2025 Vail Dance Festival Magazine

THE MOST SPECTACULAR ESTATES...

SKI-IN/SKI-OUT BACHELOR GULCH VILLAGE

Situated on the most coveted, uppermost lot in Bachelor Gulch, this 5 bedroom ski-in/ski-out residence captures timeless mountain elegance. Showcasing sweeping views of the Gore Range, 3712 Daybreak Ridge is a rare 17th century French-inspired retreat. Built with over 600 tons of stone, the home offers vaulted ceilings, heated patio with fire pit and sunken hot tub, an après room, gym, sauna, massage room, and direct access to Overshot ski run.

1094 RIVA GLEN

Embrace mountain luxury in Vail’s premier gated community, Spraddle Creek. This residence offers over 9,300 square feet, 6 bedrooms and panoramic views of Vail Mountain. The home includes an oxygenated primary suite, professional golf simulator room, gym, game room, and expansive heated outdoor living areas with water features. A Passport Club membership ensures seamless access to skiing and Vail Village.

1979 SUNBURST DRIVE

Discover this remarkable 9,000 square foot single family home with 6 bedrooms and an observatory ideal for stargazing. This residence offers a blend of luxury and tranquility. Enjoy a beautifully landscaped tiered garden, year-round fire pit, a lake just beyond the property, and magnificent views of the Gore Range.

Tucked into a pristine alpine setting, this exceptional estate offers over 16,400 square feet of living space and blends European elegance with mountain charm. Meticulously designed and richly detailed, the interior boasts soaring ceilings, artisan woodwork, and expansive windows for both grand entertaining and everyday luxury. Features include a guest house, theater, gym, heated pool, and hot tub. An additional 35-acre parcel provides unmatched privacy within the gated Pilgrim Downs community. Passport Club Membership included for easy ski access from Vail Village.

Located directly off the Born Free ski run with true ski-in/ski-out access and a short walk from Vail Village, this exquisite 8 bedroom residence combines stunning architecture with a picturesque creekside setting. Connected by a stone bridge and castle-style rotunda, the home includes multiple living areas, a great room with vaulted ceilings, and generous outdoor spaces framed by water features.

Experience unparalleled luxury in Lake Creek’s Cattleman’s Club. Offering breathtaking views of Finnegan’s Peak, with over 12,500 square feet of living space sitting on 4.5 acres, this 6 bedroom estate is designed for entertaining and relaxation. With glass nano doors seamlessly connecting the refined interior to sprawling outdoor areas, the idyllic setting features a reflecting pond, complemented by a custom fire pit, hot tub and guest house.

34 WHISKEY RIDGE

677 PILGRIM DRIVE

443 BEAVER DAM ROAD

LET’S TAKE CENTER STAGE

AStar.ACrown.ATrine.ABevy. at NOW: Premieres

The Vail Valley Foundation is the nonprofit behind events including the Vail Dance Festival and our vision is to create an extraordinary mountain community with quality of life for all. Get to know everything the VVF does to empower possibility and how YOU can be a part of all we do at vvf.org

WHAT WE DO

Amp Summer Concerts | Stifel Birds of Prey | Community Supports

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater | Bulleit Hot Summer Nights | GoPro Mountain Games Town of Eagle Showdown Town presented by Alpine Bank | Vail Dance Festival

Vilar Performing Arts Center | YouthPower365

Adji Cissoko, Savannah Green, Olivia Bell, Frances Samson, India Bradley, Melissa Toogood, in Jamar Roberts’s new work

at the 2024 Vail Dance Festival. Photo by Christopher Duggan.

Adji Cissoko & Youba Cissokho, Philip Duclos, Denys Drozdyuk & Antonina Skobina,

Unity Phelan & Chun Wai Chan, Mayfield Myers, Lil Buck, Daisy Kate Jacobson, Mira Nadon. Photos

MISSION STATEMENT

To provide leadership in arts, athletics, and education and address community needs to enhance our Valley as a place to live, work, and visit.

VAIL VALLEY FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Andy Arnold

John Arnold

Sam Bronfman

Jeffrey Byrne

Susan Campbell Will Cook

Steve Coyer

Greg Daly

Johannes Faessler

Carlos Gardea

Margie Gart

Nadia Guerriero

Carrie Besnette Hauser

Beth Howard

Al Hubbard

B.J. Hybl

David Hyde

Mike Imhof

Chris Jarnot

Cheryl Jensen

Alexia Jurschak

Anne-Marie Keane

Molly Kipp

Mike Krupka

Donna Lynne

Sarah Malloy Millett

Alejandra Cortés de Milmo

Ellen Moritz

Kaia Moritz

Bobby Murphy

Dan Pennington Jill Plancher

David Salvin Ken Schanzer

Slifer

Ann Smead

Kristin Tang

Tresca

Tina Vardaman Will Verity

Nick Waugh

Tina Wilson

Gary Woodworth

Kristy Woolfolk

VAIL VALLEY FOUNDATION LIFE TRUSTEES

Adam Aron

Judy Berkowitz

Marlene Boll

Bjorn Erik Borgen

Andy Daly

Bill Esrey

Tim Finchem

Harry Frampton

John Garnsey

George Gillett

Donna Giordano

Sheika Gramshammer

Steve Haber

Martha Head

Mike Herman

William Hybl

Elaine Kelton

Kent Logan

Peter May

Eric Resnick

Doug Rippeto

Mike Shannon

Stanley Shuman

Oscar Tang

Betsy Wiegers

IN MEMORIAM

President Gerald R. Ford

Berry Craddock

Jack Crosby

Pete Frechette

Steve Friedman

John Galvin

Pepi Gramshammer

Rod Slifer

Stew Turley

Get to know everything the Vail Valley Foundation does to Empower Possibility in our Valley:

Amp Summer Concerts | Stifel Birds of Prey | Community Supports

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater | Bulleit Hot Summer Nights | GoPro Mountain Games Town of Eagle ShowDown Town presented by Alpine Bank | Vail Dance Festival Vilar Performing Arts Center | YouthPower365 Learn more at vvf.org

MANAGING EDITOR

Shannon Thornburg

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Wren Bova

SALES MANAGERS

Sandie Aveil

Mark Bricklin

CONTENT & DIRECTION

Harper Addison

Martha Brassel

Kristen Dudding

Britt Felton

Kate Penner

Gabe Shalley

Damian Woetzel

CONTRIBUTORS

Joel Solari

Sarah Silverblatt

FESTIVAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

Christopher Duggan

Chris Kendig

Brian Maloney

DESIGN

Shannon Muench, Open Mind Studios

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

David Hakes

NEWSSTAND COVER PHOTO

Melissa Toogood

Photo by Christopher Duggan

PROGRAM COVER ILLUSTRATION

Andrea Selby

VAIL DAILY PUBLISHER

Mark Wurzer

All programs and artists are subject to change.

The Vail Daily is a wholly owned subsidiary of Swift Communications, LLC. 200 Lindbergh Dr, Gypsum, CO 81637 970-328-6333

Copyright ©2025

From its beginning, the Vail Dance Festival has been a unique convergence of breathtaking dance and the majestic natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Over the years, it has evolved into more than just a stage for performances— it has become a haven where artists who gather each summer to experiment, collaborate, and bring new work to life.

Since 2007, over 135 new dances have premiered at the Festival—and this summer, 10 more will debut from some of today’s most dynamic choreographers. With brilliant musicians joining extraordinary dancers in powerful collaborations, alongside community events and educational programs, art comes alive here in ways that invite all to experience its magic firsthand.

This season, the Festival will burst to life with 14 performances and a vibrant lineup of special events across the Vail Valley. Among the can’t-miss moments: acclaimed dancer, choreographer, and teacher Melissa Toogood takes center stage as this year’s Artist-In-Residence; the Festival welcomes the Vail debut of A.I.M by Kyle Abraham; a celebration of George Balanchine’s genius unites an array of brilliant ballet stars; and the Vail premiere of The Center Will Not Hold—a Dorrance Dance production—brings tap, hip-hop, and street dance to the Vilar stage.

We’re also thrilled to welcome back a cross-section of companies representing today’s dance excellence, including Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet, BalletX, Colorado Ballet, DanceAspen, and the Paul Taylor Dance Company. And forming a sort of only-in-Vail company, an extraordinary cast of artists from leading companies—American Ballet Theatre, National Ballet of Canada, New York City Ballet, and the Royal Danish Ballet among others—will join forces with boundary-pushing independent dancers to perform throughout the season.

