Ballet Company Performance Opportunities 

CBA enrolled students in Level 2 through Pre-Professional who meet specific height requirements have the phenomenal opportunity of dancing alongside Colorado Ballet Company members in their seasonal professional productions. Students who are cast in these productions become inspired to work harder in the classroom and elevate their own skill sets. 

By audition only, students cast in these magnificent productions will experience first-hand the rehearsal process of a professional dancer, work directly with the artistic leaderss of the Company, train under the high caliber work ethic of skilled artists and have the honor of performing at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House with a live orchestra. Students chosen to perform in Company productions will be required to attend Company rehearsals as specified.

If your student loves to perform and has a theatrical spirit, there is no better adventure than training, rehearsing and performing alongside the elite athletes of Colorado Ballet.

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THE NUTCRACKER

Presented by PNC Bank | Performed at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House with live music featuring the Colorado Ballet Orchestra 
 
The beloved holiday favorite returns in a dazzling production like no one's ever seen, featuring all new sets and costumes created especially for Colorado Ballet. A sellout every year, this magical tale of Clara, the Nutcracker and the Mouse King is going to be dreamier than ever. 

audition information & registration

Audition Date: Sunday, September 10, 2023 
No Audition Fee 

Eligible Students and Audition Times:  

Sugarplum Attendants 12:00pm – 1:00pm 
Height Requirement: 4’- 4’6 
Level 2+ and must have turned 7 years by the 1st of September 2023 

Angels 12:00pm – 1:00pm    
Height Requirement: 4' - 4'6"  
Level 2+ and must have turned 8 years by the 1st of September 2023    

Party Scene 1:00pm – 3:00pm  
Height Requirement: 4'2" - 5'2"   
Second year Level 2+ and must have turned 8 years by 1st September 2022    

Polichinelles (Mother Ginger Children) 3:15pm – 4:30pm 
Height Requirement: 4'2" - 5'2" 
Level 3+    

Soldiers and Cavalry 4:30pm – 5:30pm   
Height Requirement: 4'7" - 5'6"  
Level 4B- PPD 

Mother Ginger Legs 5:30pm – 6:00pm  
Height Requirement: 4'11" - 5'4"  
Level 5 - PPD 

We invite all registered CBA students who meet the level, age and height requirements to be part of this wonderful traditional Holiday Production! 

If cast in any company production, students will pay a $30 registration fee plus the participation fee. Nutcracker $195 flat fee. 

2023-2024 Colorado Ballet Covid Protocols  

Updated Vaccination Policy Effective August 1, 2023, Colorado Ballet strongly encourages all performers to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their fellow performers, and the community. While vaccinations are not mandatory, they are highly recommended as a means of preventing COVID-19 infections and reducing the risk of severe illness. 

Masking: Masks continue to be a vital tool against COVID-19. Masks are not required at Colorado Ballet except under the infection guidelines/return-to-studio protocol after a student has tested positive. Students who have made the personal decision to wear a mask are welcome to, but masks will not be allowed onstage unless required.  Please note that this could change at any time. 

Testing: After exposure to COVID-19, wear a mask (KN95/N95) and symptom check for 10 days. Take a rapid antigen test on day 6 – if positive, contact Colorado Ballet Academy to be provided with the infection guidelines/return-to-studio protocol. Test if you are sick and think you might be infected with COVID-19. If there is a positive test result, please email the Colorado Ballet Academy at Academy@coloradoballet.org to be provided with the infection guidelines/return-to-studio protocol. 

Weekly Rehearsal Schedule starting Friday October 6, 2023 

Weekly rehearsals held at CBA. 

Soldiers and Cavalry (when called) 
Fridays 7:30-8:30pm 

Angels and Sugar Plum Attendants 
Saturdays 2:00-3:00pm 

Party Scene 
Saturdays 3:00-4:30pm 

Polichinelle 
Saturdays 4:30-6:00pm 

Nutcracker Intensives: September 27 – September 30, 2023 

Wednesday September 27 
Sugar Plum Attendants: 4:30-5:30pm 
Party Scene: 5:00-6:30pm 
Soldiers and Cavalry: 6:30-8:00pm 

Thursday September 28 
Angels: 4:30-5:30pm 
Party Scene: 5:30-7:00pm 

Saturday September 30 
Sugar Plum Attendants: 10:00-10:30am 
Angels: 10:30-12:00pm 
Party Scene: 12:00-2:00pm 
Mother Ginger Legs: 2:00-2:30pm 
Soldiers: 2:30-3:30pm 
Polichinelle: 3:30-5:00pm 

Tech Week at Ellie Caulking Opera House 
Tuesday November 21st, Wednesday November 22nd and Friday November 24th 

Performance Dates 
November 25 – December 24, 2023 

If you are cast in The Nutcracker, you must adhere to the following:  
Attending all scheduled rehearsals, costume fittings & performances. Your absence from any rehearsal (excepting medical illness or injury) may disqualify you from further participation.  

