My first visit to the Pavilion in Denver’s Cheeseman Park started out fine. Everything was as one would expect from a large park in a big city: couples walked dogs or flexed Pilates poses while others played frisbee or volleyball throughout the park’s well-kept green grass. However, as I was in search of Meow Wolf’s first Monster Battle in Denver, I had hopes of something much more fiendish. I continued along the sidewalk with my hope slowly drifting away when I caught a beat on the wind. The beat thumped to a new rhythm, rising over the giggles and chatter from people on park benches and grass. I followed the beat along the winding path until it swelled to a nearly overwhelming thump. And, that’s where they were. The monsters were vibing in the Pavilion up a small hill.

Just like that I was in a different world. Here’s a list of monster battles I’m familiar with: King Kong vs. Godzilla, Freddy vs. Jason, Abbott and Castello Meet Frankenstein. So, I was expecting to see costumes inspired by Gwar and Slipknot warring to see which of the two is the edgiest band. However, what I witnessed was much less Souls-inspired and somewhere between creatures from Adventure Time — playful designs with vibrant colors inspired clouds and candy — and the images comedian Patton Oswalt’s presents in his stand-up bit that details his battle with insomnia. The bit is titled Vestibule of Dreams. In it he discusses his belief that everyone’s dream has their own troupe to play out the scenarios — the nightmare group has their own players and costumes, as does the school dream, as does the sex dream, and so on. I won’t spoil the rest of the bit, but that idea is essentially the experience that is the Meow Wolf: Monster Battle—all the troupes, both dreams and nightmares, came out at once to throw a party.

Up on the hill a DJ’s fired up their wheels of steel in front of the sectioned backdrop that displayed flashing lights orbiting behind him in fluid shapes. The horde of dancing monsters formed in front of him: there was costume made of white reflective material to create a sort of ice cream princess; a couple furry beast-faced monsters in red onesies that could have been minions from Cuphead; a man blew bubbles from a tiny wand all while looking like a biblical prophet aside from his glasses and rainbow-colored ram horns.

At the base of the hill, where the two giant fountains lie empty, performers whirled hula-hoops lit with fluorescent lights and juggled bowling pins of the same design all while doing flips or riding on roller skates. One man came with a “best I could do at the time” energy. His costume was him being full belly-out in a bathrobe wearing nothing but boxers and sandals. Meanwhile, on the other side of the park, a young woman wore nothing but a black fishnet onesie with matching thong underwear and cattail and sparkling pasties.

Then, just when I felt I had a grasp of what this event was, a group of cyclists led by a man in a purple vest with his hair styled in purple devil horns rode in like the Wheelers in Return to Oz. They flowed into the venue with a serpentine weave, in and around the fountains spinning and popping wheelies, amplifying the moment with their own energy and music.

The magic began to fade when the sun went down. The purple devil-horned cyclist blew a whistle, and they all snaked away as fast as they came in. The little clumps of monsters scattered across the venue began to thin. I decided it was time to head back into normalcy, following along the sidewalk truly thankful that Meow Wolf put on such an event for those of us who, on random Thursday, decided to not stay in to watch TV or go to the park for yoga or to post on IG, but instead decided to track the footsteps of the wild things and let them lead the curious ones to a moment a lot less ordinary.

The post A Party for Dreams and Nightmares: Meow Wolf’s First Monster Battle in Denver appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Photo: Sam Silkworth of Alive Coverage, courtesy of Meow Wolf

Memorial Day Weekend is traditionally when masses of Americans come out of their winter shells and start stretching toward the sun and other activities to get their blood pumping. This year, we are “especially hungry,” in the words of Erin Barnes of Meow Wolf, to experience something more socially connecting than just a BBQ or hike. That’s why, as public relations manager, she scheduled their Danceportation PARTY PORTAL event over this long holiday weekend, and it was a hit. Over four floors, a rotating cadre of DJs pumped music into arenas of art that seemed designed for this endeavor. Partygoers danced, explored, laughed, talked, and breathed all throughout the different metaverses created inside that awkward-seeming white building sitting hunched between the freeways in downtown Denver.

Photo credit: Michelle Mead

Choosing to embark in social gatherings again like dance parties is a big decision after two and a half years of living with Covid. Meow Wolf has been especially cognizant of how COVID has shaped our world, since the Denver installation opened during 2021; they began their life at 65% capacity and have been sitting there since. The PARTY PORTAL series of events isn’t a stunt to try and up those numbers, though: all other Meow Wolf installations have raves once a quarter, and we’re well behind the curve because of COVID.

Photo: Sam Silkworth of Alive Coverage, courtesy of Meow Wolf

There is no pushing the envelope when it comes to safety. Every employee is tested every two weeks, and training for other potential risks is ongoing. Every employee recently underwent training to recognize when someone has been rufied or when someone may be attempting to roofi another. That sense of safety was very tangible among the partygoers throughout the night, a distinct difference from a regular club setting. Meow Wolf staff is also equipped with appropriate overdose countermeasures (such as Narcan or Naloxone) to assist in the rare case someone would need it. Security and other staff say drug use at Meow Wolf and their special events is rare, and the experience at Danceportation bears that out. Partygoers were all about immersing themselves in the pre-prepared psychedelic experience of the installation, elevated by the added art of the DJs. What a truly ecstatic communal experience, without the need for any additional stimulants. Although regularly placed carts provided alcohol, there were mocktails, coffee, and even MoonWater (it’s locally bottled Denver water). 

Photo: Sam Silkworth of Alive Coverage, courtesy of Meow Wolf

The entirety of the art encompassing the visitor to Meow Wolf was enhanced exponentially by the talented performances of the DJs and the expert sound systems. The seamless joining of each area of the installation made Convergence Station transform into the living piece of art it truly is; the dancers in their exciting and artful club wear only heightened the entire experience. The respect and joy present in this environment was almost startling after such a long time apart from social outings. Six hours dancing and playing Disco Bingo at this event will fill your cup for a long time.

Photo credit: Michelle Mead

From the time we entered the installation to when we left, we were greeted with joyful beings tangibly excited to share this experience with us. Watching dancers break dance for the first time since we were in high school provided a nostalgia shot. The communal feeling of serenity and happiness as we traversed each area of each floor is definitely an experience worth repeating. The installation seemed to throb and bounce itself with the beat of the DJs and the heartbeats of the partygoers. The costumed docents were full of life and energy, their smiles and engagement almost contagious. We left feeling tired but uplifted, excited to share the next Danceportation event with friends and family. 

Photo: Sam Silkworth of Alive Coverage, courtesy of Meow Wolf

Checkout the Meow Wolf website for future Danceportation and PARTY PORTAL events.

The post Danceportation: Just the Ticket to a Joyful Trip appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

Alexander Roy by Rachel Neville for Colorado Ballet

TICKETS

Tickets range from $40 to $175. Visit COLORADOBALLET.ORG or call Patron Services at 303-837-8888 ext. 2 to purchase tickets.

To continue to reduce the number of ticket resellers, please purchase directly through Colorado Ballet via the website or phone number listed above. Tickets purchased through resellers may not be valid.

Performance Attendance Policy

To protect audiences and the community from illness and to slow transmission of COVID-19, Colorado Ballet has joined the resident companies of the Denver Performing Arts Complex in implementing a COVID-19 performance attendance policy that went into effect on Oct. 1  for all performances at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. For more information and to read the full details of the policy, please visit our website.

SPONSORS

Colorado Ballet’s The Nutcracker is presented by PNC Bank. Colorado Ballet receives support from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).

EVENT LISTING FOR THE NUTCRACKER

Colorado Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
Nov. 27 – Dec. 24, 2021 | Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Tickets start at $40 at COLORADOBALLET.ORG

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.

MORE UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS

Romeo and Juliet | February 4-13, 2022
Ellie Caulkins Opera House

The Wizard of Oz | March 11-20, 2022
Ellie Caulkins Opera House

Ballet MasterWorks | April 15-24, 2022

Featuring Theme and Variations, Petite Mort and Nine Sinatra Songs
Ellie Caulkins Opera House

ABOUT PNC BANK
PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com

ABOUT COLORADO BALLET
Presenting exceptional classical ballet and innovative contemporary dance through performances, training, education and community engagement, Colorado Ballet continues to inspire and grow an increasingly diverse audience base in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1961 by Lillian Covillo and Freidann Parker, Colorado Ballet is a non-profit organization celebrating 61 years of excellence. As a world-class professional company serving over 100,000 national and international patrons, Colorado Ballet presents 55 performances annually to sold-out audiences in the 2,000 seat Ellie Caulkins Opera House. The Company’s 32 professional dancers and 20 studio company dancers come from all over the world. Colorado Ballet’s The Armstrong Center for Dance, a 35,000 square foot building, boasts eight state-of-the-art professional dance studios and amenities for the professional Company. Under the direction of Artistic Director Gil Boggs, Colorado Ballet performs classical ballet masterpieces, full-length story ballets and its critically acclaimed repertory production Ballet MasterWorks, featuring varied works from neoclassical ballets to world premieres. The Raydean Acevedo Colorado Ballet Academy serves over 1,200 students from toddlers to seniors each year. Colorado Ballet’s Education & Community Engagement offers programs to students and community members, making over 25,000 contacts and reaching over 200 schools and organizations annually. Participants come from a variety of backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses including youth, families, teachers, and people with and without disabilities. For more information, please visit coloradoballet.org.

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The post Colorado Ballet’s The Nutcracker Returns This Holiday Season with Brand New Sets and Costumes | Press Release appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

Fiestas Navideñas featuring Fiesta Colorado

November 30 / 7:30pm

For Immediate Release: 

The Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Denver proudly presents Fiestas Navideñas featuring Fiesta Colorado Dance Company, ArtistiCO, and Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra Tuesday, November 30 at 7:30pm at the June Swaner Gates Concert Hall. Tickets start at $19 (plus applicable service fees) and are on sale now at newmancenterpresents.com or by phone at 303.871.7720. 

Kick off the holiday season with a feast for the senses! In this performance, Fiesta Colorado Dance Company, ArtistiCO, and Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra take the audience on a tour of Christmas celebrations throughout the country of Mexico. The dances performed will feature original choreography based on traditional dances from the Mexican and Spanish dance masters. The performances represent the many dance traditions that are now a part of the rich cultural roots that make up the state of Colorado.

The colorful Mexican dances performed by the Fiesta Colorado Dance Company are directed by Jeanette Trujillo-Lucero, while the ArtistiCO performances are directed by Jose Rosales and Alfonso Meraza. The extravaganza is accompanied by the lively music of Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra, under the direction of Juventino Romero.