Overall, more than 150 dancers, musicians, composers, and choreographers will converge this summer to make our Festival, and we invite you to be part of the magic and creative energy that define this unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re discovering the Festival for the first time or have been part of our community for years, you dance yourself or champion the art from the audience, your passion and support drive everything we do. Because of you, we continue to break new ground in dance, cultivating a vibrant and growing family of celebrated and rising artists.

With heartfelt thanks, we welcome and celebrate your place in this remarkable Festival. Together, let’s share in the magic once more in Vail—where the spirit of dance and music finds its home among the mountains.

VAIL DANCE FESTIVAL COMMITTEE

Susan Campbell Chair

Jill Plancher Vice-Chair

Judy Berkowitz*

Priscilla Brewster

*Committee Chair 1998-2018

Jeffrey Byrne

Sara Friedle

Stacey Gillett

Lisa Goldman

Sheika Gramshammer

John Harrison

Sally Hybl

Alexia Jurschak

Jonna Mackin

Jane Netzorg

Senenne Philippon

Fred Tresca

Betsy Wiegers

Tina Wilson

Damian Woetzel Artistic Director

Damian Woetzel Artistic Director, Vail Dance Festival

Susan Campbell Committee Chair, Vail Dance Festival

SUPPORT THE VAIL DANCE FESTIVAL

Throughout its 36-year history, the Vail Dance Festival has provided an inspiring environment in which diverse dancers, choreographers, & musicians share creative time & space, fuel each other artistically, and present work that challenges & showcases their talent. None of this would be possible without the support of our dedicated donors.

Ticket sales only cover 28% of our operating expenses and 51% of funding comes from individual donations. There are many ways to support the Festival. Whether you are a current donor or are interested in becoming a donor, our philanthropy team is here to help.

Peter Barclay Vice President of Philanthropy pbarclay@vvf.org

Martha Brassel Senior Director of Philanthropy mbrassel@vvf.org

Stephen Licciardi Director of Philanthropy slicciardi@vvf.org

Bailey Nelson Philanthropy Manager bnelson@vvf.org

Kendra Powell Director of Donor Engagement kpowell@vvf.org

Whitney Smith Director of Philanthropy, Education, and Community Engagement wsmith@vvf.org

Miah Wheeler Director of Philanthropy mwheeler@vvf.org

Calvin Royal III performs Reflections in D by Alvin Ailey on the International Evenings of Dance I program of the 2024 Vail Dance Festival. Photo by Christopher Duggan.

All gifts, large and small, contribute to our success! Donor benefits listed below for the 2025 Festival are available to donors who make a gift from September 2024 through the 2025 Festival.

HOW TO GIVE

CHECK OR ONLINE Make a donation by mailing a check to the Vail Dance Festival at P.O. Box 6550, Avon, CO, 81620 or online at vaildance.org/support

MONEY WIRE OR STOCK TRANSFER To make a donation via wire transfer, please contact the Vail Dance Festival at 970.777.2015

MORE WAYS TO GIVE Employer Matches, Donor Advised Funds (DAF), IRA Charitable Rollover, and Estate Gifts*

*Gifts made through a donor advised fund, qualified charitable distributions, private foundations, charitable trusts or matching gifts may be restricted from receiving benefits. Please contact your tax advisor with questions.

2025 VAIL DANCE FESTIVAL

Access to Borgen Family Patrons Plaza & May Gallery Patrons Lounge

Parking Pass (Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater)

*Bronze Dress Circle receives two complimentary tickets to Dance for $20.25 with BalletX.

Daisy Kate Jacobson with Joel Wenhardt, Abdias Armenteros, Kate Davis, Eliza Salem, and Jayla Chee at the 2024 Vail Dance Festival. Photo by Christopher Duggan.

HURLIN

Photo by Ru Kotryna.

FINE JEWELRY

Tiny Dancer Tea Party // $50

Saturday, July 26 // 10:00am–11:15am

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater Social Courtyard

Crown and tiara decorating, a dance session, snacks and fun for children ages 4–7. *Admission is for one child and one adult. Fee includes one children’s size Festival t-shirt. Sponsored by Skipper & Scout.

Dancing in the Streets // Free

Interactive pop-up performances with Festival artists throughout Vail & Lionshead Villages

Festival Kickoff Dance Party

Thursday, July 24 // 5:30pm Lionshead Village in front of Garfinkels Sports Bar

KEIGWIN + COMPANY

Sunday, July 27 // 12:00pm

Intersection of Bridge Street & Gore Creek Drive in Vail Village BalletX

Sunday, August 3 // 12:00pm

Intersection of Bridge Street & Gore Creek Drive in Vail Village

Open House with Melissa Toogood // $30

Sunday, August 3 // 1:00pm–2:00pm Golden Peak Studio Tent

Join Artist-In-Residence Melissa Toogood and other Festival artists as Melissa curates a look at elements of the 2025 Festival, including her new work set to premiere at this season’s NOW: Premieres.

Dancing in the Streets with BalletX. Photo by Chris Kendig.

Melissa Toogood during the 2019 Vail Dance Festival. Photo by Christopher Duggan.

Tiny Dancer Tea Party at the 2024 Vail Dance Festival. Photo by Brian Maloney.

Conversations on Dance // $25

Saturday, July 26–Sunday, August 3

10:30am–11:30am

Vail Mountain School Theatre

Conversations on Dance hosts Rebecca King Ferraro and Michael Sean Breeden welcome a small audience to enjoy interviews with Festival artists as part of their popular podcast series. Presented by Discover Vail.

Saturday, July 26

Alonzo King LINES Ballet

Sunday, July 27

Michael Novak, Paul Taylor Dance Company

Monday, July 28

Michelle Dorrance

Tuesday, July 29

Melissa Toogood

Wednesday, July 30

American Ballet Theatre

Ballerinas: Isabella Boylston & Chloe Misseldine

SPECIAL TIME & LOCATION:

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater Social Courtyard // 1:00pm–2:00pm

Thursday, July 31

Unity Phelan & Calvin Royal III

Friday, August 1

Rising Voices:

Gianna Reisen, My'Kal Stromile, Rachel Lockhart

Saturday, August 2

Savannah Green & Francesca Forcella, BalletX

Sunday, August 3

Next Generation: Chun Wai Chan, Mira Nadon, Gilbert Bolden III

Master Classes // $30

Friday, July 25–Monday, August 5 9:00am–10:20am

Vail Mountain School Gym

Advanced-level dance students may take advantage of classes with some of the world’s leading dancers at Vail Mountain School. This summer’s Master Class series offers an array of classes taught by Festival artists in ballet, contemporary, Broadway, tap, repertory, and more.

Friday, July 25

Contemporary Ballet with LINES Ballet

Friday, July 25

Ballet with India Bradley SPECIAL TIME: 10:30am–11:50am

Saturday, July 26

Ballet with Unity Phelan

Sunday, July 27

Ballet with Isabella Boylston & James Whiteside

Monday, July 28

Tap with Michelle Dorrance

Tuesday, July 29

Broadway with Robbie Fairchild

Wednesday, July 30

Contemporary with Daisy Kate Jacobson & Zack Gonder

Thursday, July 31

Ballet with Tiler Peck

Friday, August 1

Ballet with Margaret Tracey

Saturday, August 2

Justin Peck Repertory with Patricia Delgado

Sunday, August 3

Ballet with Chloe Misseldine

Monday, August 4

Ballet with Calvin Royal III

Tuesday, August 5

Ballet with BalletX

SPECIAL LOCATION: Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater Stage

Spencer Lenain, Philip Duclos, Olivia Bell, Mayfield Myers, and India Bradley with Rebecca King Ferarro and Michael Sean Breedan. Photo by Chris Kendig.

James Whiteside and Isabella Boylston with Festival attendees. Photo by Chris Kendig.

Celebrate the Beat Pop Hop Camp

A free dance camp culminating in a performance at International Evenings of Dance I

July 28–August 1, 2025

Eagle County youth ages 9-14 have the opportunity to participate in the free, week-long Pop Hop Camp designed to foster teamwork, creativity, and joy of accomplishment through dance. Directed by Tracy Straus, the program was introduced to Eagle County in 2007 by Heather Watts and Damian Woetzel.

