Boulder Ballet creates engaging dance performances and educational initiatives that enrich human connections through the transformative power of the arts.

Boulder Ballet is a nonprofit professional dance company and school dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible dance programming. Founded in the 1970s, the organization has grown into a regional leader in dance performance, training, and community engagement, reaching more than 22,000 individuals annually across five Colorado counties.

Our work is anchored by three pillars: a professional company that presents six mainstage programs annually; the Boulder Ballet School, which trains over 450 students each year through pre-professional, recreational, and adult classes; and a growing portfolio of community programs focused on equity and access. Our mainstage performances include full-length works such as The Nutcracker with live orchestra, original contemporary ballets that explore topics like mental health and identity, and The Gentle Nutcracker, a sensory-friendly production for neurodiverse audiences.

In addition to the school’s leveled curriculum, Boulder Ballet operates several specialized programs designed to address barriers to participation. Our Bilingual Ballet program offers Spanish-English instruction as an accessible entry point for young dancers and families from multilingual households. This program has served as a successful bridge into further training and performance opportunities and is supported by tuition assistance and community partnerships, including EcoArts Connections.
Other key initiatives include Poetry of Motion, a school residency program providing free, in-school dance education at Title I elementary schools; the Adaptive Dance Program, which offers weekly movement classes for youth with disabilities in partnership with medical volunteers; and wellness workshops supported by our Five Point Dancer Method, which focuses on dancer health through mindset, nutrition, injury prevention, cross-training, and work ethic. Financial support programs such as the BIPOC Scholarship Fund, Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), and PLAYpass eligibility ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation.

Boulder Ballet’s approach emphasizes collaboration, inclusion, and responsiveness. Through partnerships with schools, community organizations, and families, we work to ensure that all students—regardless of background, language, or ability—can access meaningful arts education and performance experiences.