EXHIBIT
Beat: “Body Worlds” gets a new incarnation
Until last week, the particulars of the latest “Body Worlds” exhibit were closely guarded secrets, but on Thursday the Denver Museum of Nature & Science announced what will likely be its next blockbuster exhibit. Remember, the last time a “Body Worlds” exhibit visited the museum, it smashed attendance records. More than 687,000 people visited “Body Worlds 2” during its 19-week run in 2006.
The latest, “Body Worlds & the Story of the Heart,” will run daily March 12-July 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets go on sale Feb. 1 at ($16-$25.50). Reservations are strongly encouraged.
The all-new exhibit presents more than 200 human specimens preserved through a process called plastination, which extracts bodily fluids and fat from cadavers and replaces them with resins. And, yes, it’s as crazy and cool as it sounds. John Wenzel
ART
Dadone going to Boulder museum
David Dadone offers that rare combination of skills that museums are eager to find: He’s an accountant with a background in art theory and criticism.
So, when the Argentine native applied to be executive director of the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, its board of directors jumped at the chance to hire him. He will take over his new post on Feb. 1.
For the past four years, Dadone, 38, has been on the staff of Denver’s Museo de las Americas, serving first as director of operations and, for the last eight months, deputy director.
His passion for contemporary art was his prime motivation for wanting to lead the Boulder institution, which was established in 1972 and has an annual budget of $500,000.
“I would like to in some way bridge Boulder with Denver and bring to Boulder more contemporary art and more local and national artists and, eventually, international artists,” Dadone said.
He replaces Penny Barnow and Joan Markowitz, who announced their joint retirements in October after serving as co-executive directors of the Boulder museum for five years.
The Museo de las Americas, 861 Santa Fe Drive, is hosting a going-away party for Dadone from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. It is free and open to the public. Kyle MacMillan
THEATER
Meeting about Crossroads’ future
The city of Denver will host a public meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Crossroads Theatre to discuss future programming and operation of the theater in Five Points.
In December, the city’s Division of Theatres and Arenas signed a three- year contract to manage the financially troubled, 100-seat theater at 2590 Washington St.
The city will gather suggestions from business owners, neighbors, arts groups and members of the media to determine how the Five Points and local performing arts communities would like to see the space utilized.
“Theatres and Arenas intends to provide a venue where these communities can develop organic, sustainable programming that will enhance the cultural economy in Denver, while promoting and preserving the heritage of the neighborhood surrounding Crossroads Theatre,” said spokeswoman Jenny Schiavone. John Moore
DANCE
Auditions for two ballet companies
Attention Denver ballet hopefuls: It’s time to get limber for the next round of big-time auditions coming to town.
On Monday, New York’s prestigious Joffrey Ballet School will hold its summer auditions at the Colorado Ballet, 1278 Lincoln St. Registration is 3:30-4:30 p.m.; auditions are in two blocks: 5:30-7 p.m. for ages 10-12; 7-8:30 p.m. for ages 13-21. Be prepared to show your best classical, jazz, modern and pointe techniques. Fees run $30-$40 and video auditions are accepted. Visit for more information.
Another world-renowned New York company, the School of American Ballet, stops by Colorado Ballet on Feb. 6 with a similar set-up (2-3:30 p.m. for ages 12-14, 3:30-5 p.m. for ages 15-18) and price ($35). Be sure to bring a copy of your birth certificate and, if you’re a girl, pointe shoes. Visit for more information. John Wenzel