MAJOR SUPPORT FOR CELEBRATE THE BEAT PROVIDED BY: Jill & Kevin Plancher

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY:

Hennessy-Allen, Allie Coppeak, Holly & William Elliott, Shelly & Chris Jarnot, Anne-Marie & John Keane, Joyce & Paul Krasnow, Cynthia LeBreton, Eugenia Lubell, Renée Okubo, Rosalind Reed, Suzanne Westmoreland, and Tina & David Wilson

Intern & Ambassador Programs

Engaging the next generation of arts leaders

Intern Program

Every year, the Festival engages ambitious graduate and undergraduate students and young professionals from around the country who serve as members of the Festival intern team. Interns support a variety of areas including artist hospitality, media/communications, education/ outreach, venue/rehearsal management, transportation/logistics, food/ beverage, and development. This is a unique opportunity for interns to work behind-the-scenes alongside some of the world’s greatest dancers, choreographers, and artistic leaders, and has launched numerous professional careers in the arts. Generously Underwritten by Michael E McGoldrick Charitable Foundation.

Ambassador Program

This year we welcome Elijah Geolina and Daniel Guzmán as our 2025 Scholars-In-Residence.

Scholar-In-Residence Program

The Scholar-In-Residence designation awards advanced pre-professional dancers representing alternating techniques the opportunity to take part in the Vail Dance Festival. At the Festival, the young dancer-scholars receive mentorship and hone their artistic practice over an immersive two weeks where they participate in company class side-by-side with Festival artists from around the world, attend rehearsals and events, and have opportunities to perform in classic repertory as well as new works. Young artists in this position have represented genres of dance including ballet, flamenco, street dance, and tap.

Daniel Guzmán Generously Underwritten by Jane & Skip Netzorg. Elijah Geolina Generously Underwritten by the Heather Watts Emerging Artists Fund.

The Ambassador Program provides a unique, hands-on opportunity for current 8th through 12th graders. Ambassadors work closely with the Festival staff and are able to contribute to many different areas of the Festival’s on-site operations. The program includes a community service component as well as numerous educational offerings. Generously Underwritten by Anonymous.

Kayla Mak performance with Celebrate the Beat at the 2024 Festival. Photo by Christopher Duggan.

2024 Festival Interns Dymond Davis, Carissa Campbell, Sierra Riley, and Arjun Kochhar. Photo by Brian Maloney.

Community Arts Access (CAA)

Removing socio-economic barriers to the arts to make access for all.

• We partner with local nonprofits and charities to provide free tickets to Festival performances to the communities they serve.

• Children 12 and under receive free access to the lawn with the purchase of an adult ticket.*

• Students and faculty may purchase discounted lawn tickets for $10.*

• Dance for $20.25 is a specially-priced evening devoted to arts access. Reserved pavilion seats are $20.25 each and lawn tickets are $10.25 each.

*For performances at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

Our CAA program has been an integral part of the Vail Dance Festival for many years now providing much-needed access to attend performances for members of our community who may not otherwise be able to attend. This year, CAA was going to be largely funded by an annual grant from the National Endowment for the Arts that we recently learned will no longer be available to the Vail Dance Festival. We want to express our sincere thanks to generous supporters Jamie Babin and Mauri Pioppo & Keith Funger who stepped in with donations to help us cover the funds we need for CAA this summer. Thank you, Jamie, Mauri, and Keith, for jumping in to help us maintain this essential programming.

Support the Vail Dance Festival

By supporting the Vail Dance Festival, you receive benefits including premium seating, rehearsal access, pre- and postperformance gatherings, and more. Support great art and make the most of your experience by donating today at vaildance.org/support

Elevate Your Festival Experience Today! Scan the

In honor of Bob Knous

March 5, 1947–June 7, 2024

President of the Vail Valley Foundation 1986–1990

A special thanks to Caroline Fisher for her generous gift in honor of her late husband Bob Knous to support the Vail Dance Festival’s Community Arts Access opening weekend. Among Bob’s most cherished legacies was his leadership in the construction and completion of the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater and his pivotal role in founding the Vail Dance Festival in 1989.

Festival attendees at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. Photo by Chris Kendig.

Vail Valley Foundation President, Mike Imhof (left) awards Bob Knous, former President of the VVF, with the VVF Visionary Award at the 2018 Festival. Photo by Erin Baiano.

We offer many different ticket specials for Festival performances this summer. Enjoy extraordinary entertainment with extraordinary savings!

Encore Club Pass

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

• One lawn ticket to each performance; 10 shows total

• Ability to upgrade to reserved pavilion seating for $30 to select performances (based on availability)

• Three vouchers for discounted guest lawn tickets

• Package total: $232.20 including all fees

• NOT valid for performances at the Vilar Performing Arts Center

Over $90 in savings

PICK 3 // 20% Off

Enjoy 20% off the best available seating to 3 select performances:

July 26 Alonzo King LINES Ballet

July 27 UpClose: Song & Dance

July 28 Balanchine Celebration

July 29 Paul Taylor Dance Company

August 2 International Evenings of Dance III

August 3 A.I.M by Kyle Abraham

August 4 NOW: Premieres

Free Lawn Admission for Children

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

• Children 12 and under receive free lawn admission at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater with the purchase of an adult ticket

• Excludes performances at the Vilar Performing Arts Center

BOX OFFICE INFORMATION

Phone: 970.845.TIXS (8497)

Email: boxoffice@vvf.org

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater 530 S Frontage Road East Vail, CO 81658

Lawn Ticket 4 Pack

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

• Four tickets for the price of three

• Receive a discount if you buy lawn tickets in a group of 4 to select performances

• To book a 4-pack, select price type 4 PACK at seat selection

• Excludes Dance for $20.25 with BalletX

• NOT valid for performances at the Vilar Performing Arts Center

Pay Your Age

• Receive the best available seats at a big discount. 18–30 year-olds are invited to ‘Pay Your Age’ for reserved seating

• Limited availability

• Pay Your Age tickets must be purchased at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater or Vilar Performing Arts Center Box Offices with valid proof of age ID

• Pay Your Age promotion does not include Opening Night, The Center Will Not Hold, International Evenings of Dance I & II, and Dance for $20.25 with BalletX

Student & Faculty Lawn Tickets // $10

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

• Students and Faculty may purchase discounted lawn tickets to performances

• Excludes Dance for $20.25 and performances at the Vilar Performing Arts Center

* Subject to availability. Subject to change.

Vilar Performing Arts Center 68 Avondale Lane Beaver Creek, CO 81620

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I buy tickets to the Vail Dance Festival?

ONLINE at vaildance.org

BY PHONE at 970.845.TIXS (8497)

IN-PERSON at one of our box office locations: Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail or Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek

Where do the performances take place?

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

503 S Frontage Road East, Vail, CO 81657

The Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail is operated by the nonprofit Vail Valley Foundation and is a spectacular outdoor venue that seats 1,265 guests in covered pavilion seating and an additional 1,235 on its expansive grassy hillside with a breathtaking view of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

Seating: Covered pavilion seating is reserved. General admission lawn seating is available on a first come, first served basis. Legless chairs are permitted on the lawn. The Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater provides reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities, including those with limited mobility.

Parking: The closest FREE parking is at the Vail Village parking structure, beginning at 3pm. Limited paid parking is available at the Ford Park parking lot on a first come, first served basis.

Directions: From the Vail Village parking structure, exit to the east, and walk northeast down the S Frontage Road E sidewalk toward the softball fields until you find the paved walkway into the park on your right. Follow the path to the venue.

Shuttle: A complimentary express shuttle to Ford Park is also available from the top levels of both the Town of Vail parking structures during the Festival.

Venue Policies: Visit grfavail.com/policies

Vilar Performing Arts Center

68 Avondale Lane, Beaver Creek, CO 81620

The Vilar in Beaver Creek is a 530-seat theater that is operated by the nonprofit Vail Valley Foundation and presents a variety of year-round performances including concerts, Broadway, family entertainment, comedy, classical, dance, film and more. The facility features breathtaking architectural design with the highest quality finish work and acoustics available.

Parking: Summer parking is FREE in Beaver Creek on a first come, first served basis. The Villa Montane lot sits directly across from the Vilar on Avondale Lane and the Ford Hall lot is located just north of the venue on Village Road.

Directions: Beaver Creek Shuttle from lower lots - Park, walk or ECO bus to the lower Beaver Creek Village lots (Elk and Bear) and hop on the complimentary transportation Beaver Creek Village shuttle. Staying in Beaver Creek? Try the DialA-Ride Shuttle Service, a complimentary door-to-door, shared ride transportation within the Beaver Creek and Bachelor Gulch Villages. Guests may ask their concierge to arrange transportation anywhere within the resort or download the Village Connect app.