About the Artists:

Fiesta Colorado Dance Company is the premier and most recognized Hispanic dance company in Colorado. Originally formed in 1972, the company is directed by Denver native Jeanette Trujillo-Lucero, receiving the Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts in 1997 and 2006 for its service to the community and its preservation of the Hispanic arts. Trujillo-Lucero received the Living Legend of Dance in Colorado award by the University of Denver Dance Archive Library, in addition to such accolades as the Latina Trailblazer Award from the Latina’s First Foundation and the Luminaria Recognition Award from the Latino Leadership Institute throughout her career as a performer and educator.

https://www.facebook.com/fiestacoloradodance/

Founded by Jose Rosales and Alfonso Meraza, ArtistiCO was created as a bridge to connect professional artists in the community through dance. Both Rosales and Meraza are former principal soloists of the internationally renowned Ballet Folklórico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez and have participated in hundreds of performances including international dance festivals, collaborations with the most prestigious orchestras and mariachi in Mexico, along with stints in the legendary Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City. Most recently, Jose received the 2021 EY Next Wave Leadership Award from CBCA. The ArtistiCO Dance Academy is based in Denver and works with students of all ages.

https://www.artisticodance.org/

https://www.facebook.com/DanceArtistico/

Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra was formed in 1999 to show people something fresh and different in mariachi throughout the state of Colorado. With the expert leadership and musicianship of founder Juventino Romero, they have accompanied many artists from Mexico, while representing Mexican culture through collaborations with the National Western Rodeo, the Mexican Culture Center and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra offers their love and passion for music for all people to enjoy.

https://www.facebook.com/mariachidenver/

2021-2022 Newman Center Presents Season

Veronica Swift Nov 19, 2021 at 7:30 pm
Fiestas Navideñas with Fiesta Colorado, Mariachi Sol de Mi Tierra, and ArtistiCO Nov 30, 2021 at 7:30 pm
Christmas with The King’s Singers: Finding Harmony Dec 9, 2021 at 7:30 pm
Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience Jan 4-9, 2022 (various times)
Kronos Quartet Jan 12, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Dance Theatre of Harlem Jan 14-15, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Compagnie Hervé Koubi Jan 29, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Joey Alexander Feb 2, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Nat. Geographic Live: Spinosaurus-Lost Giant of the Cretaceous with Nizar Ibrahim Feb 9, 2022 at 7:30pm
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis Feb 19 at 7:30 pm, Feb 20 at 2:00 pm
National Geographic Live: When Women Ruled the World with Kara Cooney Mar 6, 2022 at 2:00 pm
Mrs. Krishnan’s Party Mar 22-23, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Nashville Ballet with Rhiannon Giddens: Lucy Negro Redux Mar 29-30, 2022 at 7:30 pm
B – The Underwater Bubble Show Mar 31, 2022 at 7:30 pm
National Geographic Live: Secrets of the Whales with Brian Skerry Apr 5, 2022 at 7:30 pm
New Morse Code Apr 8, 2022 at 7:30 pm

Additional information, including individual show descriptions and ticket prices can be found at newmancenterpresents.com.

COVID-19 Health and Safety Procedures

The University of Denver (DU) has taken a multi-layered approach in response to the COVID-19 pandemic with a primary focus on protecting and promoting the health and well-being of its students, faculty, staff, patrons, and visiting artists.  In consultation with DU’s health care partner, National Jewish Health, and consistent with guidance from federal, state and local public health agencies, DU has implemented a variety of mitigation measures across campus, including requiring face coverings, as well as mandatory testing and vaccination requirements for students and employees.  Throughout the Newman Center, DU is using a high-volume, low-velocity ventilation system with HEPA air filtration.

As of September 17, all patrons ages 12 and older attending a Newman Center performance must present:

(1)     Proof of full vaccination by showing a physical copy or photo of a vaccine card or by using the MyColorado app; or

(2)     For those who are not fully vaccinated, proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance.

Please note that (a) full vaccination means 14 days after receiving the final dose of an FDA authorized or WHO listed vaccine; and (b) results from antigen tests and home testing kits will not be accepted.

In addition, all visitors must wear a face covering at all times while inside the Newman Center, including during the performance, except when an individual is actively eating or drinking.  If you or a member of your party is not feeling well and/or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home.

Newman Center Sponsors and Partners
The Newman Center is supported in part by the Bonfils- Stanton Foundation, The Dance Archive, Porter Adventist Hospital, The Denver Post, and the National Endowment for the Arts. 

About the Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts 

Opened in 2002, the Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Denver is a multi-disciplinary arts venue that provides innovative, diverse, and thought-provoking performance and education opportunities, enabling the Denver and Colorado community to be engaged, inspired, and connected through the performing arts. Newman Center is home to the Lamont School of Music, DU Theatre Department, the Newman Center Presents series, over 150 hosted events, and approximately 500 performances each year. More information can be found online and on Facebook. 

About the University of Denver 

Founded in 1864, the University of Denver is committed to engaging with students in advancing scholarly inquiry, cultivating critical and creative thought, and generating knowledge. The University strives to educate the 21st-century citizens and leaders needed in its organizations and communities. For additional information, visit the University’s newsroom or follow the University on Facebook and Twitter. 

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The post Fiestas Navideñas featuring Fiesta Colorado on Nov. 30 | Press Release appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

PRESS RELEASE: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

The Big Dream’s Imagination Collaboration Promotes Community, Creativity, and Social Change

Boulder, Colorado – On July 10, 2021, The Big Dream will be hosting the Imagination Collaboration, a Creativity Accelerator focused on community-building, creativity and social change. Part festival and part conference, the one-day event features five hours of interactive workshops, immersive art and a night time music and dance event. The Imagination Collaboration will be hosted at Junkyard Social Club, a new community-built adventure playground, immersive art hub and gathering space. The Big Dream is a socially regenerative project based out of Boulder, Colorado. Proceeds from Imagination Collaboration will support the year-round free programming that The Big Dream provides for the community.

The event features local workshops and speakers who are in line with The Big Dream’s mission of promoting more creative and adventurous living. Legendary and internationally renowned local artist Android Jones will take the stage for an interactive workshop, as will Big Dream Founder Diana Sabreen and the founders of Junkyard Social Club. Other workshops include fun and creative subjects such as group yoga, songwriting, poetry and breathwork. Participants can take a deeper dive by choosing the events based on personal empowerment, and inspirational stories by diverse local leaders who have overcome great challenges. 

The Big Dream and Imagination Collaboration founder Diana Sabreen is a life-long female entrepreneur and activist based in Boulder, Colorado. Her life’s work is to help people empower themselves to create the lives they want to be living, and to help those people pass on that empowerment to others. She is a performer, immersive artist, educator, wilderness guide, professional photographer, and founder of Shoot Cameras Not Guns. Sabreen says, “I’ve never lived a ‘normal’ life and I want people to know that they too can create their new normal. I thrive on inspiring people to actively choose a life that fulfills them and creates positive social change in the world. We can choose to do things differently, to learn and change from the last year, and to actively create the world we want to live in.” 

The event runs 1pm-10pm with tickets starting at $50 for a full-day pass. Tickets, info, a full schedule and presenter bios are available at https://thebigdream.life/imaginationcollaboration. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are still available for anyone who would like to get more involved in creating the event. Interested parties should contact info@thebigdream.life.

The post The Big Dream’s Imagination Collaboration Promotes Community, Creativity, and Social Change | Press Release appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

PRESS RELEASE: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we are now publishing some press releases in whole.

Image courtesy the Colorado Ballet

A five-production season planned for an inspiring return to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House

Denver, CO (February 12, 2021) – Colorado Ballet’s Artistic Director Gil Boggs announced plans for returning to live, in-person performances at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House for the 2021/2022 season, which will include Giselle, The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, The Wizard of Oz and Ballet MasterWorks.

“I am elated and hopeful today to announce Colorado Ballet’s full-length productions planned for the Company’s return to the stage in the Ellie Caulkins Opera House for the 2021/2022 season,” stated Artistic Director Gil Boggs. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported Colorado Ballet during this extraordinarily difficult time and made it possible for our dancers to continue dancing. Words cannot express how much we are all looking forward to getting back into the theater to perform, and back in front of our audiences.

It has been a year unlike any other, and our organization is exceedingly grateful to be in a position where we can make plans for returning to in-person performances. Now more than ever, artists and performing arts organizations are championing a message of hope, resilience, perseverance and love. These are the messages we all need right now, and we are thrilled at the prospect of getting our dancers back on the stage to share their artistry. ”

• Colorado Ballet plans to open the 2021/2022 season on Friday, October 8, 2021 with eight performances of Giselle running through October 17, 2021. Experience this romantic tragedy that continues to inspire audiences worldwide with a display of the dancers’ beautiful artistry. Will the Wilis succeed in dancing Count Albrecht to death? Will Giselle be able to save her true love? The stunningly skilled athletes of Colorado Ballet bring the beauty and heartbreak of Giselle to the stage.
• For its celebratory 60^th annual performance of The Nutcracker, Colorado Ballet will debut its brand new sets and costumes, created in the classic Victorian style especially for Colorado Ballet. The magical spirit of the season will come to life more than ever before with this acclaimed production of a beloved holiday favorite as audiences return to the theater November 27 – December 24, 2021. Once again, join Clara and her army of toy soldiers as they battle the Mouse King and journey to the Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
• In February 2022, Colorado Ballet will bring back an audience favorite with Derek Deane’s Romeo and Juliet, February 4-13, 2022. Experience one of the greatest tragic love stories of all time. Choreography by Derek Deane that demands exceptional levels of ballet technique, artistry and acting, paired with Sergei Prokofiev’s phenomenal music score, performed by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra, makes for an evening of stunning artistic grandeur. From the energetic crowd scenes to the famous balcony scene that transitions into a gorgeous pas de deux between the star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet will take your breath away.
• Septime Webre’s dazzling production returns for the first time since its world premiere in 2019. The Wizard of Oz, presented March 11-20, 2022, brings Dorothy and a whirlwind of your favorite characters back down the Yellow Brick Road. Webre’s whimsical and timeless choreography showcases the strength, athleticism and artistry of Colorado Ballet’s talented dancers as they journey to the Emerald City.
• To close the 2021/2022 season, Colorado Ballet presents monumental favorites in Ballet MasterWorks, April 15-24, 2022. This program features ballet works that profoundly impacted the art form and remain central masterpieces of the 20th century repertoire, many of which often top dancers’ “bucket list” of ultimate pieces that challenge and inspire. This season’s finale will include Balanchine’s Theme and Variations, as well as two additional works yet to be announced. Stay tuned for more information in the near future.

TICKETS

Additional information regarding season and single ticket sales will be available later this spring. Single tickets for the 2021/2022 Season are currently planned to go on sale during the summer. More information regarding all season ticket subscription renewals and single ticket on sale dates will be forthcoming.

Visit our website at coloradoballet.org and follow us on social media to ensure that you remain up to date on all of Colorado Ballet’s latest announcements, events, media and more.

Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter

2021/2022 SEASON SPONSORS

Colorado Ballet is grateful for the generous support from all of its sponsors including the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), Denver Ballet Guild, Colorado Ballet Auxiliary, Colorado Athletic Club and PNC Bank.

ABOUT COLORADO BALLET

Presenting exceptional classical ballet and innovative contemporary dance through performances, training, education and community engagement, Colorado Ballet continues to inspire and grow an increasingly diverse audience base in Denver, CO. Established in 1961 by Lillian Covillo and Freidann Parker, Colorado Ballet is a non-profit organization celebrating 60 years of excellence.  As a world-class professional company serving over 100,000 national and international patrons, Colorado Ballet typically presents 55 performances annually to sold-out audiences in the 2,000 seat Ellie Caulkins Opera House. The Company’s 32 professional dancers and 21 studio company dancers come from all over the world. Colorado Ballet’s The Armstrong Center for Dance, a 35,000 square foot building, boasts eight state-of-the-art professional dance studios and amenities for the professional Company. Under the direction of Artistic Director Gil Boggs, Colorado Ballet performs classical ballet masterpieces, full-length story ballets and its critically-acclaimed repertory production Ballet MasterWorks, featuring varied works from neoclassical ballets to world premieres. The Raydean Acevedo Colorado Ballet Academy serves over 1,200 students from toddlers to seniors each year. Colorado Ballet’s Education & Community Engagement offers programs to students and community members, making over 25,000 contacts and reaching over 200 schools and organizations annually. Participants come from a variety of backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses including youth, families, teachers and people with and without disabilities. For more information please visit COLORADOBALLET.ORG.

The post Colorado Ballet Announces Plans for Its 2021/2022 Season | Press Release appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

A few weeks after Evolving Doors Dance Company began rehearsals for their latest performance, the entire world shut down. Company choreographer/director, Angie Simmons briefly shut down, as well. There was a lot to process. How does a dance company make work when they can’t be together in space? After a while, Simmons and the company decided that a dancer has to do what a dancer has to do, and that is to dance. By June, they began working on a dance-for-camera film. 

Company dancer Gretchen LaBorwit, who studied dance-for-camera work for her MFA at the University of Colorado, collaborated with EDD and co-director/sound designer Amy Shelley’s band, High Fiction on the short film, Coil & Web.