Students must be fully enrolled in CBA's ballet program to be eligible. 
Students MUST be available during the week of Thanksgiving as dress rehearsals in the theater will begin this week. No exceptions will be made to this policy. Rehearsals will not be held on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 23, 2023.  

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jekyll & hyde

Performed at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House with live music featuring the Colorado Ballet Orchestra 

Colorado Ballet will treat audiences to a Denver premiere of the full-length ballet Jekyll & Hyde. Inspired by the classic Gothic novella by Robert Louis Stevenson, choreographer Val Caniparoli’s neoteric production explores the human psyche and capacity for both good and evil. Set to the music of acclaimed composers Frédéric Chopin, Krzysztof Penderecki, Henryk Górecki, Wojciech Kilar and Henryk Wieniawski, Jekyll & Hyde premiered in 2020 and features scenic and costume design by David Israel Reynoso.

Choreography by Val Caniparoli

Due to mature content, Jekyll & Hyde is recommended for ages 13+

audition information & registration

Audition Date: Sunday, October 29, 2023 
Audition Time: 1:00-3:00pm 
No Audition Fee

Eligible Students:  
Males and Females  
Level 4-7 and PPD1-3 
Height requirement: 4'5"-5"2" 

Due to the availability of costumes for the available roles in Colorado Ballet’s production of Jekyll and Hyde, there are exact height and level requirements.  We are unable to make exceptions. The choreography will be in flat shoes.  

We invite all registered CBA students who meet the level and height requirements to be part the Denver premiere of the full-length ballet Jekyll & Hyde. Inspired by the classic Gothic novella by Robert Louis Stevenson, choreographer Val Caniparoli’s neoteric production explores the human psyche and capacity for both good and evil. Set to the music of acclaimed composers Frédéric Chopin, Krzysztof Penderecki, Henryk Górecki, Wojciech Kilar and Henryk Wieniawski, Jekyll & Hyde premiered in 2020 and features scenic and costume design by David Israel Reynoso.  

2023-2024 Colorado Ballet Covid Protocols  

Updated Vaccination Policy Effective August 1, 2023, Colorado Ballet strongly encourages all performers to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their fellow performers, and the community. While vaccinations are not mandatory, they are highly recommended as a means of preventing COVID-19 infections and reducing the risk of severe illness. 

Masking: Masks continue to be a vital tool against COVID-19. Masks are not required at Colorado Ballet except under the infection guidelines/return-to-studio protocol after a student has tested positive. Students who have made the personal decision to wear a mask are welcome to, but masks will not be allowed onstage unless required.  Please note that this could change at any time. 

Testing: After exposure to COVID-19, wear a mask (KN95/N95) and symptom check for 10 days. Take a rapid antigen test on day 6 – if positive, contact Colorado Ballet Academy to be provided with the infection guidelines/return-to-studio protocol. Test if you are sick and think you might be infected with COVID-19. If there is a positive test result, please email the Colorado Ballet Academy at Academy@coloradoballet.org to be provided with the infection guidelines/return-to-studio protocol. 

Rehearsal Schedule at CBA 

Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 4:00-6:00pm 
Saturday, January 20, 2024 from 4:00-6:00pm 
Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 11:00-2:00pm AND 3:00-6:00pm  

Tech Week at Ellie Caulking Opera House 
January 30 – February 2, 2024, evening rehearsals. Time TBD. 
Wednesday, January 31, 2024, daytime rehearsal. Time TBD. 

Performance Dates 
February 2 – 11, 2024 

If you are cast in Jekyll and Hyde, you must adhere to the following:  
Attending all scheduled rehearsals, costume fittings & performances.  Your absence from any rehearsal (excepting medical illness or injury) may disqualify you from further participation. Students must be fully enrolled in CBA's ballet program to be eligible. 

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COPPÉLIA

Performed at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House with live music featuring the Colorado Ballet Orchestra 

For the first time in 15 years, Colorado Ballet will present Coppélia, a widely acclaimed ballet based on two short stories by E.T.A. Hoffmann. Renowned for its charming blend of humor and classical sensibility, Coppélia is a whimsical story of love and mistaken identity. Colorado Ballet’s adaptation features original choreography by Arthur Saint-Léon, staged by Sandra Brown, Lorita Travaglia and Maria Mosina, set to the music of Léo Delibes.

AUDITION INFORMATION & REGISTRATION

Audition Date: Sunday, January 14, 2024 
Audition Time: 1:00-3:00pm 
No Audition Fee

Eligible Students:  
Females Only 
Level 4-7 and PPD1-3 
Height requirement: 4'5"-5"3" 

Due to the availability of costumes for the available roles in Colorado Ballet’s production of Coppelia, there are exact height and level requirements.  We are unable to make exceptions.
 The choreography will be in flat shoes.   