Venue Policies: Visit vilarpac.org/venue-policies

Avon Performance Pavilion at Nottingham Park

1 Lake Street, Avon, CO 81620

Located in Avon, the Performance Pavilion at Nottingham Park is a year-round cultural and entertainment venue for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, theater performances, educational events, and more.

Seating: Open-air seating is available on an expansive grass-covered lawn and is perfect for audiences of all ages. Limited bleacher seating is provided, however attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, umbrellas, and picnics to make the experience even better! Festival performances will take place rain or shine.

Parking & Restrooms: Public restrooms are located adjacent to the venue in Nottingham Park. Nearby free parking is available.

What should I wear?

Audiences wear anything from mountain casual to semi-formal. It’s totally up to you! Keep in mind that summertime in Vail is beautiful, but it does cool off quickly once the sun goes down. We recommend bringing layers and even a blanket for cooler evenings. Festival performances will take place rain or shine.

QUESTIONS? Visit vaildance.org or contact us at info@vvf.org or 970.777.2015 .

2025 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

COLOR KEY

●  PERFORMANCES

●  EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

●  DONOR EVENTS

●  EVENTS FOR CHILDREN

●  APRÈS EVENTS

LOCATION KEY

GRFA: Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

AVON: Avon Performance Pavilion at Nottingham Park

AVT: Avanti Vail

B&G: Cross streets of Bridge and Gore

BFPP: Borgen Family Patrons Plaza at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

GPST: Golden Peak Studio Tent

LHV: Lionshead Village

MG: May Gallery Patrons Lounge at the Vilar Performing Arts Center

MVL: Manor Vail Lodge Piney Ballroom

SC: Social Courtyard at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

TOTS: Tavern on the Square

VMS: Vail Mountain School

VILAR: Vilar Performing Arts Center

27

Master Class: Isabella Boylston & James Whiteside

9:00am–10:20am // VMS

Conversations on Dance

Michael Novak, Paul Taylor Dance Company

10:30am–11:30am // VMS

FREE Dancing in the Streets

KEIGWIN + COMPANY

12:00pm // B&G

VVF Summer Donor Reception* 4:30pm // BFPP

UpClose: Song & Dance 6:00pm // GRFA

3

Master Class: Chloe Misseldine

9:00am–10:20am // VMS

Sparkling Brunch***

10:00am–1:00pm // SC

Conversations on Dance

Next Generation

10:30am–11:30am // VMS

FREE Dancing in the Streets BalletX

12:00pm // B&G

Open House with Melissa Toogood 1:00pm // GPST

Pre Performance Access† 5:00pm // MG

A.I.M by Kyle Abraham 6:00pm // VILAR

28

Master Class: Michelle Dorrance 9:00am–10:20am // VMS

Conversations on Dance

Michelle Dorrance 10:30am–11:30am // VMS

Pre-performance Access† 6:30pm // BFPP

Balanchine Celebration 7:30pm // GRFA

29

Master Class: Robbie Fairchild 9:00am–10:20am VMS

Conversations on Dance Artist-In-Residence

Melissa Toogood 10:30am–11:30am VMS

Pre-performance Access† 6:30pm // BFPP

Paul Taylor Dance Company 7:30pm // GRFA

4

Master Class: Calvin Royal III 9:00am–10:20am // VMS

Pre Performance Access† 6:30pm // BFPP

NOW: Premieres 7:30pm // GRFA

5

Master Class: BalletX 9:00am–10:20am GRFA Stage Pre Performance Access† 5:00pm // BFPP Dance for $20.25 with BalletX 6:00pm // GRFA

24 JULY

FREE Dancing in the Streets Festival Artists Return 5:30pm–6:00pm // LHV

NEW! Festival Kickoff Mixer

Free & Open to the Public 6:00pm // TOTS

25

Master Class: Alonzo King LINES Ballet

9:00am–10:20am // VMS

Master Class: India Bradley 10:30am–11:50am // VMS

Opening Night Reception† 6:30pm // BFPP

Opening Night 7:30pm // GRFA

30

Master Class:

Daisy Jacobson & Zack Gonder

9:00am–10:20am // VMS

Watching Dance with Heather Watts

11:00am // VMS

Conversations on Dance

American Ballet Theatre

1:00pm–2:00pm // SC

Pre Performance Access† 5:00pm // MG

The Center Will Not Hold

A Dorrance Dance Production

6:00pm // VILAR

Sparkling Reception** Post-performance // MG

31

Master Class: Tiler Peck 9:00am–10:20am // VMS

Conversations on Dance

Unity Phelan & Calvin Royal III

10:30am–11:30am // VMS

VIP Tent at Dancing in the Park† 4:30pm // AVON

Dancing in the Park 5:30pm // AVON

1 AUGUST

Master Class: Margaret Tracey 9:00am–10:20am // VMS

Conversations on Dance Rising Voices

10:30am–11:30am // VMS

Pre Performance Reception† 6:30pm // BFPP

International Evenings of Dance I 7:30pm // GRFA

Sparkling Reception** Post-performance // BFPP

26

Master Class: Unity Phelan 9:00am–10:20am // VMS

Conversations on Dance

Alonzo King LINES Ballet 10:30am–11:30am // VMS

Tiny Dancer Tea Party 10:00am–11:30am // SC

Pre-performance Access† 6:30pm // BFPP

Alonzo King LINES Ballet 7:30pm // GRFA

Sparkling Reception**

Post-performance // BFPP

2

Master Class: Justin Peck & Patricia Delgado

9:00am–10:20am // VMS

Conversations on Dance BalletX

10:30am–11:30am // VMS

Pre Performance Access† 4:00pm // BFPP

International Evenings of Dance II 5:00pm // GRFA

Pre Performance Access† 7:00pm // BFPP

International Evenings of Dance III 8:00pm // GRFA

SPECIAL DONOR EVENTS KEY

†Reserved for Gold Dress Circle Donors and above, and Vail Valley Foundation Leadership Giving Circle.

*Reserved for Gold Dress Circle Donors and above, and Vail Valley Foundation Ford Founders level Donors and above.

**Bronze Dress Circle Donors and above are invited to all three Sparkling Receptions. Fan Club Donors are invited to one.

***Reserved for Gold Dress Circle Donors and above.

Visit vaildance.org for more information about Conversations on Dance and Master Class program content.

Schedule is subject to change.

Getting to know

MELISSA TOOGOOD

2025 ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE

By Joel Solari

Artist-In-Residence Melissa Toogood is celebrated around the world for her work as a modern dancer and master teacher, and her career continues in 2025 as the new Dean and Director of Juilliard’s legendary dance division. Toogood’s first professional appointment was as a dancer in Merce Cunningham Dance Company, where she was one of the last dancers to work directly with Cunningham himself. As a longtime dancer for choreographer Pam Tanowitz, she has also served as Rehearsal Director and Artistic Associate for Tanowitz’s company, assisting on new works for major institutions such as The Australian Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company, and The Royal Ballet. A Festival artist since 2015, we caught up with Toogood this spring to learn about her dance background and how coming to Vail in the summer continues to inspire her artistic passions and connections with her peers and collaborators.

As we go to press, you have just been announced as Juilliard’s new Dean and Director of Dance, beginning this summer. Congratulations! Can you share a little about your vision for dance at Juilliard and dance in the world?

I want them to be the greatest dancers and dance makers they can possibly be. I’m committed to deeply embodying the foundational techniques and focusing on craft. Exploration, nurturing curiosity, giving them access to new repertory and ideas are also priorities of mine. They are so excited about collaboration, and the possibilities are endless when you think about what we could do across disciplines at Juilliard and in the city of New York. I want to continue to expand the opportunities for them to connect with their unique futures in the field. Dance is a powerful connector in the world. We need that now, and we will always need that.

Melissa Toogood in Vail. Photo by Christopher Duggan.

You grew up in Australia and studied abroad at New World School of the Arts in Miami, Florida, to obtain your BFA in Dance Performance. When did you first learn of your love for dance, and what inspired you to make this your path in life?

I have always danced. I don’t ever remember not dancing. I was incredibly lucky to have had very good teachers as a child and teenager who really encouraged me and shared with me the kinds of opportunities that were out there. They pushed me to go to college in the U.S. for dance, and there the world and the possibility of living a life as an artist opened up. I feel lucky I found my way of understanding and contributing to the world. That created a confidence and power in me that instigated a desire to make this my path in life. Through dance and art, I could reach people and my deepest self, and contribute in a meaningful way. It’s not been an easy road, but I do believe it was the only one for me. Fortunately, there have been many incredible moments along the way that have encouraged me to continue to choose this path, like being named ArtistIn-Residence at the Vail Dance Festival at 43 years old. I know I still have more to share, and having this kind of recognition is a nice boost to keep me striving for more.