Rising to the challenge to find new ways to rehearse safely within the new constrictions, via zoom calls and outdoor park rehearsals, Simmons found the confidence to move forward with the live performance that was already planned. New questions arose, and new challenges presented themselves regarding exactly how to present dance to an audience safely. Describing this process, Simmons recalls, “just from an artistic director and choreographer’s standpoint, there were so many things that I had to reevaluate, and some things I had to let go of, that I would never have done under other circumstances. It’s been mind-boggling. It’s good for me. I normally can overthink everything. There was no time for any of that. I had to go with gut and hope that gut was right.”

Functioning within restrictions as a way of creating work is a modern dance format that began with the collaborations of composer John Cage and choreographer Merce Cunningham in the 60’s. Creating highly structured work by means of chance and obstacle was a way of shaking dance out of its expected forms of presentation. Usually, undertaking this method of creating work is a choice. For Simmons, the structure was imposed by Covid-19. 

Stepping out of her comfort zone has meant stepping out of the stage and into space that had to be re-structured and newly devised. The result, Moving Through: Bodies, Music, Images, Experience, has enfolded the question of “how do we work now” into the performance itself.

Rather than sitting in a theater and watching a stationary performance, the audience will move through the entire building, viewing multiple installations, including the Coil & Web film as a backdrop to live performance. Four musicians will move through the space in a sound collaboration that becomes necessarily ambient as the music travels and intermingles between spaces. A meeting room filled with clear balloons, a curtain that separates the dancers in a duet, and furniture that a soloist has not actually danced with are some of the obstacles the dancers will encounter during the performance. Simmons says the pieces are abstract, but the through-line is how people, both performer and audience, are connecting or not connecting with obstacles.

Coil & Web promo image, courtesy of Evolving Doors Dance

There are three ways you can enjoy Moving Through: In person (socially distanced, masked, and staggered entry) live-streamed, or pre-recorded. These options allow viewers to participate at their comfort level, and even at their leisure.

Live and in person is always the best way to view performance art. The energy exchange between audience and performer always adds a deeper dimension of experience. Beginning Thursday, October 1 through Saturday, October 3, tickets can be purchased in 15 minute increments. Small groups will enter together, and individual audience members will be allowed to walk through the performance space at their own pace, spending up to 15 minutes with each performance installation. Audience and performers will be masked. The show is approximately one hour in length, or shorter if audience members choose to move quickly.

Performances are held at The People’s Building in Aurora. Ticket times are 7:00 7:15, 7:30, 7:45, 8:00. All tickets must be purchased in advance. No tickets will be sold at the door. Purchase tickets here.

For many, entering the public for entertainment is not optional or preferable at this time. One live-streamed performance is available on Thursday, October 1 at 7:30 pm. This tickets are donation based. After you purchase this ticket, you will receive an email with a private live-stream link. Purchase live-stream tickets here.

If the Thursday live-stream has passed, or you wish to view the performance from home on your own timing, you can purchase tickets for pre-recorded performances for Friday and Saturday. You will be emailed a link that you can access until October 9. Purchase pre-recorded tickets here. 

The post Evolving Doors Dance Moving Through: Bodies, Music, Images, Experience appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

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Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

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The day before the Colorado Ballet premieres a new ballet, school children are offered the opportunity to attend a full-dress matinee at a heavily discounted price. These special performances are essentially dress rehearsals complete with costumes, makeup, lighting, and orchestra. The crowd is young, loud, and rowdy, which is perfect for young kids who may otherwise have difficulty maintaining the formal decorum generally required of ballet attendees. On Thursday, February 27, my bouncing 8-year-old daughter and I, along with Yellow Scene editor, De La Vaca,  were treated to a delightful afternoon of Peter Pan in a theater full of elementary students.     

Almost everyone is familiar with the story of Peter Pan, the boy who never grows up, who takes Wendy and her brothers on a magical adventure to Neverland, a land of pirates, fairies, lost boys, and a Native tribe. The enchanting ballet is action packed, with high flying adventure, fighting, mild romance, and plenty of stage magic. Peter Pan is an excellent ballet to introduce the world of dance to children of all ages, and maybe reintroduce it to the child in all of us.

Peter Pan is originally choreographed by Michael Pink, who also choreographed Colorado Ballet’s Dracula. Colorado Ballet debuted the production in 2012, though it was first performed in 2010 at Milwaukee Ballet, of which Pink is the Artistic Director. It is loved by audiences, selling out quickly – possibly because of a shortened run; while The Nutcracker run had 26 performance dates, Peter Pan only has 9. Music was created especially for this ballet by Phillip Feeney and is performed by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra, with accompaniment by the Colorado Children’s Chorale.

Kevin Gael Thomas and Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

One of the special challenges of performing this ballet is the trick of flying. The characters of Wendy, Michael, John, and Peter Pan each log some flight time, with the most extensive feats performed by Peter’s character. Our group’s afternoon experience was enhanced by a backstage tour, where we saw the rope and pulley systems that lift the dancers high above the stage; the flying effects in Peter Pan are provided by ZFX, Inc. A video on the Colorado Ballet website shows dancer Kevin Gael Thomas discussing how he and Francisco Esteves pull off that magic.

The dancers alternate performing the role of Peter with being backstage to call cues to the technicians lifting the onstage Peter. The flying that looks easy and natural onstage requires the precise coordination of at least four people. The dancers must learn to use their bodies in unique ways to create this wonderful fantasy of flight. Some of the more fantastical flight moments include Peter and the Darling children flying over London as they pass Big Ben and the Tower of London, and some of Pan’s antics, such as standing on Hook’s blade.

Also seen backstage was the gorgeous and intricate set piece of Captain Hook’s pirate ship. This large piece is cleverly designed by Rick Graham (Peter Pan Scenic Design) to be climbed by the dancers, glide across the stage, and be turned about to show both the outside of the ship and the rooms below deck. All of this shifting scenery is beautifully choreographed into the story. I appreciated a glimpse into the inner workings of the stage artistry which, we are told, is often done by other dancers helping out.

Leah McFadden by Mike Watson

Each of the beloved characters are brought wonderfully to life by the cast. The Tic Toc croc makes a wonderful, if brief appearance. The family dog, Nana is endearingly portrayed. Fernanda Oliveira’s Tiger Lily (alternatively danced by Asuka Sasaki) has powerful presence. Nicolas Pelletier (alternatively danced by Christophor Moulton) plays a dual role of Mr. Darling and Captain Hook, a clever contrivance, as Mr. Darling is a little bit of a bad guy in act one. 

My daughter was particularly charmed by the mischievous and feisty Tinkerbell. Her twinkling, light-up costume offered a new, non-Disney image to the familiar fairy. Kicking Peter in the shins, sticking her tongue out at the audience, and laughing after shooting Wendy from the sky, she’s quite impish, and played adorably by Mackenzie Dessens (alternatively danced by Leah McFadden). The children of the audience get a chance to interact with Tink by waving magic wands to bring her back to life. 

We caught a glimpse of the dancer backstage during our intermission tour as she scampered fae-ishly across the stage. I commented to our tour guide that she was staying in character, to which she replied that Mackenzie is just that fae in real life. Later that night, taken by the fairy’s naughty charms, our generally agreeable child perplexed her father by sticking her tongue out at him at bedtime.

Though I was captivated by most of the performance, a few issues grabbed my attention. Before going into the theater, I wondered how the story and appearance of Tiger Lily would be addressed in these current times, when we should all be aware of the issues facing Native people – and particularly Native women – who are missing and murdered at an alarming rate. Peter Pan was written in 1911 and is riddled with racism regarding Native representation. Some of today’s theater companies grapple with how to present the story while also honoring Native people. 

In Colorado Ballet’s production, I appreciated that Tiger Lily and her tribe of all women were depicted as brave and independent, fighting off the pirates on their own. Their costumes seemed skimpy and exotified in relation to traditional regalia and clothing, and compared to the costumes for the rest of the cast. A Native American woman who accompanied De La Vaca later in the evening for the final dress rehearsal found them skimpy but also well made and not plastic and cheap looking, as is wont in festivals and party representation all over, though we’d love if the costumes were made by actual Native people in appropriate fashion. 

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Christophor Moulton and Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

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In Act 3, the Native women are captured by the pirates. They interact with their captors who seem to be celebrating, by alternately entertaining them with dances, and pushing them away. Some are then carried off into the rooms under the ship by the drinking pirates, leaving me to question what happens to them next, and whether this depiction bumps the rating of this children’s production to PG-13. When I checked in with my daughter, the nuances of this scene had gone, fortunately, over her head. 

As a parent, I believe it is my responsibility to balance fantastical depictions of culture with real cultural experiences and education. Our family has attended several local PowWow gatherings, where we can witness Native people in traditional regalia that they have made, participating in traditional dances and music. We will be sure to attend more of these gatherings and discuss differences between what we see there and what was depicted on stage.

Asked about these cultural concerns, Colorado Ballet provided a statement, not dissimilar to the one Disney+ added to their recently released collection: “Colorado Ballet respects and embraces all cultures. This story is an adaptation of the Peter Pan novel originally published in 1902 by J.M. Barrie and may contain cultural depictions that were common during that era.” 

Peter Pan captivates, with all the daring your childhood self remembers, brought to life brilliantly yet again, with explosions sure to startle, leaps into imagination guaranteed to make you crane your neck, and emotion enough to make you weepy. Make sure to see Peter Pan by the Colorado Ballet. Bring your sense of wonder with you. 

You can catch a performance of Peter Pan at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House from now until February 9. The Colorado Ballet is also hosting A Night in Neverland: A Colorado Ballet Gala on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Check it out online and make sure to attend this very exclusive trip to Neverland. PowWow gatherings in Colorado can be attended throughout the year. 

Leah McFadden and Artists of the Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

Kevin Gael Thomas, Morgan Buchanan,and Chandra Kuykendall by Mike Watson

Kevin Gael Thomas, Christophor Moulton, and Artists of the Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

Kevin Gael Thomas by Mike Watson

Kevin Gael Thomas and Simon Zinabu Costello by Mike Watson

Kevin Gael Thomas and Morgan Buchanan by Mike Watson

Kevin Gael Thomas and Leah McFadden by Mike Watson

Kevin Gael Thomas and Leah McFadden by Mike Watson

Kevin Gael Thomas and Leah McFadden by Mike Watson

Kevin Gael Thomas and Christophor Moulton by Mike Watson

Christophor Moulton and Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

Christophor Moulton and Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

Arianna Ciccarelli and Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

The post Peter Pan Flies High with Colorado Ballet | Review appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

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Francisco Estevez by Allen Birnbach for Colorado Ballet

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The time of Fall feasting has passed and December is upon us. You may now celebrate your chosen winter holiday with full enthusiasm. What more classical way to herald the magic of Santa season than by attending a live performance of The Nutcracker? Full of everyone’s favorite holiday traditions: partying, toasting, dancing, that one weird relative, gifting, fighting, candy, and a fantastic dream sequence (or was it real?), the ballet is set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved suite, by far the best holiday music. Over a century later, we’re still not tired of it.  

The Colorado Ballet opened their 59th annual Nutcracker production on November 30, running through December 29 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. The production has been a staple of the Colorado Ballet since its beginning, and has evolved over the years as the company has grown from small theaters into the company’s current home in the gorgeous Ellie Caulkins Opera House.

I attended the evening showing on December 1 with my 8-year-old daughter. She joyfully joined the ranks of the many who can say that The Nutcracker was their very first ballet. As the curtain rose, along with the musical score, played by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra, conducted by Adam Flatt, my young companion and I slipped into the magical realm of sweets. As we both became absorbed in the story, it slowly dawned on me that, though I have watched numerous Nutcracker productions on television, sometimes badly dancing along, this was my first live viewing. As always with live performance, the depth and quality of the experience is enhanced by being submerged in the same space as the performers, breathing the same air, exchanging our appreciation for their offering.

