The fall performance season finds Denver-area dance companies re-branding, premiering new works and celebrating milestones — as with Ballet Nouveau Colorado’s 10th anniversary season.
“What we do is never more important than in times like these,” said artistic director Garrett Ammon, referring to the recent financial setbacks faced by most dance companies along the Front Range, including his.
Ballet Nouveau will kick off its 10th season with a reprise of “Intersection,” a multimedia show in which Ammon collaborated with Michael J. Henry’s Lighthouse Writer’s Workshop.
Here are just a few highlights of the fall dance season in Denver and beyond.
September
“The Pursuit of Happiness,” Damsels Dance Company, Sept. 16-18, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre. This Stapleton-based contemporary company will present another eclectic, energetic show benefitting women’s services shelter The Gathering Place. $15- $20. 303-257-5049 or .
“Intersection,” Ballet Nouveau Colorado, Sept. 16-18, Lakewood Cultural Center; Sept. 23-25, Performing Arts Complex at Pinnacle Charter School. This show, which premiered during the 2009-2010 season, sets Ammon’s contemporary ballet against a backdrop of film, poetry and romantic piano music by Chopin and Bach, with assistance from Denver’s Lighthouse Writer’s Workshop. $17-$44. 303-466-5685 or .
“Dreamcatchers: The Untold Story of the Americas,” Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Sept. 30-Oct. 9, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre. Denver’s iconic African-American dance company will premiere excerpts of this work, which celebrates the roles people of color played in the founding of America, at the Takitimu Festival in New Zealand before unveiling the full-length at Robinson’s home base in Denver. $25-$35. 303-295-1759 or . Also worthy: Robinson’s ensemble will perform with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra on Nov. 19 in a dramatic retelling of Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet.” .
October
Ballet Hispanico, Oct. 1, Newman Center for the Performing Arts. The Newman Center Presents series kicks off with this vibrant visiting show, featuring a diverse and theatrical repertory of works from Venezuela, Cuba, Trinidad, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Spain, Brazil, Argentina and Colombia. $33-$49. 303-871-6200 or .
“Swan Lake,” Colorado Ballet, Oct. 7-23, Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Is this an artful cash-in on the popularity of last year’s Oscar-winning “Black Swan”? Even if it is, that’s fine with us. With live music from the Colorado Ballet Orchestra, the state’s premiere ballet company is always welcome to bring a classic back to life with trademark clarity and intensity. $20-$140. 303-837-8888 or .
“Abstract Permutations,” Dawson/Wallace Dance Project, Oct. 28, Performing Arts Complex at Pinnacle Charter School. Formerly known as David Taylor Dance Theatre, this 32-year-old Denver company will premiere the darkly tinged title program in addition to artistic director James Wallace’s “Continuum” and “Eclipsing Venus” from Gregory Dawson, of Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet in San Francisco. $18-$22. 619-471-6783 or .
November
Arvada Center Dance Theater, 24th annual Fall Concert, Nov. 11-12, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities. Combining the work of 10 choreographers — most of whom are alumni of the Center’s Dance Company and Academy, this family-friendly mix of modern, ballet, jazz and contemporary works is always a crowd- pleasing (and affordable) good time. $8. 720-898-7200 or .
“Blueprint,” Lemon Sponge Cake Contemporary Ballet, Nov. 19, Newman Center for the Performing Arts. Boulder visionary Robert Sher-Mach- herndl returns from his collaboration with the Finnish National Ballet for another exploratory and nuanced new work. 303-871-7720 or .
John Wenzel: 303-954-1642 or jwenzel@denverpost.com