You were a member of the esteemed Merce Cunningham Dance Company from 2007–2011 and now serve as an official stager of his work through the Merce Cunningham Trust. You are also a highly sought-after master teacher of the dance legend’s technique throughout the world. What makes his body of work stand the test of time, and how has he influenced your way of dancing and making new choreography?

He changed my instincts. What was possible expanded exponentially when I began working with him. I was always really good at timing and rhythm, but even the possibilities within that opened up beyond what I understood in a linear, mathematical way. I loved the problemsolving aspect of figuring out how to dance his technically demanding work, but I know it also deepened my artistry as a performer. He famously made dances with no story, but I found the works to be complex in their relationships and their ability to share the nuance of life and that’s probably my biggest takeaway when I attempt to make dances. A trust that if you’re a person fully committed to doing something,

especially in proximity to someone else, there is humanity and drama there.

You first attended the Vail Dance Festival in 2015 and have returned frequently. What is your favorite aspect of coming to Vail each summer, and what are you looking forward to as this year’s Artist-In-Residence?

As a dancer, I’m often dancing Pam Tanowitz’s work here, which is deeply important to me because I may be most often associated with Cunningham, but I have worked closely with Pam in a variety of ways since 2006. I truly consider her work to be my life’s work, and I get to keep going further with her each summer. This year, I will be dancing one of my favorite duets from her work Song of Songs with music by David Lang. Damian and Heather have really trusted me to grow a love for Merce’s work with the Vail audience and with the Festival artists. That contribution to Merce’s legacy has been a really meaningful aspect of the Festival for me over the years. I also never quite know what exactly I’m going to end up doing here, and that is terrifyingly fun! I get to dive into the deep end with the best artists in the world, in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Your first commissioned choreography for the Festival was in 2023, a work entitled Willed to the Next Corner that featured you dancing alongside New York City Ballet dancers India Bradley, Sara Mearns, and Miriam Miller. What will you be choreographing this year,

who will you be working with, and will you be dancing in the new work as well?

I’m reading about attunement and how children are wired to physically connect. I feel like at this moment it’s interesting to me to explore paths to synchrony, and the humanity we find in collective ritual. Though all I know for sure is that I’m planning to dance in it, and the rest is still being discovered, which I love because I think risk taking is an important part of art making. It might be a total disaster, but there’s a chance it might be really great. Either way, I know I always have a great time working in the studios here with incredibly open, curious, and positive artists across genres.

Tell us what else is next for you!

I am working on a new evening-length show with musician Johnny Gandelsman titled “Johnny Loves Johann.” It is being choreographed and performed by myself, Jamar Roberts, John Heginbotham, Caili Quan, and of course Johnny. Many of us initially connected here in Vail, and I think that is another wonderful thing about the Festival and Damian’s legacy. He ignites connections here in Vail, and they spiral off into the world and grow into more projects and opportunities to make, deepen, and share our work with the world.

Melissa Toogood's residency Generously Underwritten by Anonymous.

Melissa Toogood and Jared Angle in Pam Tanowitz's Entr'acte at the 2017 Festival. Photo by Erin Baiano.

at the VAIL DANCE FESTIVAL 2025

By Sarah Silverblatt-Buser

“

The Vail Dance Festival is all about the mix and how we always keep growing,” Artistic Director Damian Woetzel says regarding the extensive amount of new work, people and collaborations that draw world class artists to the Festival each summer. “We’re like a company,” he says, “where adding new voices has an immediate effect, but from there it quickly becomes all about what we’re able to do together.” That artistic alchemy not only creates innovative new works for Vail audiences to witness, but it transforms the artists who join the mix, preparing them for new challenges as their careers continue to blossom beyond the Rocky Mountains.

This year, the Festival boasts an impressive roster of up-andcoming dance stars and company premieres, and a wide array of new works made by today’s leading choreographers and composers. These debuts and world premieres, which will be in collaboration with returning Festival favorites, are central to the Vail ethos of enriching tradition while carrying dance into the future.

New Artists

For the first time, the critically acclaimed contemporary dance company A.I.M, led by Princess Grace and MacArthur “Genius” Fellow Kyle Abraham, will energize the Rockies with a full evening of sublime dancing. A.I.M’s powerful dancers give life to Abraham’s rich choreographic style, which blends ballet, contemporary, and social dance with emotional, thought-provoking storytelling inspired by Black culture and history. “As a movement practitioner and maker,” Abraham told Gagosian, “anything I experience—whether I’m looking at my friends at church camp… doing whatever they consider to be social dancing—I might put in a dance.” This intuitive creative process makes his works intimate and exquisitely layered. In Vail, A.I.M will dance If We Were a Love Song, Abraham’s homage to Nina Simone, which paints her music into a series of poetic vignettes as a reflection on community, love and one’s self. In addition to other recent works, A.I.M will perform the celebrated solo Show Pony, a piece that questions the pressures of performativity and being on display.

Chloe Misseldine in Swan Lake. Photo by Emma Zordan, courtesy of American Ballet Theatre.

Another notable first this summer includes the Festival debut of Chloe Misseldine, who was recently promoted to principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre at the age of 22. She has been described as having a “distinctive, otherworldly magnetism,” thanks to her groundedness, imagination and grace. Artistic Director Susan Jaffe calls her “a rising star, not just in A.B.T., but in the dance world.” Misseldine’s fearless dancing, witnessed during her thrilling Swan Lake and Onegin interpretations that earned her the title of principal, allows her to reach transcendent artistic heights. Another dancer making a Festival debut is Ryan Tomash, the Royal Danish Ballet principal who is known for his Bournonville precision and depth of storytelling ingrained in him since dancing in Denmark.

Tomash makes his United States debut just before joining the New York City Ballet as a soloist this fall. “Coming to Vail feels incredibly timely and meaningful.” Tomash says. “The opportunity to observe the City Ballet dancers and to work alongside them will be both helpful and educational before my official transition into the company.” Among other assignments, he will partner with City Ballet principal Mira Nadon in Balanchine’s Diamonds pas de deux. The ability for artists to explore new roles and partnerships to deepen their craft is central to Vail’s mission, enhanced by coaching from Woetzel and Balanchine Ballerina Heather Watts, among others. Tomash shared special excitement for gaining insight from Woetzel and Watts, who have always prioritized empowering the next generation of dancers through education and opportunities to take risks.

The Festival expands this mission to lift up the next generation of young artists by welcoming two Scholars-In-Residence into the mix. Elijah Geolina and Daniel Guzmán are both eye-catching dancers with the A.B.T. Studio Company. Guzmán, who hails from Venezuela, has won prestigious competitions including the Universal Ballet Competition and the Youth America Grand Prix. Geolina, from California, began his training in Latin Ballroom and appeared on So You Think You Can Dance Kids before joining the A.B.T. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School and later the Studio Company. Also making his Festival debut is Brooks Landegger, a Miami City Ballet

soloist who similarly started his career young while playing Billy Elliot and touring throughout the United States. Landegger’s presence, alongside other dancers in various professional stages whose careers started early, allows for mutual learning to light the way for new artistic voices.

Dominika Afanasenkov is another young dancer joining the constellation of bright lights taking on artistic challenges for the first time in Vail. The New York City Ballet corps de ballet dancer has the “‘It’ factor,” according to the world-renowned choreographer Chistopher Wheeldon. “There is an atmosphere around her…a little perfume when she dances,” he says. “You can see the music moving through her limbs and that’s what makes her stand out.”

Increasingly, Afanasenkov has performed solo roles at City Ballet, demonstrating her “ballerina” potential.

Vail’s spirit of artistic risk-taking will be familiar terrain for Rachel Lockhart, who alongside Festival artist Mayfield Myers was one of this year’s Dance Magazine 25 to Watch. The 24-year-old Juilliard graduate is unbound by genre, having danced in works ranging from Justin Peck’s Broadway hit Illinoise, to performing with the Metropolitan Opera, to dancing alongside hip-hop star Doja Cat. “The passion and possibility that is woven within every style is elevating,” Lockhart says regarding her unquenchable desire to

dance beyond boundaries. “Each genre can enhance the layers of another,” she says. As a dancer, her luminous performances bring clarity to every collaboration she undertakes. Such simultaneous precision and sense of boundlessness carries into her choreography, which she will also debut in Vail as she makes a new piece with an exciting cast of Festival artists.