Chandra Kuykendall, Christophor Moulton and Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

Everyone has their favorite Nutcracker dance sequence. Invariably, I get excited about the Arabian Coffee dance. I’m always hoping to see it performed with a slinky sensuality that matches the music. And maybe sometimes when I’m arabesque-ing around my living room, I try to emulate that sinuous style. Chandra Kuykendall and Christopher Moulton performed the Arabian dance with perky precision, like a perfect morning cup, hitting each lift and spin with clean efficiency. My daughter loved all of the internationally flavored dances of Act II, but was most tickled by the antics of Mother Ginger. The large puppet contraption, manned by Alejandro Perez, comically cavorted through a series of moves which all elementary aged kids will recognize, such as Orange Justice, the Dab, and the Sprinkler.

I tried to keep the bouncing enthusiasm of my child in check, but when the entire audience became rowdy, whistling and yowling for Sugarplum Fairy, Dana Benton, and Cavalier, Yosvani Ramos, she gleefully let loose. I’d previously attempted to lecture her on how one behaves at the ballet, but, apparently, woo-hoo-ing is acceptable Nutcracker decorum. They were marvelous and absolutely deserved the positive feedback. Yellow Scene editor, De La Vaca, attended a student performance a few days later and personally attests to the glorious irreverence of children engaging this fantastic production, an overwhelmingly gleeful enthusiasm often lost in adult only audiences.

What fun it was to be cheering as one among the more than 50,000 audience members who attend a Colorado Ballet Nutcracker performance annually. As well as offering public Nutcracker performances, the Colorado Ballet serves the community through their Education and Community Department, which company director, Gil Boggs calls one of Colorado’s hidden gems. This branch of the company offers free Nutcracker performances by Colorado Ballet Academy students to Title 1 schools, and steeply discounted $2 ticketed performances to DPS schools.  

The production is so loved that audiences voted it Best Nutcracker in the Nation for Gold Star’s 2016 award. Charmed by the lively sets and sparkly costumes, and the classical choreography after Marius Petipah, the original Nutcracker choreographer, we could quickly see why this production is so esteemed.

What we could not see clearly from the audience, we learned later in a press event held by company director Gil Boggs, is how the beautiful sets and costumes are falling apart. Clara’s nightgown is shredded and torn. The great Mother Ginger puppet is taped together. The Rats must wear goggles to keep costume debris from blinding them inside of the costume helmets. The Nutcracker doll’s head is glued on. Once, during a performance, the Nutcracker’s head popped off, and its arm broke off, sliding into the orchestra pit. And the smell of the Prince’s tunic, we are told, could probably lift the Sugarplum Fairy all on its own.

Emily Speed and Sean Omandam by Mike Watson

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The costumes were created thirty years ago for the San Francisco Ballet, and purchased second-hand by the Colorado Ballet fifteen years ago. They have been worn since then for 28 performances per year. That’s quite a lot of wear, tear, and sweat buildup. The costumes and sets require more and more repair work after every performance, and after each year, and are ready to be retired. This will be the final season for the current set and costumes.

The company has launched #GOFUNDTHEMAGIC, a crowdsourcing campaign to help fund new sets and costumes, so Colorado Ballet’s The Nutcracker may continue to delight audiences for years to come. Managing Director of Advancement, Adam Sexton, says that $1 million of the $2.5 million price tag has already been covered by company reserves and early donor gifts. The steep price includes costumes that will be handmade in the USA, and a warehouse to store the costumes and sets. One of the five costume companies they will be employing is here in Denver. Boggs says that he has already found two designers, and that he plans to keep the look and feel of the production traditional. He says this will be your grandmother’s Nutcracker. 

The crowdfunding campaign offers the community a chance to invest in a Colorado holiday tradition. Sexton reminds us, “This is Colorado’s Nutcracker. This is Denver’s Nutcracker. We wanted everyone to have a stake in this. The $100,000 [GoFundMe] goal is only 1/25th of our overall campaign goal, but we feel it’s really important to get buy-in from our entire community in building this.” 

Indeed, the Colorado Ballet’s Nutcracker is a holiday institution for the whole community. Those who donate to the campaign can consider themselves part of the magic.

 All images courtest of the Colorado Ballet.

Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

Asuka Sasaki, Francisco Estevez and Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

Emily Speed, Gregory K. Gonzales and Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

Gregory K. Gonzales and Simon Zinabu Costello by Mike Watson

Gregory K. Gonzales by Mike Watson

Sean Omandam and Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

Tyler Rhoads and Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

The post #GoFundTheMagic – Colorado Ballet to Buy New Nutcracker Costumes, Sets with Community Investment appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

.When Lucy Wallace taught her first Dance To Be Free class in 2015 at a women’s correctional facility in Denver, she was not yet aware of just how profound the effects of dancing would be on the imprisoned women. “I was nervous, intimidated. I didn’t know what to expect. But, I’m willing. I walked into the gym with the eight women waiting for us. I had two friends with me. I put on my music. I played a song that was maybe not the best choice of lyrics. “I want to kill it with you.” As soon as they started moving, this woman behind me who I knew was serving a life sentence said, “oh this is spiritual.” Right away. I thought, she understands that this is not exercise.This is a vehicle in. Dance is an avenue to go deeper.”

Wallace wanted to be of service, she wanted to share dance. How much it can help the women she serves has been revealed over time. “I don’t want to go in there and say “hey ladies, let’s heal your trauma.” I just go in there and say “let’s dance together.” But in that, so many revelations come to these women that are beyond my expectations. One woman in Pueblo’s prison began to cry and shared, ‘I realized for the first time that I love myself.’ That’s a huge revelation. That’s just from moving. I don’t know what happened. It’s such a mystery to me. I love that it’s bigger than me.”

Wallace has been steeped in the power of dance since she was 8 years old. She started with ballet, and then moved on to a modern dance major in Ohio. She made her way to Boulder to get her Master’s degree in Naropa’s psychology program. At Naropa, the emphasis is on Somatics, a modality which addresses the relationship between the mind and body. She explains, “it’s more along the lines of, in order to access trauma that is frozen in the body, frozen in time, you have to get at it through the breath, through movement.”

A Pathway Out of Trauma

By bringing the healing potential of dance into the prison environment, Wallace is offering women an opportunity to move through trauma and into empowerment. The women who attend Dance To Be Free have often experienced a lifetime of violence and trauma. They may never have experienced their own body as a safe place to be. Dance offers an experience of their body that they can own, forging a new pathway to freedom within themselves.

“I just heard a really disturbing statistic from Van Jones that 82% of women in prison arrive having suffered abuse. They arrive into a traumatizing environment where they can’t physically move. With trauma you need movement. They go into a sedentary environment with PTSD symptoms. Lights on all of the time, sleeping barracks style. In some prisons, the conditions are worse than others. My sense is that they come out more traumatized.”

“There are women who messed up, who did armed robbery and got forty years. There are people serving life sentences because they’ve committed three crimes. It’s not good. What happened to that person? I always try to rewind it back to asking why are they making bad decisions? What happened to them that they have poor impulse control? How is the trauma affecting their brain? Was she abused, was she raped? I can’t believe what these women have been through.”

Wallace describes how trauma gets frozen in the body, in the part of the brain responsible for fight, flight or freeze. She explains, “you can do all of the talking up in the frontal lobe about making better decisions, but the trauma is frozen in the background. Repetitious, rhythmic movement gets at the part of the brain that’s holding that. To me dance is getting at the wound without retraumatization. The movement with the empowering music is such a safe, clean way to get toward healing.”

“The movement and dance bring back control and joy. There is a feeling of “I am in control of my body. Someone else is not violating me. I am the one lifting my chin up, arching my back, kicking my leg. There is a sense of owning my body, owning the experience. And that leads to tears falling in total joy. It’s very powerful.”

A Pathway to Belonging

The recidivism rate in Colorado is an unfortunate 50 percent. The Director of Colorado’s Department of Corrections, Dean Williams, attributes some of this to the dehumanizing culture within the prisons. He cites a lack of social belonging among the biggest reasons for people to be driven back into the prison system. Wallace describes the community building aspects of dance; “There has been research by a woman named Bronwyn Tarr that dancing in rhythm with a group of people increases trust and pain tolerance. So then they are having this sense of community and they are healing in community. It’s such a connection of the body, mind and heart. I heard this quote, “I learned to belong by dancing.” 

The women who participate in Dance To Be Free are learning how to belong. Wallace says, “Something I didn’t see on the horizon when I started this is the sense of community is so huge. One woman said “I have my tribe now.” They would be dancing next to someone that they never talked to, or who was an enemy. They are a Dance to Be Free tribe now.”

A Self-Sustaining Model

The Dance to Be Free program has evolved in ways that Wallace had not expected when she began four years ago. In the beginning she was teaching weekly classes to prisoners in Denver. After six months, she decided to teach the women how to teach the classes to each other, so she offered a teacher training. The women then had the means to sustain the program for themselves. This allowed Wallace to expand to another prison in Pueblo. When she expanded again to Nebraska, she began to see that the teacher training program was a very successful, self-sustaining model that could be replicated all over the country. Dance To Be Free has thus far been implemented in thirteen prisons in eight states.

Wallace offers continued support to the women holding Dance to Be Free programs in their prison communities by sending videos of new choreography from the weekly classes she teaches in Boulder at Block 1750. The teacher programs empower the women to create their own choreography, as well. Wallace shares their choreography with the women in all of the other prisons that hold the program. In this way, the women are able to reach beyond the walls of their own prison to build community with other women. “It’s a cool web. They see other people dancing their movement.” 

Dance To Be Free recently took yet another evolutionary step when, after her eighth trip to Nebraska, Wallace held a facilitator training that will teach the women to hold the teacher trainings themselves. This development has grown the program into a completely self-sustaining model. “It’s a full three-day, twelve-hour experiential growth workshop. We journal, write poetry, have circles, watch inspirational videos, do breathing exercises. The women can decide they want to do this, they want to teach, or they can just participate for their own well being.” About 5 percent of the women decide to go on to teach within the facility. “Leading dance can be challenging. It takes a certain personality. The women who go through the training just for themselves benefit just from learning how to teach.”

A Pathway to Success

Wallace plans to offer a certification program for facilitators who can aid in her effort to implement Dance To Be Free programs in more prisons. Though people all over the world reach out to her for training, she says it takes a very special person to be able to do the work.  “The real goal is that I want the women who are in and have been in prison to hold the torch.”

Wallace says, “The most common theme written about in the class journals is an urge to help other women.” Both lifers and women who have completed their sentences are learning a means to lift other women out of their isolation and trauma by sharing Dance To Be Free. They can be a source of inspiration and healing. “If we can get to the core of what’s fueling the bad decision making problem, which to me is unaddressed trauma, we can prepare someone with job skills, or resume building, or entrepreneurial skills. The dance does it, they have this awakening. It’s one answer. It’s a choice.”

How Our Community Can Support Dance To Be Free

“Prisons don’t pay. We do all of the fundraising on our own, so it’s quite the challenge. Even when they tell us they love the program, it’s changing culture, the women are responsive, it’s enhancing the work they are doing, they still won’t pay for it. Prison reform is desperately needed. All of the funding that supports Dance To Be Free comes from donors in the Boulder and Denver community.” 

To help Lucy Wallace change the lives of more women in more prisons, you can donate to Dance To Be Free at https://www.classy.org/give/243137/#!/donation/checwkout

To participate in community dance classes with Wallace, and dance the movement that is sometimes filmed and shared in the prisons, you can join her at Block 1750 on most Wednesdays at 9:30 and Saturdays at 11:15. block1750.com/

Recently, CNN featured a story on Dance To Be Free. You can view it here https://www.facebook.com/cnn/videos/365914294338440?sfns=xmwa

See more videos of the Dance To Be Free program in action, in the prisons Dance To Be Free: Home

The post Dance To Be Free: Empowerment through Movement appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Asuka Sasaki by Allen Birnbach for Colorado Ballet 

Don Quixote. An age-old story of madness, visions, and love. To see this ballet – a 150 year-old ballet first performed in 1869 – brought to life here in Denver by the Colorado Ballet, is simply magnificent. The Colorado Ballet, performing out of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, were resplendent in the always excellent costuming, stage work that is excellent bar none, and an orchestra that continues to prove its worth to local audiences. Indeed, some of the major applause was for Adam Flatt and his orchestra. 

