Student Matinee

The day before a production’s premiere, our doors are open for students to see the final dress rehearsal in the beautiful Ellie Caulkins Opera House. For a heavily discounted price, student groups are invited to experience ballet first hand, complete with full costumes, make-up, sets, lighting and sound. Then the curtain opens and the magic begins!

RESERVE A SPOT

To request a spot for any of the productions, your school must fill out the reservation request form after clicking the register button for the matinee below (emails will not be considered).

Please look at the instructions page on how to register your school here before completing the registration form.

If you have any questions, please e-mail Cassie Wilson at cassie.wilson@coloradoballet.org.

10 is the minimum amount of seats that may be requested for all student matinee performances (5 students MINIMUM). Requests that do not meet these requirements will not be considered.

**Please note: this is a reservation REQUEST form. Completing this request does not guarantee your school seats at your selected matinee. Once reviewed, submissions will receive
either an acceptance email with info on how to pay for seats
or a waitlist notification.**

REQUEST SEATS

DRACULA

Thursday, October 2, 2025, 10:30AM - 12:55PM
Run time: 2h23min

The return of Colorado’s cult favorite, Dracula promises all the spine-chilling drama and dark screams of this classic gothic love story set in 19th century Transylvania, based on the novel by Bram Stoker. With choreography by Michael Pink and Philip Feeney’s original score performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra, Dracula's return to the Mile High City illuminates the spooky season for audiences craving a thrilling adventure.

THE NUTCRACKER

Presented by PNC Bank
Thursday, December 4, 2025, 11:00AM - 12:50PM
Run time: 1h 50min

NO COST (MUST BE TITLE 1 SCHOOL OR PUBLIC SCHOOL WITH 90%+ FRL%)
Friday, December 5, 2025, 11:00AM - 12:50PM
Run time: 1h50min

The Nutcracker returns to the stage for Colorado Ballet’s 65th season to delight audiences of all ages. This timeless tradition and audience favorite captures the festive spirit of the season, replete with mischievous dancing mice, sweet Sugar Plums, a symphony of swirling snowflakes, and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra.

the great gatsby

Presented by Mary Ellen and David Wright
Thursday, January 29, 2026, 10:30AM - 12:55PM
Run time: 2h 25min
Continuing to bring new and innovative works to Denver, Colorado Ballet presents The Great Gatsby. Originally scheduled to appear at The Ellie in 2021 during the pandemic, this new ballet will make its long-anticipated premiere at Colorado Ballet, transporting you back to the Roaring Twenties through cinematic sets, an original score by Carl Davis, and dramatic choreography by Jorden Morris. Experience the decadence of history’s most carefree decade as F. Scott Fitzgerald’s great American novel unfolds through dance.

a midsummer night's dream

- Thursday, March 5, 2026, 11:00AM - 12:50PM
- Run time: 1h 47min
Returning to the home of its 1997 inception for the first time in a decade, Colorado Ballet presents Christopher Wheeldon’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Our dancers of today breathe fresh, new character into this iconic work which Colorado Ballet originally commissioned Wheeldon to create on the company. Shakespeare’s comical play comes to life alongside Felix Mendelssohn’s score performed by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra.

MASTERWORKS

(New work by Yoshihisa Arai, The Rite of Spring by Glen Tetley, and Concerto Barocco by George Balanchine)
- Thursday, April 9, 2026, 12:30PM - 3:30PM (if staying for all three pieces)
- Run time: 3h 00min (includes notes)

MasterWorks, Colorado Ballet’s annual repertory production, returns with a captivating trio of powerhouse masterpieces that put artistic excellence and innovation on full display—Concerto Barocco by George Balanchine, The Rite of Spring by Glen Tetley, and the world premiere of a new work by Yoshihisa Arai commissioned by Colorado Ballet.

Cost (one free chaperone per 10 students registered)

Title 1 or 91%-100% FRL Rate = $0 - NO COST
76% - 90% FRL Rate = $5
0% - 755% FRL Rate = $10
Home Schools, dance studios, private schools, other organizations = $20

More Information

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING

Try Ballet! Movement Break - 8-10 minutes - Recorded Only - $30/class*
On-demand recorded movement video sent to you for your class to try out some of the movements seen in the student matinee performance.

Movement Storytime - 30-45 minutes - $75/class*
Taught by one of Colorado Ballet's Teaching Artists, students will bring the story of the ballet to life with movement!

Get Some Answers and Become Dancers - 45-60 minutes - $100/class*
Students will learn the history behind ballet, typical theater etiquette (and how it applies watching from home), and get to try some ballet moves themselves.

Q&A with a Dancer - Pending Availability - 45-60 minutes - $150/class*
Students will get to ask questions and get answers from one of Colorado Ballet's professional dancers and learn a few ballet basics from the dancers themselves!

*Scholarships available

If interested in booking any of these opportunities, please indicate on your registration form and/or contact Cassie Wilson at cassie.wilson@coloradoballet.org.

2024/2025 Student Matinee Series

Student Matinee Presenting Sponsor

I had so much fun and it was even better than I had expected. The dancing was incredible and the music was equally amazing. I wanted to learn more than I knew and I did. I’m hoping to see more ballets in the future.

– Middle School Student

SAVE 25% WITH A SUBSCRIPTION

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