The Nutcracker Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra + Boulder Ballet

Founded in 1957, the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra is creating a new model for American orchestras through dynamic performances that reflect our community’s own values, creativity, and sense of place. Today the Boulder Phil reaches audiences of more than 30,000 through concerts, the Discovery Education Program, and community engagement experiences in Boulder and across Colorado’s Front Range, under the vision and leadership of Music Director Michael Butterman.

The origins of Boulder Ballet began with the Ballet Arts Studios, founded in Denver and Boulder by former American Ballet Theatre dancer Larry Boyette in the 1970s. In 1981 the Boulder studio was purchased by Barbara Demaree and Wanda Tierney. The next year they started the first performing company, originally known as Boulder City Ballet. In 1995, the company and school became known as Boulder Ballet. Our rich history includes bringing classical, contemporary, and uniquely theatrical ballet to venues that range from Estes Park to Highlands Ranch. Boulder Ballet currently performs in Macky Auditorium, Chautauqua Auditorium, Vance Brand Auditorium, the Dairy ARTS Center, the Stanley Hotel, Lakewood Cultural Center, Littleton Town Hall, and outdoor amphitheaters in the Denver metro area for our summertime events. Since its founding, the professional company has been led by several notable former dancers, including Miljenko Banovic (Zagreb Ballet), Robin Haig (Royal Ballet), John Prinz (American Ballet Theatre), Peter Davison, Ana Claire, and Lance Hardin. With the 2022–23 season, we are thrilled to welcome our new artistic director, Ben Needham-Wood.