If you missed the opening night of Don Quixote, fear not. With performances through October 13th, the Colorado Ballet dancers will be on hand and on-stage to delight local audiences with Spanish inspired classical choreography by Marius Petipa, paired with music by Ludwig Minkus, performed live by the Colorado Ballet orchestra. Importantly, this is the first time in ten years that Don Quixote has been performed by the Colorado Ballet, according to artistic director Gil Boggs. “Our dancers are really looking forward to performing this work. The choreography showcases deserve incredible technique and athleticism throughout the performance. The story this story of Don Quixote takes audiences on an adventure with humor and romance – and we can’t wait to share it with Colorado audiences…”, Boggs said in a press release. 

The ballet, which is based on the classic novel, The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha, first premiered in Moscow, Russia in 1869 and remains one of today’s most frequently performed works. Indeed, while we often think of ballet, like opera, as a very highbrow affair, set in the likes of New York, Paris, or Moscow, this ballet is set to classic Spanish songs, in the Spanish countryside – in Gypsy camps, and with a broad spectrum of beauty and age and class represented, telling stories with age-old motifs – which makes it sure to reach across time and age and across social location to touch you. 

On a personal note, as a writer, I consider myself a serious reader as well. I may have fallen in love with Russian and Portuguese classical literature, rendering some books – like Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes and a Hundred Years of Solitude from the famed Colombian surrealist author Gabriel Garcia Marquez – less than readable. It’s the variability of interpretation combined with the delicate if stamina heavy and artistically marvelous presentation in art forms like ballet that bring these to life for those of us who haven’t, or have refused to, read such dense, antiquated fictions. I’m immensely glad for the ability to witness dance bringing to life history at such high levels, technical wonders performed by such skilled dancers as the opening nights principal male lead, Francisco Estevez, who dances the part of Basilio, love interest to Kitri, Asuka Sasaki, whose father has promised her to a very well played, bumbling nobleman..

Francisco Estevez and Asuka Sasaki and Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

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Our primary dance writer, Jennifer Arnone, had a chance to speak with Estevez who, to our surprise given his stellar performance, has never before played the role of Basilio or been in a Don Quixote ballet though, he tells us, he “grew up seeing it…”. Excited to be back at their home theater, after pre-season performances at the Vial Dance Festival and the Arvada Center, this being his first performance as a principal dancer on home turf, Estevez says, “this is my first time being involved with Don Quixote and it’s a ballet that I grew up watching. This is my first opportunity as a professional, or just as a ballet dancer, to be involved.” 

Whenever a performance takes place, the performance is imbued with the history of the character, the history of the story, but it’s also brought to life by what the performers bring to the table. These are the ways in which a dancer, an artist, brings characteristics from their own lives and their own histories, their own passions and proclivities, to the role. Estevez tells us, “it’s a very fun role, very technically demanding as well, but for the most part you have a lot of artistry that you can bring to the role. It’s very much a storytelling role… there’s also a lot of comedy involved in the ballet and in the role as well, so there’s a lot of fun little avenues that you can take down [sic] artistically that have been fun to explore.”

Classifying it as a romantic comedy ballet, the term being his own, he says that, “it’s still in the classical realm of ballet, of what you expect, but there’s definitely a lot more freedom… [Don Quixote] has a lot more light heartedness to it, energy, comedy, drama, romance. There just a lot more action.” 

The history of the ballet itself, similarly, can’t be understated. 150 years of the ballet being performed, with another 264 years prior to that of the novel growing in importance since it was first published, makes performing it being part of a massive, growing, and long respected tradition in ballet. This version, Esteves tells us, was “loosely based on the American Ballet Theater version”, because the Colorado Ballet director and others had early careers there. “That company has a rich history of very famous dancers, Baryshnikov being one of them, that have done this roll and had his own version of it as well, when he was director of it, so there’s definitely big shoes to fill. But with that comes a lot of excitement to be able to add to that history a little bit, even here in Denver. The Denver audiences will definitely get a taste of that rich history.” 

The history is important, in both the history that’s passed and in the history being made today. If young dancers like Estevez and Sasaki leading the way in Colorado, bringing traditions from around the world to our humble locale, the future is bright – both for these young dancers and for the arts in our area. We highly recommend heading on over to the Colorado Ballet website to pick up your tickets for the last of the performances before they’re all sold out. There are only five performances left, from October 10-13, two of which are matinees. I would also highly recommend reviewing the upcoming dance schedule for future performances, which includes family favorites The Nutcracker, Peter Pan, and others. 

Beyond the art, beyond the culture, and beyond the opportunity to be downtown in one of the most gorgeous buildings Colorado has, participating in the creation of our local own artistic history is what makes going to the ballet, the opera, and the theater so important. To that end, a brief story: as I was leaving the Ellie Caulkins opera house with my friend Namiq, I was stopped by a group of young black men. Three of them, out in the cold listening to Brothers of Bass Brass Band performing on the steps leading down to 14th street, and they asked why we were so dressed up. When we told them we were at the ballet, they howled in surprise and said that they had always wanted to check out something like a ballet. I told him they should, that it wasn’t just for the rich or for a certain race, that people of color had invented ballet performances and have been dancing on their own stages for centuries, that the most famous ballerina in the world right now is a Black woman, Misty Copeland, who wasn’t even the first woman of color to dance ballet. They were struck by my words and ask for information. I handed over my Don Quixote program, encouraging them to check it out. They hugged me goodbye, a strange moment of connection and impact that I don’t recall experiencing at any other performance in Denver. 

We should all take the time to do our part to encourage the next generation to participate in the arts, whether by becoming artists or art consumers. It’s a benefit to all to have a vibrant arts scene. Kudos to the Colorado Ballet for their work in these areas. 

All images courtesy of Mike Watson for the Colorado Ballet.

Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson2

Asuka Sasaki and Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

Asuka Sasaki and Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson2

Asuka Sasaki, Francisco Estevez and Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

Fernanda Oliveira and Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

Francesca Martoccio and Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

Francisco Estevez and Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

Francisco Estevez and Asuka Sasaki by Mike Watson1

Francisco Estevez, Asuka Sasaki and Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

Leah McFadden by Mike Watson

Morgan Buchanan, Nicolas Pelletier and Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson

Nicolas Pelletier and Morgan Buchanan by Mike Watson

The post Don Quixote Rides into Denver | Colorado Ballet Review appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

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June

June 15th – Saturday

Colorado Rockies vs. Padres – Coors Field, Denver –  https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

John Michael Montgomery – 8:30 p.m. – Grizzly Rose, Denver  – https://www.grizzlyrose.com/calendar/

LYFTD w/ LWKY, Ghost Ride & Halfway to Mars – 8:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

The Slackers w/ The Alcapones – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

WWE Live – 7:30 p.m. – Pepsi Center, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.pepsicenter.com/misc/all-events

Hanuman Festival – June 13-16 – Yoga and Music Festival – Boulder – https://hanumanfestival.com/

Empire of the Sun – June 14-16 – Ogden Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.ogdentheatre.com/events

Denver PrideFest – June 15-16 – Civic Center Park, Denver – https://denverpride.org/

Juneteenth Music Festival – June 15-16 – Historic Five Points Neighborhood, Denver – https://www.juneteenthmusicfestival.com/

June 16th – Sunday

Colorado Rockies vs. Padres – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

Boulder Market – 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. – Central Park, Boulder – https://www.coloradoevents.org/bouldermarket

America – 7:30 p.m. – Hudson Gardens, Littleton – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.hudsongardens.org/enjoy/concerts/

Grupo Pesado – Elitch Gardens, Denver – https://www.elitchgardens.com/entertainment/concerts2019/

Hazel Miller – 6:00-8:00 p.m. – City Park, Denver – http://cityparkjazz.org/2019-calendar

Queen City Country & Western Showcase – 2:00-8:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

June 17th – Monday

Local Natives w/ Middle Kids – 8:00 p.m. – Ogden Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.ogdentheatre.com/events

June 18th – Tuesday

Vundabar & Together Pangea w/ Dehd – 8:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

June 19th – Wednesday

Jennifer Lopez – 8:00 p.m. – Pepsi Center, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.pepsicenter.com/misc/all-events

Whiskey Myers w/ Brent Cobb – 8:00 p.m. – Ogden Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.ogdentheatre.com/events

June 20th – Thursday

Urban Market – 12:00 p.m. – Skyline Park, Denver – http://urbanmarketdenver.com/

Manilla Killa w/ Covex & Shae District – 8:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

Telluride Bluegrass Festival – June 20-23 – Telluride – Camping, Contests, Merchandise – https://bluegrass.com/telluride/

Sonic Bloom Music Festival – June 20-23 – Spanish Peaks Country, CO – https://sonicbloomfestival.com/

June 21st – Friday

Andrea Bocelli – 8:00 p.m. – Pepsi Center, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.pepsicenter.com/misc/all-events

Nick Murphy FKA Chet Faker w/ Beacon – 8:00 p.m. – Ogden Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.ogdentheatre.com/events

Parker McCollum – 8:30 p.m. – Grizzly Rose, Denver – Schedule – https://www.grizzlyrose.com/calendar/

Who’s Bad w/ Float Like a Buffalo – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

16th Street Fair – June 21-22 – 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. – 16th Street Mall, Denver – http://16thstfair.com/

Scandinavian Midsummer Festival – June 21-23 – Estes Park – https://www.estesmidsummer.com/

June 22nd – Saturday

Chase Bryant – 8:30 p.m. – Grizzly Rose, Denver – Schedule – https://www.grizzlyrose.com/calendar/

Hillsong United – 7:30 p.m. – Pepsi Center, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.pepsicenter.com/misc/all-events

Sticky Fingers w/ Tommy Newport –
9:00 p.m. – Ogden Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.ogdentheatre.com/events

June 23rd – Sunday

Dotsero – 6:00-8:00 p.m. – City Park, Denver –
http://cityparkjazz.org/2019-calendar

Howard Jones – 7:00 p.m. – Hudson Gardens, Littleton – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.hudsongardens.org/enjoy/concerts/

John Paul White w/ The Prescriptions –
8:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

School of Rock Showcase – 4:00-8:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

June 26th – Wednesday

Clubz & Girl Ultra – 8:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

New Found Glory w/ Real Friends, The Early November & Doll Skin – 7:00 p.m. – Ogden Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.ogdentheatre.com/events

Greeley Stampede – June 26-July 7 – Greeley – Tickets – https://www.greeleystampede.org/

June 27th – Thursday

Colorado Rockies vs. Dodgers – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

Outlaws vs. Rattlers – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.broncosstadiumatmilehigh.com/stadium-information/event-calendar

Feed Me w/ No Mana & Phiilo – 8:00 p.m. – Ogden Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.ogdentheatre.com/events

The Felice Brothers w/ Johnathan Rice – 8:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

June 28th – Friday

Colorado Rockies vs. Dodgers – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

Alex Williams & Matt Castillo – 8:30 p.m. – Grizzly Rose, Denver – Schedule – https://www.grizzlyrose.com/calendar/

Blue October w/ Mona – 8:00 p.m. – Ogden Theater, Denver –  https://www.ogdentheatre.com/events

Color Red For All Stars – 9:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

Pepe Aguilar y Familia – 8:00 p.m. – Pepsi Center, Denver – https://www.pepsicenter.com/misc/all-events

Greyhounds w/ Patrick Dethlefs – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

