Aspen

Ever wonder how a ballet company thrives in the heart of the American West? The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, right here, is a testament to that. It’s not just a company; it’s a multi-faceted arts organization. It nurtures the love of dance through various programs, enriching the culture of both Aspen, Colorado, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet was founded in 1996. Bebe Schweppe, the founder of the Aspen Ballet Company and School, invited Tom Mossbrucker and Jean-Philippe Malaty to bring her vision to life. They started small, with just seven dancers. Their growth was organic, fueled by collaborations with renowned choreographers like Gerald Arpino, Trey McIntyre, Septime Webre, and Dwight Rhoden. A pivotal moment for the young Aspen Santa Fe Ballet was the performance of Moses Pendleton’s “Noir Blanc.” This marked the beginning of their tradition of commissioning new works. Mossbrucker and Malaty tapped into the European creative scene. They embraced an open, exploratory style. This resonated with the athleticism and adventurous spirit of American dancers. The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet found itself at a crossroads of dance history. The lines between ballet and modern dance blurred. In 2000, the company solidified its dual-city identity. This innovative model diversified their revenue and allowed for year-round arts activities. Performances, education, presentations, and community outreach all flourished in both Aspen and Santa Fe. The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet is renowned for championing emerging choreographers. They nurtured the early careers of now-sought-after talents like Nicolo Fonte, Jorma Elo, Jacopo Godani, Cayetano Soto, and Alejandro Cerrudo. Their repertoire also includes works by late 20th-century masters such as William Forsythe, Jiři Kylián, and Twyla Tharp. From its humble beginnings, the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet has achieved national recognition. They have graced prestigious stages. These include the American Dance Festival, the Harris Theater, Jacob’s Pillow, the Joyce Theater, The Kennedy Center, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and Wolf Trap. Their reach extends internationally. They’ve toured Brazil, Canada, France, Greece, Guatemala, Israel, Italy, and Russia. The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet stands as a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and artistic exploration.