Bucking the trend of most mammals, dance companies usually slip into hibernation in the summer, focusing on their classes and developing programs for the fall-to-spring season.
But Colorado companies have much to offer in the coming months, as this diverse slate proves. Here are just a few of our favorites.
“Stand Up and Dance,” Louder Than Words Dancetheatre. May 31, June 6-7. Artistic director Chris Harris leads this Denver-based company through these energetic, flowing shows at the Byron Theatre on the University of Denver campus. (303-871-7720 or )
“Mile High Movement I & II,” Various artists. June 12. An eclectic blend of national and local companies, including Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Lemon Sponge Cake and Colorado Ballet will offer 10- minute showcase performances in the Gates Concert Hall at DU. (303-357-2787 or /newmancenter)
“Sunday in the Park,” Boulder Ballet. June 15. This free, family-friendly repertoire concert features excerpts from the season along with new works. It kicks off at the Broomfield Auditorium on June 15 with additional performances at the Boulder Central Park bandshell (June 22) and General’s Park in Aurora (June 29). (303-443-0028 or )
“China Sneak Preview Performance,” Kim Robards Dance. June 20. This Denver company plans to test its “Going for the Gold” program in advance of a two-week tour of China in August. It will also hold a fundraiser for the trip on Friday at the Parc Belmar Marina Room. (303-825-4847 or )
Extraordinary Dance Festival, Colorado College. June 30-July 18. One of the highlights of this festival is the annual gala performances July 12-13, which feature an international roster of performers, including Denver’s Schiff Dance Collective, Colorado Springs’ Ormao and Cirque du Soleil artists Sara Joel and Kevin Gibbs. (877-894-8727 or )
2008 Vail International Dance Festival, Various artists. July 27-Aug. 10. Catch Paul Taylor Dance Company, Morphoses/The Wheeldon Company, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Noche Flamenca, composer Philip Glass and more at this reliably world-class event. (888-920-2787 or )
Aerial Dance Festival 2008, Frequent Flyers Productions. Aug. 3-17. This Boulder company has distinguished itself as a master of this athletic, burgeoning offshoot of contemporary dance. Beginners and experts are welcome to join these classes and performances at the Dairy Center for the Arts, the Boulder Circus Center and on the CU Boulder campus. (303-245-8272 or )
“A Strange Land,” Lemon Sponge Cake Contemporary Ballet. Aug. 16. Robert Sher-Machherndl’s latest composition, the bold, all-female “A Strange Land,” will enjoy a world premiere at the Chautauqua Summer Series in August. (303-413-7200 or )
“Go and Other Dances,” Hannah Kahn Dance Company. Sept. 12-13. This 12-member Denver company will present six dances including the quirky “Go,” the lyrical “Songs Without Words” and “Jumble” at the Denver School of the Arts Studio Theater. (303-789-4181 or hannah )
John Wenzel: 303-954-1642 or jwenzel@denverpost.com