Colorado Brewers Festival – June 28-29 – Fort Collins – Tickets – https://downtownfortcollins.com/event/colorado-brewers-festival/

June 29th – Saturday

Colorado Rockies vs. Dodgers- Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

Jamestown Revival w/ Ian Noe – 9:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

Westword Music Showcase – Golden Triangle, Denver – Tickets – https://www.westwordshowcase.com/

High Peaks Art Festival – June 29-30 – Nederland – http://highpeaksartfestival.com/

June 30th – Sunday

Colorado Rockies vs. Dodgers- Coors Field, Denver – https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

Buckner FunkenJazz – 6:00-8:00 p.m. – City Park, Denver – http://cityparkjazz.org/2019-calendar

Ozark Mountain Daredevils – 7:30 p.m. – Hudson Gardens, Littleton – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.hudsongardens.org/enjoy/concerts/

July

July 2nd – Tuesday

Colorado Rockies vs. Astros- Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

Ocean Alley w/ Ruby Waters – 8:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

Shawn Mendes w/ Alessia Cara – 7:30 p.m. – Pepsi Center, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.pepsicenter.com/misc/all-events

July 3rd – Wednesday

Colorado Rockies vs. Astros- Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets-
https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

Carly Rae Jepsen w/ Mansionair –
7:30 p.m. – Ogden Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.ogdentheatre.com/events

Santana – 7:00 p.m. – Pepsi Center, Denver –
Schedule and Tickets – https://www.pepsicenter.com/misc/all-events

Super Diamond – 7:30 p.m. – Hudson Gardens, Littleton – Schedule and Tickets –
https://www.hudsongardens.org/enjoy/concerts/

July 4th – Thursday

Outlaws vs. Bayhawks – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.broncosstadiumatmilehigh.com/stadium-information/event-calendar

Longmont Symphony 4th of July Concert – 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. – Thompson Park, Longmont – http://longmontsymphony.org/july-4th-concert-in-the-park/

Rubedo’s Independence Day V & Matt Embree – 8:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver  https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

July 5th – Friday

The Bright Light Social Hour w/ Walker Lukens – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

Mastadon w/ Aweminus, Stabby & Morf –
9:00 p.m. – Ogden Theater, Denver – Schedule and
Tickets – https://www.ogdentheatre.com/events

Cherry Creek Arts Festival –
July 5-7 – Denver – Schedules and Maps –
https://cherrycreekartsfestival.org/

July 6th – Saturday

Dustbowl Revival w/ The Woodpile –
6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

July 7th – Sunday

Invisible Bird – 6:00-8:00 p.m. – City Park, Denver – http://cityparkjazz.org/2019-calendar

Melissa Etheridge – 7:30 p.m. – Hudson Gardens, Littleton – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.hudsongardens.org/enjoy/concerts/

Villalobos Brothers w/ El Javi – 4:00-8:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

July 9th – Tuesday

Bad Religion w/ Dave Hause & The Mermaid – 8:00 p.m. – Ogden Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.ogdentheatre.com/events

July 10th – Wednesday

Hugh Jackman – 7:00 p.m. – Pepsi Center, Denver –  https://www.pepsicenter.com/misc/all-events

July 11th – Thursday

Outlaws vs. Blaze – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.broncosstadiumatmilehigh.com/stadium-information/event-calendar

Ariana Grande – 8:00 p.m. – Pepsi Center, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.pepsicenter.com/misc/all-events

Deerhunter – 8:00 p.m. – Ogden Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.ogdentheatre.com/events

Denver Municipal Band w/ Carol Jantsch – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

Shooter Jennings – 8:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver – https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

July 12th – Friday

Colorado Rockies vs. Reds – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

Brubeck Brothers Quartet w/ Venus Cruz – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

Dillion Carmichael – 8:30 p.m. – Grizzly Rose, Denver – Schedule – https://www.grizzlyrose.com/calendar/

Khalid – 7:30 p.m. – Pepsi Center, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.pepsicenter.com/misc/all-events

Tab Benoit – 8:00 p.m. – Ogden Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.ogdentheatre.com/events

Colorado Irish Festival – July 12-14 – Clement Park, Littleton  – http://coloradoirishfestival.com/

July 13th – Saturday

Colorado Rockies vs. Reds – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

Urban Market – 12:00 p.m. – Skyline Park, Denver – http://urbanmarketdenver.com/

Drums Along the Rockies – 6:30 p.m. – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver – Tickets – https://www.broncosstadiumatmilehigh.com/stadium-information/event-calendar

Don Felder – 7:30 p.m. – Hudson Gardens, Littleton – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.hudsongardens.org/enjoy/concerts/

Inspector w/ Vic N’ The Narwhals – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

An Evening With Michael Buble – 8:00 p.m. – Pepsi Center, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.pepsicenter.com/misc/all-events

Hot Air Balloon Rodeo – July 13-14 – 6:00-9:30 a.m. – Bald Eagle Lake, Steamboat Springs – https://www.steamboatchamber.com/events/annual-events/hot-air-balloon-rodeo/

Johnny Orlando & Mackenzie Ziegler – Elitch Gardens, Denver – https://www.elitchgardens.com/entertainment/concerts2019/

July 14th – Sunday

Colorado Rockies vs. Reds – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

Boulder Market – 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. – Central Park, Boulder – https://www.coloradoevents.org/bouldermarket

Conjunto Colores – 6:00-8:00 p.m. – City Park, Denver – http://cityparkjazz.org/2019-calendar

Orgone w/ Cosmic Joe – 4:00-8:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

July 15th – Monday

Colorado Rockies vs. Giants – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

July 16th – Tuesday

Colorado Rockies vs. Giants – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

July 17th – Wednesday

Colorado Rockies vs. Giants – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

Boys of Summer – 2:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

July 18th – Thursday

Urban Market – 12:00 p.m. – Skyline Park, Denver – http://urbanmarketdenver.com/

Rainbow Militia w/ Chimney Choir & DeCollage – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

July 19th – Friday

Blister 66 – 8:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

Frank Foster – 8:30 p.m. – Grizzly Rose, Denver – Schedule – https://www.grizzlyrose.com/calendar/

Gasoline Lollipops w/ Chella & The Charm – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

The Growlers w/ BRONCHO – July 19-20 – 8:00 p.m. – Ogden Theater, Denver https://www.ogdentheatre.com/events

Global Dance Festival – July 19-20 – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver – https://globaldancefestival.com/

Mile High Global Bazaar – July 19-21 – 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. – Skyline Park, Denver – https://www.coloradoevents.org/mile-high-global-bazaar

Slow Food Nations – July 19-21 – Food Festival – Larimer Square, Larimer St, Denver – Events – https://slowfoodnations.org/

July 20th – Saturday

Castle Rock WineFest – 2:00-8:00 p.m. – Castle Rock – Tickets – https://castlerock.org/castle-rock-winefest/

MattyB Featuring The Haschak Sisters – Elitch Gardens, Denver – https://www.elitchgardens.com/entertainment/concerts2019/

My Body Sings Electric – 8:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver –  https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

Reggae on the Grass – 12:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – www.levittdenver.org/free-events

Water Lantern Festival – 5:30 p.m. Gates Open – Carpenter Park, Thornton – Tickets – https://www.waterlanternfestival.com/denver.php

Winter Park Jazz Festival – July 20-21 – Rendezvous Event Center, Winter Park – https://www.playwinterpark.com/jazzfest

July 21st – Sunday

Outlaws vs. Launch – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver –  https://www.broncosstadiumatmilehigh.com/stadium-information/event-calendar

Aterciopelados w/ Pink Hawk – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

Brass Band Extravaganza – 5:00-8:00 p.m. – City Park, Denver – http://cityparkjazz.org/2019-calendar

The Green – 8:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver – https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

Los Rieleros del Norte – Elitch Gardens, Denver – https://www.elitchgardens.com/entertainment/concerts2019/

Seal – 7:30 p.m. – Hudson Gardens, Littleton – https://www.hudsongardens.org/enjoy/concerts/

July 25th – Thursday

Dale Watson w/ Halden Wofford & The Hi Beams – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

Sister Hazel – 8:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

Buffalo Bill Days – July 25-28 – Golden – Activities – http://buffalobilldays.com/

July 26th – Friday

Cash’d Out w/ Jackson Taylor & The Sinners – 9:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver – https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

Kinky w/ iZCALLi – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

The Psychedelic Furs & James w/ Dear Boy – 9:00 p.m. – Ogden Theater, Denver https://www.ogdentheatre.com/events

Denver Underground Music Showcase – July 26-28 – Broadway, Denver – https://www.undergroundmusicshowcase.com/

Evergreen Jazz Festival – July 26-28 – Evergreen – https://www.evergreenjazz.org/

RockyGrass Festival – July 26-28 – Lyons –
https://bluegrass.com/rockygrass/

July 27th – Saturday

Urban Market – 12:00 p.m. – Skyline Park, Denver – http://urbanmarketdenver.com/

Black Pistol Fire w/ Thunderpussy – 9:00 p.m. – Ogden Theater, Denver  https://www.ogdentheatre.com/events

Crowder – Elitch Gardens, Denver – https://www.elitchgardens.com/entertainment/concerts2019/

Denver Summer Brew Fest – Mile High Station, Denver – https://brewfestevents.com/summer-brew-fest/

JUL-IPA Festival – Pearl Street, Boulder – https://www.thewestendtavern.com/beer-and-bourbon/jul-ipa/

Lyrics Born w/ Boss Eagle – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

Reckless Kelly – 8:30 p.m. – Grizzly Rose, Denver – Schedule – https://www.grizzlyrose.com/calendar/

Cheesman Park Art Fest – July 27-28 – Cheesman Park, Denver – https://dashevents.com/productions/cheesman-park-art-fest/

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival – July 27-28 – Sloan’s Lake, Denver – http://www.cdbf.org/

July 28th – Sunday

Urban Market – 12:00 p.m. – Skyline Park, Denver – http://urbanmarketdenver.com/

Freddy Rodriguez and the Jazz Connection – 6:00-8:00 p.m. – City Park, Denver – http://cityparkjazz.org/2019-calendar

July 29th – Monday

Colorado Rockies vs. Dodgers – Coors Field, Denver – https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

July 30th – Tuesday

Colorado Rockies vs. Dodgers – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

July 31st – Wednesday

Colorado Rockies vs. Dodgers – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

August

August 1st – Thursday

Urban Market – 12:00 p.m. – Skyline Park, Denver – http://urbanmarketdenver.com/

Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band w/ Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts & Tracksuit Wedding – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

Subtronics – Aug 1-2 – 9:00 p.m. – Ogden Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.ogdentheatre.com/events

August 2nd – Friday

Colorado Rockies vs. Giants – Coors Field, Denver – https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

Flor de Toloache w/ Flamenco Denver – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

Kill Paris – 9:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

Arise Music Festival – Aug 2-4 – Sunrise Ranch, Loveland – https://arisefestival.com/

Movie at the Symphony: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in Concert – Aug 2-4 – Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver –  https://tickets.coloradosymphony.org/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=5137

August 3rd – Saturday

Colorado Rockies vs. Giants – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

Outlaws vs. Hounds – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver – https://www.broncosstadiumatmilehigh.com/stadium-information/event-calendar

Bowling For Soup & Reel Big Fish w/ Mest – 8:00 p.m. – Ogden Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.ogdentheatre.com/events

The Drums w/ Tanukichan – 8:30 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver – www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

Gary Allan – 9:30 p.m. – Grizzly Rose, Denver – Schedule – https://www.grizzlyrose.com/calendar/

The Oak Ridge Boys – 7:30 p.m. – Hudson Gardens, Littleton  https://www.hudsongardens.org/enjoy/concerts/

Art in the Square  – Aug 3-4 – 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. – Old Town Square, Fort Collins – https://downtownfortcollins.com/event/art-in-the-square/

