Plenty of Colorado’s summer attractions use the word “festival” in their title, but the truly lives up to its name.
, and they actually mix and mingle artistically, experiencing and influencing each other’s work.
Then they put it together for audiences who get to sample the kind of dance diversity available nowhere else. can go from tap to ballet to ballroom.
The festival has a new guest this summer. For the first time, the will take part, adding a local edge to two-week event.
The fest schedule is online at vvf.org.
Here are five of the most promising nights on the schedule.
Monday: and The Otherz
America has watched tap dancer Glover grow up and refine his unique style. He’s fully contemporary, and always fun to watch, yet his respect for dancers past remains present. This evening also features his jazz quartet The Otherz.
Aug. 1: BalletX
Philadelphia’s BalletX continues to be one of the most exciting dance ensembles in the country, and co-founder Matthew Neenan’s new “Sunset, o639 Hours,” about a historic 1938 flight by Capt. Edwin Musick, has only bolstered its reputation. Vail’s first full-length ballet comes with live music.
Aug. 2: Ballet Blast
This celebration of the classical form promises to reveal all of its international angles. The dancers come from near and as far as Mexico City. On the roster: Compañía Nacional de Danza de Mexico, BalletX, Ballet Collective and the .
Aug. 7: International Evenings of Dance I
This is the best bet of the season, with a stunning lineup of solo turns featuring some of the best dancers in the world. A sampling: from the New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre’s Misty Copeland, Linda Celeste Sims from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the all-time legendary ballerina Wendy Whelan.
Aug. 10: Dance for $20.15
Vail wraps up with a gift to audiences, a full night of dance for just $20.15. The programming is a bit of a surprise, but expect an energetic celebration of the season featuring the best performers in town. This is a dance party as much as a formal performance.
Ray Mark Rinaldi: 303-954-1540, rrinaldi@denverpost.com or twitter.com/rayrinaldi
VAIL INTERNATIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL
The annual festival featuring dancers from across the globe takes place through Aug. 10. Most events at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, 530 S. Frontage Road E., Vail. 970-845-8497 or vvf.org.