This year, the Festival also welcomes Takumi Miyake and Yoon Jung Seo, celebrated rising dancers who join us courtesy of American Ballet Theatre; Zack Gonder, whose powerful presence has been seen in contemporary companies including Twyla Tharp Dance and Pam Tanowitz Dance; and Naomi Corti, who brings a vibrant technique and emotional depth to her work as a dancer at New York City Ballet and will contribute her unique voice to the collaborative creative process in Vail. Their participation exemplifies Vail’s commitment to fostering a rich tapestry of dance voices, pushing artistic boundaries, and inspiring audiences with fresh perspectives.

New Works

The Vail Dance Festival takes pride each year in fostering path breaking new dances and music compositions. Presented throughout the Festival in addition to the Now: Premieres program, an evening dedicated entirely to Festival commissions, audiences have the chance to consistently watch creative brilliance unfold. Among returning choreographers making new dances, including Melissa Toogood, Michelle Dorrance, Larry Keigwin, Justin Peck and Bobbi Jene Smith, three new artists bring their singular choreographic voices to Vail. Robert Battle, Gianna Reisen and My’Kal Stromile are all trailblazing dance makers, inviting new generations to be moved by dance.

This year, with her company and alongside co-creator Ephrat Asherie, cutting-edge tap dancer and choreographer Michelle Dorrance brings her newest work, The Center Will Not Hold. Featuring 11 remarkable performers and original, live music by Donovan Dorrance, the captivating piece weaves together a range of dance styles stemming from the Afro-diasporic tradition, including house, breaking, hip-hop, tap, Chicago footwork,

Bobbi Jene Smith. Photo by Jiannick Bourleum.

Princess Grace and Dance Magazine awards to honorary Paul Taylor Dance Company’s Artistic Director Michael Novak

performances immerse audiences into these rich legacies through music and dance that move us

Interdisciplinary collaboration is a key element of the Vail

Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance

scale piece incorporating a range of dancers from backgrounds

appointed to lead Ailey by Judith

“We’re like a company, where adding new voices has an immediate effect, but from there it quickly becomes all about what we’re able to do together. ”

—Damian Woetzel

Audiences will also enjoy Vail debuts from sought after ballet who was the youngest artist to choreograph work for New York

Paris Opera Ballet was part of an evening centering the renowned

The Festival’s identity as a place of artistic excellence includes Standout premieres range from revivals

encore of Bobbi Jene Smith’s stirring MASS created for Sara Mearns and singer Davóne Tines with music

will also be represented by a duet never seen in Vail set to to be made in collaboration with Michelle

dance maker who is known as a grippingly powerful performer will take the Festival

Three Preludes a solo created by modern dance maker Mark Morris for Mikhail Baryshnikov and the transformative destination that draws artists

Rachel Lockhart. Photo by Myles Tracy.

Brooks Landegger in The Upper Room by Twyla Tharp. Photo by Alexander Iziliaev.

NEW WORKS at the 2025 Festival

The Vail Dance Festival fosters unique collaborations between artists of various dance genres each year, pushing the boundaries of the art form and further cementing Vail as a major incubator of new choreography and music in the United States. Artists benefit from enhanced creative focus in the Festival’s serene mountain setting, and all testify enthusiastically to the close-knit “laboratory” environment that fosters high-caliber artistic experimentation and crosspollination. This year, the Vail Dance Festival is thrilled to welcome 12 new works, bringing innovation and expansion to the heart of the Festival.

CHOREOGRAPHERS

Robert Battle

NOW: Premieres

Generously Underwritten by Priscilla Brewster

Gilbert Bolden III

Generously Underwritten by Susan & Jeff Campbell

Michelle Dorrance & Bobbi Jene Smith

NOW: Premieres

Generously Underwritten by Anonymous

Ja Collective

NOW: Premieres

Generously Underwritten by Wyncote Foundation

Rachel Lockhart

International Evenings

Generously Underwritten by Susan & Jeff Campbell

Justin Peck

NOW: Premieres

Generously Underwritten by Paul Repetto & Janet Pyle Gift for Collaborative Works

Tiler Peck

International Evenings

Generously Underwritten by Susan & Jeff Campbell

Gianna Reisen

NOW: Premieres

Generously Underwritten by Susan & Jeff Campbell and Jonna Mackin

My’Kal Stromile

NOW: Premieres

Generously Underwritten by Jill & Kevin Plancher

Jermaine Spivey

A.I.M by Kyle Abraham

Lead commissioning support provided by Sarah Arison

Pam Tanowitz

NOW: Premieres

Generously Underwritten by Jody & John Arnhold Arnhold Foundation

Melissa Toogood

NOW: Premieres

Generously Underwritten by Gina Browning & Joe Illick

Gilbert Bolden III, India Bradley & Mira Nadon at the 2024 Festival. Photo by Christopher Duggan.

FRIDAY, JULY 25

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail // 7:30pm

OPENING NIGHT

An all-star Opening Night samples and celebrates what is to come at this year’s Festival with performances by stars of New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and other celebrated individual artists, along with an appearance by Alonzo King LINES Ballet. The program features a range of choreographic genius demonstrating the ambitious reach of the Festival, from works by iconic choreographers George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins to dances by today’s leading creative voices including Michelle Dorrance.

“It is hard to imagine a more open-minded cultural event than the Vail Dance Festival.”

—The Denver Post

page

Generously Underwritten by Lisa Tannebaum & Donald Brownstein additional support provided by Martin Atkin & Reid Balthaser Festival artists take a bow at the Opening Night

of the 2024 Vail Dance Festival. Photo by Christopher Duggan.

SATURDAY, JULY 26

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail // 7:30pm

ALONZO KING LINES BALLET

Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet has been a major creative force in dance since its founding in 1982 by acclaimed choreographer Alonzo King. The beloved company returns to Vail this season with an evening featuring two recent works by King: Ode to Alice Coltrane, honoring the legendary spiritual and jazz icon, and Mother Goose, King’s recent collaboration with the San Francisco Symphony that delves into the enchanting world of Ravel’s 1912 suite Ma mère l’Oye

Generously Underwritten by Wendy Williams & Noel Kullavanijaya, additional support by James &

“His ballets have a way of sailing through sensations, of calming the nervous system, of realigning the body and mind.”

—The New York Times

See page 20.

Shirley Cassing and LaDonna & Gary Wicklund

Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet dancer Adji Cissoko. Photo by RJ Muna.

SUNDAY, JULY 27

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail // 6:00pm

UPCLOSE: SONG & DANCE

The combination of song and dance is timeless, with a rich history that constantly expands. Hosted by Festival Artistic Director Damian Woetzel, UpClose features Festival stars taking on classic and contemporary pairings of songs and dances in rehearsal and performance mode, in a variety of dance styles from ballet and modern dance to street styles, tap, and more.

Generously Underwritten by Jeffrey Byrne.

New York City Ballet’s Mira Nadon and quartet Brooklyn Rider in rehearsal for Tiler Peck’s And So at the 2023 Vail Dance Festival. Photo by Christopher Duggan.

MONDAY, JULY 28

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail // 7:30pm

BALANCHINE CELEBRATION

The genius of George Balanchine takes center stage in a program of dance masterpieces under the stars, featuring brilliant artists from companies including New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. The evening includes the pioneering choreographer’s groundbreaking work, Apollo, with New York City Ballet’s Roman Mejia making his Vail debut in the titular role and India Bradley in the role of Terpsichore. Also featured is Balanchine’s bravura Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux, and his classic Concerto Barocco set to Bach’s Double Violin Concerto, presented in collaboration with Colorado Ballet.

Generously Underwritten by Tina & David Wilson and The Carol F. Storr Endowment for Classical Ballet.

See page 20.

George Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco at the 2015 Vail Dance Festival, performed by Colorado Ballet with Ashley Laracey and Unity Phelan of New York City Ballet. Choreography by George Balanchine. © The George Balanchine Trust.

Photo by Erin Baiano.

TUESDAY, JULY 29

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail // 7:30pm

PAUL TAYLOR DANCE COMPANY

Since its founding in 1954, the Paul Taylor Dance Company has been a groundbreaking force in American modern dance and has been described by The New York Times as “one of the most exciting, innovative and delightful dance companies in the entire world.” Last seen in Vail in 2018, the company returns with a tribute to their founder, the late Paul Taylor, on what would have been his 95th birthday. The program salutes the American dance icon with repertory that includes Company B, a seminal piece of Americana that recalls the turbulent era of the Great Depression through the hit songs of the Andrews Sisters, and a 50th anniversary presentation of Taylor’s masterpiece Esplanade described by The New Yorker as “a mythic dimension on ordinary aspects of our daily lives.”