August 4th – Sunday

Colorado Rockies vs. Giants – Coors Field, Denver –  https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

Reverend Horton Heat w/ The Delta Bombers & Lincoln Durham – 3:00-8:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

Styx – 7:30 p.m. – Hudson Gardens, Littleton –  https://www.hudsongardens.org/enjoy/concerts/

The Heavy Heavies featuring Venus Cruz – 6:00-8:00 p.m. – City Park, Denver – http://cityparkjazz.org/2019-calendar

August 6th – Tuesday

Knotfest Roadshow featuring Slipknot, Volbeat, Gojira, Behemoth – 5:30 p.m. – Pepsi Center – https://www.pepsicenter.com/misc/all-events

Maggie Rogers w/ Allie Crow Buckley – Aug 6-7 – 8:00 p.m. – Ogden Theater, Denver – https://www.ogdentheatre.com/events

Summer Salt – 8:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver  https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

August 8th – Thursday

Backstreet Boys – 8:00 p.m. – Pepsi Center, Denver https://www.pepsicenter.com/misc/all-events

Billy Joel – 8:00 p.m. – Coors Field, Denver – Tickets – https://www.mlb.com/rockies/tickets/concerts/billy-joel

Slim Cessna’s Auto Club w/ Lost Walks – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

August 9th – Friday

Passafire w/ Of Good Nature – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

Zac Brown Band – 7:00 p.m. – Coors Field, Denver – https://www.mlb.com/rockies/tickets/concerts/zac-brown-band

16th Street Fair – Aug 9-10 – 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. – 16th Street Mall, Denver – http://16thstfair.com/

Bohemian Nights Music Festival – Aug 9-11 – Fort Collins – https://www.bohemiannights.org/

August 10th – Saturday

Atlanta Rhythm Section, Black Oak Arkansas, Blackfoot – 7:00 p.m. – Hudson Gardens, Littleton – https://www.hudsongardens.org/enjoy/concerts/

The Mother Hips w/ Grant Farm – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

The Rolling Stones – 7:30 p.m. – Broncos Stadium – https://www.broncosstadiumatmilehigh.com/stadium-information/event-calendar

August 11th – Sunday

Boulder Market – 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. – Central Park, Boulder – https://www.coloradoevents.org/bouldermarket

August 12th – Monday

Colorado Rockies vs. Diamondbacks – Coors Field, Denver – https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

August 13th – Tuesday

Colorado Rockies vs. Diamondbacks – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

August 14th – Wednesday

Colorado Rockies vs. Diamondbacks – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

Boulder International Fringe Festival – Aug 14-25 – Boulder – Tickets – http://www.boulderfringe.com/

August 15th – Thursday

Eilen Jewell w/ Canyon Kids – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

Mozzy – 8:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

Cirque du Soleil Corteo – Aug 15-22 – Pepsi Center, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.pepsicenter.com/misc/all-events

August 16th – Friday

Colorado Rockies vs. Marlins – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

Celso Pina w/ Pato Machete – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

Riot Ten – 9:00 p.m. – Ogden Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.ogdentheatre.com/events

Shenandoah – 8:30 p.m. – Grizzly Rose, Denver – Schedule – https://www.grizzlyrose.com/calendar/

Rocky Mountain Folks Festival – Aug 16-18 – Lyons – Tickets – https://bluegrass.com/folks/lineup/main-stage

August 17th – Saturday

Colorado Rockies vs. Marlins – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

Urban Market – 12:00 p.m. – Skyline Park, Denver – http://urbanmarketdenver.com/

Backyard Party w/ Dirty Dozen Brass Band & Slim Wednesday – 5:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

The Claypool Lennon Delirium w/ Uni – 9:00 – Ogden Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.ogdentheatre.com/events

Chris Isaak – 7:30 p.m. – Hudson Gardens, Littleton – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.hudsongardens.org/enjoy/concerts/

Lafayette Peach Festival – 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. – Lafayette – https://business.lafayettecolorado.com/events/details/lafayette-peach-festival-20th-annual-2019-7664

Snail Mail – 9:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

August 18th – Sunday

Colorado Rockies vs. Marlins – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

Boulder Market – 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. – Central Park, Boulder – https://www.coloradoevents.org/bouldermarket

The Brothers Comatose w/ Jalan Crossland – 4:00-8:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

August 20th – Tuesday

Molotov – 8:00 p.m. – Ogden Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.ogdentheatre.com/events

August 22nd – Thursday

Urban Market – 12:00 p.m. – Skyline Park, Denver – http://urbanmarketdenver.com/

Buck-O-Nine – 8:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

The Yawpers w/ CITRA – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

August 23rd – Friday

Fiesta CO Dance Company w/ Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

Svdden Death – 9:00 p.m. – Ogden Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.ogdentheatre.com/events

August 24th – Saturday

Outlaws vs. Machine – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver – www.broncosstadiumatmilehigh.com/stadium-information/event-calendar

Zion I w/ Dub & DJ Cavem Moetavation – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver  – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

Handmade in Colorado Expo – Aug 24-25 – Bond Park, Estes Park – https://www.coloradoevents.org/handmadeincoloradoexpo

August 25th – Sunday

KoRn & Alice in Chains – 6:00 p.m. – Pepsi Center, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.pepsicenter.com/misc/all-events

WAR – 7:30 p.m. – Hudson Gardens, Littleton – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.hudsongardens.org/enjoy/concerts/

August 26th – Monday

Colorado Rockies vs. Braves – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

August 27th – Tuesday

Colorado Rockies vs. Red Sox – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

August 28th – Wednesday

Colorado Rockies vs. Red Sox – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

August 29th – Thursday

Colorado Rockies vs. Pirates – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

Wild Rivers w/ The Copper Children – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

August 30th – Friday

Colorado Rockies vs. Pirates – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

Dessa w/ MONAKR – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

Generationals – 9:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

August 31st – Saturday

Colorado Rockies vs. Pirates – Coors Field, Denver –  https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

Authority Zero w/ No Bueno! – 6:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

Heart w/ Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and Elle King – 7:00 p.m. – Pepsi Center, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.pepsicenter.com/misc/all-events

The Velveteers – 8:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

A Taste of Colorado – Aug 31-Sept 2 – Civic Center Park, Denver – https://www.atasteofcolorado.com/

September

September 1st – Sunday

Colorado Rockies vs. Pirates – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

Grupo Fantasma w/ ATOMGA – 4:00-8:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

September 4th – Wednesday

Blink-182 & Lil Wayne – 7:00 p.m. – Pepsi Center, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.pepsicenter.com/misc/all-events

September 5th – Thursday

Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival – Sept 5-8 – Estes Park – Schedules and Tickets – http://www.scotfest.com/

September 6th – Friday

Kevin Fowler – 8:30 p.m. – Grizzly Rose, Denver – Schedule – https://www.grizzlyrose.com/calendar/

Marcus Rezaks’ Shred is Dead w/ Allen Aucoin – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

Denver Hex – Sept 6-7 – 7:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

September 7th – Saturday

Native American Arts Celebration w/ Redbone & Cary Morin – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

September 8th – Sunday

Face Vocal Band w/ Freda Fletcher – 4:00-8:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

September 10th – Tuesday

Colorado Rockies vs. Cardinals – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

September 11th – Wednesday

Colorado Rockies vs. Cardinals – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

September 12th – Thursday

Colorado Rockies vs. Cardinals – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

KISS – 7:30 – Pepsi Center, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.pepsicenter.com/misc/all-events

Whitacre – 8:00 p.m. – Bluebird Theater, Denver – Schedule and Tickets – https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/events

September 13th – Friday

Colorado Rockies vs. Padres – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

Tnertle w/ Chewy&Bach & LYFTD – 5:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

Boulder Fall Festival – Sept 13-15 – Boulder – Schedule – https://www.boulderdowntown.com/fall-fest/about

September 14th – Saturday

Colorado Rockies vs. Padres – Coors Field, Denver – Season Schedule and Tickets- https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark

Low Cut Connie w/ Christopher the Conquered – 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Levitt Pavilion, Denver – Schedule – https://www.levittdenver.org/free-events

Lafayette Brew Fest – 2:00-7:00 p.m. – Lafayette – https://business.lafayettecolorado.com/events/details/lafayette-brew-fest-2019-7665

The post Summer Calendar 2019: All Good Things Under the Sun appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

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Life/Art Dance Ensemble will be presenting a retrospective show to celebrate their 10th anniversary. Ten Years Later…will be performed May 18-19 at the DL Parsons Theater in Northglenn. In addition to the performances, they are also offering free community dance classes on Saturday, May 18 from 5:30-6:30 pm, and on Sunday, May 19 from 1-2 pm. You can sign up for the class when you purchase tickets online at Life/Art Dance Ensemble.

If you haven’t been following Life/Art Dance Ensemble’s biannual performances over the past ten years, no worries. This retrospective is a perfect opportunity to get a taste of their lighthearted, thoughtful fare. The show is a highlight reel of the company’s favorite pieces and excerpts from a decade of dance, impressively built with 15 pieces, including a new work in collaboration with Park Hill Dance Collective. A newbie to the company myself, I attended a final studio run, and found myself wishing I had been onto them all this time.

The pieces are loosely tied together via theme, and showcase the ballet-informed contemporary style of choreographers Jessica Riggs, Michelle Bernier, Karleen Quackenbush, and Megan Roney. The choreography is highlighted by the dancers’ long, balletic extensions, peppered with modern drops and releases, plenty of inversion, floorwork, and original gesture. There is considerable variety, from solos and duets, to small group pieces and full company pieces. Props are employed meaningfully. Music covers a wide spread, from classical to Aphex Twin, to Imogen Heap, live cello by Adam Riggs, recitation of the poetry of Edgar Allen Poe, and original music by their many musical collaborators, including Austen composer Russell Podgorsek. Thirteen pieces into the viewing, my 7-year-old viewing companion was excitedly bouncing in her seat, inspired by the large lifts and full-out big-stage movement. We missed seeing a dance film, and the final collaborative new work, which were not part of the rehearsal. There is much to keep your attention riveted throughout the evening.

The program guide offers insight into the inspiration and meaning within each piece. As each dance is an excerpt of a larger body of work, I appreciated getting a deeper look into the genesis of these pieces. Some pieces are thoughtful, and others playful. Everything is served with a light, cool air that invites the viewer in. The overall attitude of the collection feels upbeat, with quiet depth below the surface.  

I asked Jessica Riggs, the company’s founder and artistic director, what is her intention for the audience when viewing Ten Years Later…. She responded, “In a world climate that is so very serious and heavy, dance and other performing arts can help us cope and provide a reprieve. In this show, we hope our audience finds comfort, reassurance, and enjoyment. Interlaced within the program are bits of wisdom that we believe are important tenets of being human. It is our hope that the audience finds value in this as well.”

Making art more accessible, and collaborating with other artists are foundations upon which Riggs’ company is built. After Riggs graduated from CSU with a double major in Dance and Dietetics, she saw a need for high-quality entertainment for the elderly population she was serving as a dietitian for the Volunteers of America Healthy Aging Program. She also saw a need for dancers like herself, with professions outside of dance, to have class and rehearsal time that didn’t interfere with a full-time work schedule. To meet these dual needs, Riggs founded Life/Art Dance Ensemble, which received 501(c)3 status in 2009. The company brings professional dance with live accompaniment and education to seniors in subsidized housing with their Cultural Experiences for Seniors program. The program has reached over 2,000 seniors along the Front Range since its inception.

In addition to performing for their elderly audiences, the company  produces two annual contemporary performances for public audiences. They enjoy collaborating with an array of artists, composers, videographers, and choreographers for these showings. More recently, the company has taken their work into non-traditional settings. These Out of Context presentations build dance audiences by bringing dance to those who may not venture into a theater. Wineries, breweries, pubs, and botanical gardens are a few of the offstage venues where you might catch a performance.