For the first time in 15 years, we invite all registered CBA students who meet the level and height requirements to audition to be part of Colorado Ballet's Coppélia, a widely acclaimed ballet based on two short stories by E.T.A. Hoffmann. Renowned for its charming blend of humor and classical sensibility, Coppélia is a whimsical story of love and mistaken identity. Colorado Ballet’s adaptation features original choreography by Arthur Saint-Léon, staged by Sandra Brown, Lorita Travaglia and Maria Mosina, set to the music of Léo Delibes. The students selected will dance Walt of the Hours in the Act 3 Wedding scene. Waltz of the Hours is an all-student cast, and students will have the opportunity to dance this gorgeous waltz in its entirety within the company production.  

2023-2024 Colorado Ballet Covid Protocols  

Updated Vaccination Policy Effective August 1, 2023, Colorado Ballet strongly encourages all performers to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their fellow performers, and the community. While vaccinations are not mandatory, they are highly recommended as a means of preventing COVID-19 infections and reducing the risk of severe illness. 

Masking: Masks continue to be a vital tool against COVID-19. Masks are not required at Colorado Ballet except under the infection guidelines/return-to-studio protocol after a student has tested positive. Students who have made the personal decision to wear a mask are welcome to, but masks will not be allowed onstage unless required.  Please note that this could change at any time. 

Testing: After exposure to COVID-19, wear a mask (KN95/N95) and symptom check for 10 days. Take a rapid antigen test on day 6 – if positive, contact Colorado Ballet Academy to be provided with the infection guidelines/return-to-studio protocol. Test if you are sick and think you might be infected with COVID-19. If there is a positive test result, please email the Colorado Ballet Academy at Academy@coloradoballet.org to be provided with the infection guidelines/return-to-studio protocol. 

Rehearsal Schedule at CBA 

Friday, February 16, 2024 from 4:30-6:30pm 
Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 4:00-6:00pm 
Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 7:30-8:30pm 
Friday, March 1, 2024, from 6:30-8:30pm 
Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 11:00-2:00pm AND 3:00-6:00pm 

Tech Week at Ellie Caulking Opera House 
March 5 -7, 2024, evening rehearsals. Time TBD. 

Performance Dates 
March 8 – 17, 2024 

If you are cast in Coppelia, you must adhere to the following:  
Attending all scheduled rehearsals, costume fittings & performances. Your absence from any rehearsal (excepting medical illness or injury) may disqualify you from further participation. Students must be fully enrolled in CBA's ballet program to be eligible. 

HEAR WHAT THE STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY

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Colorado Ballet Academy is a welcoming and a very supportive studio. CBA has given me amazing opportunities such as performances like The Nutcracker and The Wizard of Oz. The experience that I have had performing in them were awesome, the ballet masters, directors, and choreographers were always helpful with choreography, counts, partnering. I am grateful for all these opportunities and many more to come!"

- Kevin Gaytan, Level 4 Student
 

Students in Levels 2 and up have the opportunity to audition for Colorado Ballet company productions such as The Nutcracker, The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, and Sleeping Beauty. Artistic Director Gil Boggs plans at least two full length ballets each season that include roles for CBA students. Students audition for the artistic leaders of the Company and are always thrilled to see Gil when he attends class and rehearsals! Dancing with the Company gives students a chance to see the caliber of dancing that they are striving for up-close-and-personal and bring that back into the classroom with fresh inspiration and perspective.  

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"It is incredible to get to perform in productions like The Wizard of Oz and Nutcracker with the company! This really inspires me and makes me want to work hard when I am on the same stage as the company members. It is fun to perform in so many shows with some of my best friends on one of the biggest stages in Denver. I get to wear amazing costumes and dance with so many amazing people!"

- Savannah Kovar, Level 4 Student 
 

Advanced levels participate in an additional classical production during Fall Feature and perform regularly in Colorado Ballet’s Black Box Theater during Saturday Soirees and First Friday Art Walks. Students from CBA Children’s Division are showcased each May along with Jazz, Modern, and Tap students to show off their skills during the year-end performance in Colorado Ballet’s Black Box Theater.

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“Dancing in a professional production is such a special experience because we get to watch the company to try to copy the beautiful aspects of their technique. Watching the principals rehearse Sugarplum and Cavalier always inspires me to work on the details on my technique. Watching the Spanish dance even motivates me to add artistry to my dancing. I cannot wait to perform again soon!"

- Catalina Long, Pre-Professional Division 1

The experience of a CBA student is grounded in strong work ethic, the desire to learn and explore and celebrate this beautiful art form that had been around for hundreds of years. Each CBA student is stepping onto the floor alongside the thousands that have danced in their place before them. Being a part of Colorado Ballet Academy is truly an extraordinary experience and one that will prepare students for life inside and outside the studio.

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