“One of the most exciting, innovative and delightful dance companies in the entire world.”

—The New York Times

Generously Underwritten by Malo & John Harrison, Rosalind Reed, and Jonna Mackin

Paul Taylor Dance Company in Paul Taylor’s Esplanade at Lincoln Center in 2024. Photo by Whitney Browne.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30

Vail Mountain School Theatre, Vail // 11:00am

WATCHING DANCE with HEATHER WATTS

Legendary Balanchine ballerina Heather Watts hosts an interactive exploration of dance repertory through live demonstrations with Festival artists and historical video footage.

Generously Underwritten by Judy & Howard Berkowitz.

Kayla Mak performs Who Cares? by George Balanchine at Watching Dance with Heather Watts at the 2024 Vail Dance Festival. Choreography by George Balanchine.

© The George Balanchine Trust. Photo by Chris Kendig

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30

Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek // 6:00pm

THE CENTER WILL NOT HOLD A DORRANCE DANCE PRODUCTION

Following her sold-out performance at last year’s Festival, acclaimed tap dancer Michelle Dorrance returns to the Vilar Performing Arts Center with The Center Will Not Hold, a new production created by Dorrance and Ephrat Asherie. The evening-length show features a collective of singular performers deeply rooted in many street, club, social, and vernacular dances and features original music composed by Donovan Dorrance, performed live by extraordinary drummer and percussionist John Angeles.

Generously Underwritten by Sara Friedle & Michael Towler, additional support provided by the

“The work explores themes of isolation, community and solidarity.”

—The Observer

Marvin Naiman and Margery Goldman Family Foundation

The Center Will Not Hold at New York City Center’s 2024 Fall for Dance Festival. Choreography by Ephrat Asherie and Michelle Dorrance. Photo by Christopher Duggan.

THURSDAY, JULY 31

Avon Performance Pavilion at Nottingham Park, Avon // 5:30pm

DANCING IN THE PARK

Dancing in the Park returns to the neighboring Town of Avon at the performance pavilion at Nottingham Park for a one-of-a-kind and participatory performance for dance fans of all ages. Free and open to all, the program features BalletX, Colorado Ballet, DanceAspen, and Festival artists as well as a performance by Celebrate the Beat’s Celebration Team.

Generously Underwritten by the Town of Avon, additional support by Slifer,

Smith & Frampton Real Estate

Dancing the Park at Nottingham Park in Avon, CO as part of the 2024 Vail Dance Festival. Photo by Christopher Duggan.

International Evenings of DANCE

For over three decades, the popular International Evenings of Dance series has brought a dazzling array of world-renowned artists to the Vail stage, & this summer, the tradition continues. With three distinct performances to choose from, each of which promises a unique experience, featuring a fresh lineup of dancers & repertory that showcases the very best in dance with incredible artists from around the world.

Exact casting & repertory for each spectacular performance will be announced at a later date & includes Festival debuts from American Ballet Theatre dancers Chloe Misseldine, Miami City Ballet soloist Brooks Landegger, & Royal Danish Ballet principal dancer Ryan Tomash. Returning dance stars will include Broadway & ballet star Robbie Fairchild, American Ballet Theatre’s Isabella Boylston, Catherine Hurlin, Calvin Royal III, & James Whiteside, New York City Ballet’s Chun Wai Chan, Joseph Gordon, Sara Mearns, Roman Mejia, Mira Nadon, Tiler Peck, & Unity Phelan, tap dance icon Michelle Dorrance, street dance pioneer Lil Buck, modern dance force & 2025 Artist-InResidence Melissa Toogood

These dance stars will be joined by rising artists including Dominika Afanasenkov, Olivia Bell, India Bradley, Naomi Corti, & KJ Takahashi from New York City Ballet, Takumi Miyake & Yoon Jung Seo courtesy of American Ballet Theatre Zack Gonder, Royal Danish Ballet’s Philip Duclos, Philadelphia Ballet’s Mayfield Myers, independent dancers Stephanie Terasaki, Rachel Lockhart (MJ: The Musical), & Daisy Kate Jacobson (Twyla Tharp’s Diamond Jubilee national tour), Spencer Lenain, Kayla Mak, & Emiko Nakagawa who are all former Vail Dance Festival Scholars-In-Residence & are now emerging young artists in the professional dance world.

The evenings will also feature performances from this year’s Festival companies including A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, BalletX & Colorado Ballet. See some of the brightest stars in dance today in role debuts, classic repertoire, and contemporary styles & genres.

Robbie Fairchild and Sara Mearns perform Two of Us at International Evening of Dance II at the 2024 Vail Dance Festival. Photo by Christopher Duggan

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail // 7:30pm

International Evenings of DANCE I

Celebrate the Beat opens the series with an electrifying performance featuring local Eagle County students sharing the stage with Festival stars. As the sun sets, the evening comes alive with energy, talent, and inspiration with some of the biggest stars in the world of dance. This performance runs approximately two hours and includes one intermission.

Generously Underwritten by

Oscar Tang & Agnes Hsu-Tang, PH.D.

See page 20.

New York City Ballet’s Tiler Peck and Chun Wai Chan perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the 2023 Vail Dance Festival.

Choreography by George Balanchine. © The George Balanchine Trust. Photo by Christopher Duggan.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 2

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail // 8:00pm

International Evenings of DANCE III

The series concludes with a magical night under the stars. This late-evening performance takes full advantage of dramatic lighting and the beauty of a Colorado night sky. Expect two unforgettable hours of dance.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 2

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail // 5:00pm

International Evenings of DANCE II

Enjoy an earlier showtime perfect for families or those planning dinner or a night out on the town afterwards. Set in the warmth of daylight, this 60-minute, no-intermission performance delivers all the brilliance of the Festival’s world-class dancers in a compact, family-friendly format.

See page 20.

Generously Underwritten by Jill & Kevin Plancher.

Roman Mejia performs George Balanchine's Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux at the 2023 Vail Dance Festival.

Choreography by George Balanchine. © The George Balanchine Trust. Photo by Christopher Duggan.

Generously Underwritten by Priscilla Brewster and Marge & Phil Odeen.

Catherine Hurlin and Calvin Royal III perform Romeo and Juliet by Sir Kenneth MacMillan in International Evenings II at the 2024 Vail Dance Festival. Photo by Chris Kendig.

See page 20.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 3

Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek // 6:00pm

“Combining the groove of hip hop, the gutsiness of modern dance, and the expansive lines of ballet, Kyle Abraham has been spinning his own inimitable movement vocabulary for two decades.”

A.I.M by KYLE ABRAHAM

—Dance Magazine

The critically acclaimed contemporary dance company A.I.M by Kyle Abraham makes its Vail Dance Festival debut! Led by Princess Grace Statue and MacArthur award winner Kyle Abraham, the company is celebrated around the world for its engaging and dynamic performances that are galvanized by Black culture and history. The program features Abraham’s homage to Nina Simone entitled If We Were a Love Song and Abraham’s celebrated MotorRover, along with the world premiere of guest choreographer Jermaine Spivey's In the act of undoing

Generously Underwritten by Ginny Gold, Alexia & Jerry

Jurschak , and Vickie Morris

A.I.M by Kyle Abraham in If We Were a Love Song by Kyle Abraham. Photo by Maria Baranova.

MONDAY, AUGUST 4

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail // 7:30pm

NOW: PREMIERES

NOW: Premieres is the Festival’s annual showcase of new commissioned dance works, all making their debut on one legendary night, performed by an extraordinary cast of dancers and musicians. This season’s choreographers include Robert Battle*, Michelle Dorrance, Ja Collective, Justin Peck, Gianna Reisen*, Bobbi Jene Smith, My’Kal Stromile*, Pam Tanowitz and Melissa Toogood.

Generously Underwritten by the Vail Dance Festival Artistic Reserve Fund made possible by the

.

Doris Duke Foundation

Festival artists perform in Pam Tanowitz’s new work ‘secret story ballet’ at NOW: Premieres at the 2024 Vail Dance Festival.

Photo by Christopher Duggan.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 5

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vail // 6:00pm

DANCE FOR $20.25 wit h BALLETX

An evening of dance at special prices, featuring Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet, BalletX, celebrating its 20th anniversary season, closes out this year’s festivities with a thrilling performance featuring Matthew Neenan’s acclaimed dance The Last Glass, set to the music of the band Beirut.