The company shares the abundance of their success by organizing Convergence, a dance showcase in which local dance companies share the cost of showing work. Theater space, lighting, advertising and organizing shows are costly endeavors, as Riggs and her board of directors know. Convergence builds community within the world of dance, and gives a hand to smaller companies, who might not have the finances to show work on their own.

Yet another yearly offering is Life in Motion: A Dance Film Festival featuring Colorado-connected filmmakers, dancers, choreographers, and producers. The screening also gives dance/film aficionados a chance to support the Cultural Experiences for Seniors outreach program.

I asked Riggs’ “why should people see more dance?” Her answer: “Dance is the only art form in which the body is the instrument. It is therefore most accessible, most instinctive, most connected to other humans. It can also be so many things: thought provoking, beautiful, entertaining. Dance can inspire, uplift, improve mood, turn a person’s day around. Dance, like all performing arts, needs support in the form of viewership, or it will go away. And then where would we be? Likely in a world without butterflies and blue skies.”

Life/Art Dance Ensemble is offering quite a lot along the Front Range to build community within the arts, build audiences, and bring dance to those who cannot access professional performances on their own. We can give back to them with our viewership. In return, we’ll receive those blue skies and butterflies that come from watching good dance.       

The post Preview: Life/Art Dance Ensemble Ten Years Later… | May 18-19 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

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Has it really been a year already? It seems like just yesterday I was waking up in a tent, a light sweat on my brow, empty beer cans tossed around beside me. Stepping out into that sunshine, that fresh early summer goodness, to the sound of badass bands getting down on stage and thousands of people engaged in the revelry that it seems only Colorado can provide, I knew exactly where I was: Burning Can Festival. 

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Yes, Colorado, it’s back. But first, some history: The Burning Can Fest at the Lyons Outdoor Games originally began as a Whitewater festival, celebrating the adventurous lifestyle of Lyons, CO. Over the years, additional events were added like a BMX dirt jump comp, slack line, dog jumping and more. LOG continued as a local favorite event for almost a decade. Then came the tragic flood of 2013 that almost wiped Lyons off the map. Then Oskar Blues came to the rescue (thank you, Oskar Blues) and merged it’s Burning Can festival into the event as a way to raise funds for the town’s recovery. Since then the event has grown and won awards such as: Top 10 Beer Fest by USA Today, the “Best Multi-Sport” and “Rowdiest Event” of the Rockies by Elevation Outdoors Magazine.

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Burning can Festival 2019 will take place at Bohn Park in Lyons, Colorado, on June 1st. The overnight festival features camping (duh), outdoor sports including a beer relay and field games, plenty of fresh mountain air since we’re camped out at the base of Bohn Park, tons of great music – including MOONTAXI and Wildermiss this year – and the beer festival. Let’s be real, that’s why most of us are going.

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70 + craft breweries on-site. You’re free to make as many loops around that as you can before you find yourself, once again, passed out in a tent but their cans tossed aside. Sitting out by the campfires, watching The Burning can glow hot and Crackle as coloradans and guests gather around is what makes this event so special. It’s always a blast and yellow Scene Magazine is proud to be a sponsor for another year. So yes, we will be on site, snapping pics and hanging out and drinking with everybody else. See you there.

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Ticketing info is here.

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The post Burning Can Festival ready to bring the heat | June 1, 2019 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

This spring, opportunities to enjoy dance are abundant. Performances from BOCO’s many local dance companies are popping up like our very own superbloom. One to watch is Cindy Brandle Dance Company’s A World on Fire, premiering April 19 – 20 at The Dairy Arts Center. This work takes on “social privilege, racial discrimination, the #MeToo movement, LGBTQ marginalization, and the constantly evolving antics of the current administration. Utilizing fierce, compassionate and athletic movement, CBDC’s choreography is inspired by the writings of local poets to create an evening of compassionate, compelling dance and film.”

Sound heady? Brandle says, “This show is deep, a little dark, but also hopeful. I aim for people to be touched, and find entertainment within the conceptual work.” Most of us are familiar with the gymnastic and virtuoso dance we see on television with such shows as So You Think You Can Dance. While impressive and thrilling to watch, that intellectual connection that Brandle offers is so often missing from the experience. Not so much reaching for the stars as reaching for their audience, CBDC wants you to think and feel their work. Brandle finds dance to be a “richer and more satisfying experience when the work has substance and depth.”

Yet beautiful movement is also important to the company esthetic. “We are working hard for the dancers to present beautiful movement, executed in an advanced technical performance.” Discussing her movement theory, Brandle says, “the energy comes from the inside out, so everything you’re doing is connected to your chi, and it’s connected to your center sacral connections, so you are really utilizing what is happening inside of your body to inform what is happening outside of your body.”

Such internal motivation offers the audience a recognizable experience of dance. We recognize movement which comes from the dancer’s somatic experience because we also have bodies that house these felt experiences. The movement touches our own inner landscape, and we can be more viscerally connected to what we see. So, while perhaps you may be impressed by a dancer’s skill, you can also recognize the feeling of the movement within yourself.  

Brandle is a choreographer who wants to go deeper. Discussing her love of dance, she says, “modern dance in particular brings a whole intellectual experience, because it will offer the audience a chance to interpret it as they see it, which I think is amazing. Sometimes people will come to me and talk to me about what they’ve seen, and it will be slightly different from my intentions, and that’s ok. I love that people are utilizing a thought process while they are watching. They are not just being entertained. There is something to digest and something to have a moment to contemplate. Abstract art makes you give pause and really think about what you saw and how you interpret it.”  

I had the chance to peek at a final rehearsal while the dancers were doing a run through of the completed work. I saw strong dancers with long lines, moving fiercely and succinctly through Brandle’s choreography of large movement, punctuated by precise gesture. The full company of nine women on the stage, moving together, is powerful, the way a community can be powerful when unified by an ideal or purpose. When the dancers break into smaller groups, supporting, throwing and lifting one another, there is a sense of human interaction to the movement. Solo dancers convey vulnerability, but also a sense of self-sufficient resolve.

Some of the dancing is performed against a backdrop of original poetry layered over music. These poems give the work it’s socio-political content, discussing a variety of issues that are currently in the public discourse. There is a poem written by a transgendered woman, another by a member of the LGBTQ community, who is also a woman of color, about what it is like to be in brown skin, another speaks of the #MeToo movement, a man discusses race from the perspective of a person of color, and his wife speaks of gun control.

Brandle hopes the content of the work will “open a dialogue for a deeper appreciation and understanding of the intense division in the world when addressing racial discrimination, LGBTQ marginalization, gender inequality, and the #MeTOO movement.”

I missed the opportunity to see the stage technologies of film and lighting that will add more layers of content and visual interest to the performance. Multimedia performance such as this has been growing in popularity, offering a variety of facets for audiences to connect to the work.    

So, why give dance a chance? As a dancer and choreographer for over 34 years, Brandle obviously has a great love of modern dance, although she laughs at the irony of choosing a career in such an obscure art form that gives little monetary reward. “I love the nonverbal communication of dance and how our bodies can create so much emotion. I think it inspires people. We are telling a story. We are communicating with our bodies. Seeing a live performance can be a rewarding experience to see live breathing people on a stage. I believe in my company and I think we are totally worth checking out. And I think there are some very talented people in the Front Range dance community.”

We all live in bodies that move and express ideas and emotions, even if we are not directly aware or deliberate about our expression. Watching this more intellectually driven dance can touch that awareness in each of us, making us remember our shared humanity. Remembering how we are all connected, despite our differences, is something we sorely need these days. A World on Fire offers an experience of connection, to ourselves, to issues that we are all dealing with in our communities, in relating to one another. It’s dance that we can relate to. We can see beautiful movement, and think and feel while we watch. Definitely worth checking out.

You can purchase your tickets here.

The post Preview | Cindy Brandle Dance Company: A World on Fire at Dairy Arts Center April 19 – 20 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Evolving Doors Dance, a staple in the Front Range contemporary dance scene, is back with their first full-length performance in two years. A Rip in the Sky & Mending the Moon, a premiere of contemporary dance, theater, poetry and original music, opened on Thursday, March 7 and runs until March 9 at The People’s Building in Aurora. The 75 minute piece weaves together multiple disciplines in an exploration of approaches to “tearing, fraying, unraveling, and…the sometimes unfathomable task of mending.”

The cast, assembled from dancers and actors, each bring their own unique skills to the stage. Some of the performers also brought their own written essays and poetry to the creative process, which comprise the spoken portions of the performance. Whatever their main discipline, all cast members speak and dance. The shifting focus from words to dance to the ways they mingle brought layered interest to the work.

Among the cast members were the Evolving Doors Dance company directors, choreographer/dancer Angie Simmons, and composer/musician Amy Shelley. Simmons and Shelley share life as a married couple as well as sharing a partnership as artistic collaborators. They have worked together for many years, learning to seamlessly interweave their personal and creative lives. It is lovely to hear the way a blanket reminds Simmons of their shared history in a snippet of dialogue. Their success in working well together is evident with A Rip in the Sky’s overarching theme of relationship.

Shelley’s sound score provides an ambient backdrop, sometimes adding an urgent element to the performance, such as when Shelley hits the drum set during a dance duet. Pre-recorded sounds are mixed with live music in an abstract soundscape, allowing the sounds to be interpreted by the listener. At one point, I imagined that I heard scissors sliding through fabric.

From sewing lessons and brief lectures on cultural fabric traditions, to shrouding the dancers, cloth is laid out, literally and metaphorically, quilting together the assorted elements of dance, poetry, memory, and music. Though sometimes the performers speak of repairing cloth, the dancers’ bodies intertwine, pulling together, pushing away, speaking of relationship. From there, the language flows into poetry about loss, or desire to reconnect, while bodies strive to make contact, or dancers tie fabric to form a bridge.

Outstanding among the spoken and danced elements was a piece written by Simmons which reimagines Homer’s Penelope weaving and unweaving a shroud in order to maintain her rulership as a single female.

The Mourning Star by Ian D, a poem about his empty feelings after the passing of his mother, was emotionally potent.

Later, a bit of dialogue stating that “America has no fabric tradition” left my viewing partner and I with questions about how indigenous fabric traditions fit into this point of view. Simmons later explained that she intended to convey that the USA has many fabric traditions, including indigenous and imported traditions, but denim is as close as we come to having a fabric representative of blended culture. She felt that as a company without Native representation, claims about indigenous fabric traditions were tricky to navigate without appropriating culture, but thought the phrasing could be reworked for better clarity.

Throughout the evening, the dance held steady, supported by the musical score, while the stories provided emotional context and variety. The assorted narratives come together, not like a story with linear plotlines, but like a quilt the performers have sewn together and laid gently across the stage by the end of the show. The dancers conclude the show by spreading scraps of fabric upon the stage floor, lending visual imagery to this perception.

The piece is presented “in the round,” with the stage in the center of the audience. This is a different configuration than the standard proscenium stage presentation, with its imaginary “third wall” separating the world of the performers from the audience. The “in the round” presentation offers a more intimate experience to the viewer, freeing the performers to direct their actions to all sides of the stage. The audience members each experience a unique viewing of the piece, but are more connected by facing one another. At times, my eyes drifted outward from the performance to another audience member’s face. Their experience of watching became part of the performance, giving a feeling of being “in this together.”

As a dancer and choreographer, it was a pleasure to return to dance as an audience member to view A Rip in the Sky & Mending the Moon. I found familiarity in the gestural and grounded movement style that seems to grow locally. The Front Range is home to a creative contemporary dance and theater scene, producing experimental, immersive or multidisciplinary work like EDD’s A Rip In the Sky & Mending the Moon. Like EDD, these companies are artist owned and produced, crowdfunded ventures. These hidden gems are worthy of  attention, and should be sought out whenever possible.

Duet with fabric, image by Evolving Doors Dance Company

The post Evolving Doors Dance Company Rips the Sky, Mends the Moon: Contemporary Dance Review appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.