Generously Underwritten by Discover Vail

View from the lawn at Dance for $20.24. Photo by Chris Kendig.

View

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF EUROPE

GERALD R. FORD AMPHITHEATER

BRONFMAN PLAYS BRAHMS PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1

Matthias Pintscher, conductor

Yefim Bronfman, piano

BRAHMS DOUBLE CONCERTO

Thursday, June 19 6 PM

Saturday, June 21 6 PM

Matthias Pintscher, conductor

Blake Pouliot, violin

Alisa Weilerstein, cello

BRONFMAN PLAYS BRAHMS PIANO CONCERTO NO. 2

Sunday, June 22 6 PM

Matthias Pintscher, conductor

Yefim Bronfman, piano

SINFÓNICA DE MINERÍA

BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY NO. 7

Tuesday, July 1

Carlos Miguel Prieto, conductor

Charles Yang, violin

DECADES: BACK TO THE ’80S

Wednesday, July 2

Jeff Tyzik, conductor

PATRIOTIC CONCERT WITH DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Friday, July 4 2 PM

Jeff Tyzik, conductor

JUNE 19 - JULY 31, 2025

July 13

Stéphane Denève, conductor

Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, piano

Tickets for the Patriotic Concert are sold and distributed by the Vail Valley Foundation and may only be purchased at the GRFA Box Office on July 1, 2025 at 8 AM.

THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA

NOTTINGHAM PARK STAGE, AVON SINFÓNICA DE MINERÍA IN AVON June 26 6 PM

Carlos Miguel Prieto, conductor

Pacho Flores, trumpet

Sinfónica de Minería

DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

GERALD R. FORD AMPHITHEATER ELGAR ENIGMA VARIATIONS

GERALD R. FORD AMPHITHEATER MOZART VIOLIN CONCERTO

Sunday, July 6

Marin Alsop, conductor

Randall Goosby, violin

ALSOP CONDUCTS SHOSTAKOVICH

Monday, July 7

Marin Alsop, conductor

Wu Man, pipa

VIVALDI THE FOUR SEASONS

Thursday, July 10

Gil Shaham, violin/leader

NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC

GERALD R. FORD AMPHITHEATER

STRAVINSKY VIOLIN CONCERTO

Wednesday, July 16 6

Jakub Hrůša, conductor

Patricia Kopatchinskaja, violin

CELLO CONCERTO

Jakub Hrůša, conductor

Sol Gabetta, cello SIBELIUS SYMPHONY NO. 5

July 19

Saturday, June 28 6 PM

Peter Oundjian, conductor

Anne-Marie McDermott, piano

THE PRINCESS BRIDE© IN CONCERT

Sunday, June 29 7:30 PM

Constantine Kitsopoulos, conductor © The Princess Bride Limited. All Rights Reserved.

BERLIOZ SYMPHONIE FANTASTIQUE

Friday, July 11

Stéphane Denève, conductor

Pablo Sáinz-Villegas, guitar

MUSIC OF THE MOVIES

July 12

Stéphane Denève, conductor PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION

Santtu-Matias Rouvali, conductor

Miah Persson, soprano

SCHEHERAZADE WITH NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC

Sunday, July 20 6 PM

Santtu-Matias Rouvali, conductor

Carole Christine Fleming, special guest conductor

Yulianna Avdeeva, piano

TCHAIKOVSKY SYMPHONY NO. 6

PATHÉTIQUE

July 22

Rafael Payare, conductor

Yekwon Sunwoo, piano

RAVEL DAPHNIS ET CHLOÉ

July 23

Rafael Payare, conductor

Seong-Jin Cho, piano

Colorado Symphony Chorus

The Vail Dance Festival is known as an international destination for dance—not only for its nightly star-studded performances in its picturesque Rocky Mountain locale but also as one of the premier opportunities for the world’s best dancers, musicians, and choreographers to extend themselves as artists in new and profoundly exciting ways. “It is hard to imagine a more open-minded cultural event than the Vail Dance Festival,” said The Denver Post arts writer Ray Rinaldi. “Ballet, ballroom, tap—any form of movement seems to be welcome at this free-ranging fest. There is really nothing else like it in the United States.”

This melting pot of creativity and genres extends both onstage and in the Festival’s hillside tent studios where artists from various companies and styles of dance come together to take class, collaborate on new choreography and share in the collective experience of growing together as artists and colleagues. The opportunity to come to the unique Vail Dance Festival as an artist is regarded as an honor and a privilege for any dancer at any level of their career, and for younger dancers it is a one-of-a-kind career accelerator too.

In 2014 the Festival’s one of a kind Scholar-In-Residence program was conceived by legendary Balanchine ballerina and influential Festival creative collaborator Heather Watts, as a way to award advanced pre-professional dancers the invitation to take part in the Festival with extraordinary performance and learning opportunities unmatched anywhere else. The young dancer scholars receive mentorship and hone their artistic practice over an immersive two weeks in Vail where they participate side-by-side with artists from

E CY in motion

How the Festival is supporting rising stars in dance now and into the future with the recent launch of the Heather Watts Emerging Artist Fund.

By Joel Solari

around the world and have opportunities to perform in established repertory as well as new works by leading choreographers of the day. Young artists in this position have represented a wide range of genres of dance including ballet, flamenco, street dance, and

tap, and recent alumni have gone on to performance opportunities worldwide, for example Philip Duclos (2021) who is now a soloist with the Royal Danish Ballet, Polina Chepyk (2022) from Ukraine now performing in her second year with Tulsa Ballet II, and tap dancer phenom Dario Natarelli (2016) who recently made his

Heather Watts rehearsing with Tiler Peck at the 2009 Festival. Photo by Kyle Froman.

Heather Watts rehearsing with Roman Mejia at the 2018 Festival. Photo by Erin Baiano.

Broadway debut in Justin Peck’s acclaimed Illinoise. This year’s Scholars-In-Residence will be Elijah Geolina and Daniel Guzmán, who Watts discovered while working with American Ballet Theatre’s Studio Company at the invitation of director Sascha Radetsky this past year.

“Nurturing young dancers’ development is a hallmark of Vail Dance,” said Festival Artistic Director Damian Woetzel. “Our emerging artists make a lasting impact on our audiences, as they grow in skill, knowledge, and inspiration through the work they do alongside the extraordinary mix of professional artists who come to Vail each summer.”

MAJOR SUPPORT

PROVIDED BY:

Jonna Mackin

Susan & Jeff Campbell

Jill & Kevin Plancher

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

PROVIDED BY:

Renee & Jeffrey Epstein

Ronnie Potter

Rosalind Reed

Linda Waterhouse

Last fall, the Vail Dance Festival announced a new legacy fund to support this initiative and the Festival’s ongoing commitment to supporting rising talent in the field— The Heather Watts Emerging Artist Fund, created with the help and generosity of Vail Dance Festival Committee member Jonna Mackin, Ph.D. The new fund is named in honor of Heather Watts, who saw the need for the scholar residence program and led its development. Since 2006, in addition

to leading the efforts to establish the Celebrate the Beat program in Vail, a free dance education initiative for Eagle County youth, Watts has been instrumental in bringing emerging artists from across disciplines to the Festival, supporting their development and often launching their careers, including New York City Ballet star Roman Mejia and rising talent Olivia Bell, street dance phenomenon Lil Buck, and stage and social media presence Spencer Lenain, among many others. She has been the longtime mentor of Tiler Peck including instigating her choreographic career starting in Vail, and has shepherded the careers of a wide range of dancers including Unity Phelan at New York City Ballet. Early in her career Balanchine chose Watts to travel across the country to audition students for the School of American Ballet, a spotlight which helped her believe in her ability to identify and develop gifted young dancers. In her work as an educator, Watts has opened new pathways for young artists to find their distinctive voices and next steps both onstage and off, including former students such as Claudia Schreier who has become one of today’s important

choreographers, Kate Penner who remains attached to the arts through Vail Dance Festival while teaching math at Harvard, and 2023 Scholar-In-Residence Kyle Ikuma who maintains connections to dance while pursuing a career in drone science.

At Harvard, Watts created courses about George Balanchine, and needing a pianist she was introduced to Kurt Crowley who she connected to dance through her classes. Crowley has since become an important musical voice on Broadway, in addition to gracing Vail for many summers as a pianist and music director.

The Heather Watts Emerging Artist Fund has been set up as a Board of Directors restricted fund that will provide much needed annual financial support to continue supporting new artists in the field at the highest level of quality and excellence. The fund will be used for the scouting and recruitment of emerging or pre-professional artists to join the Festival as guest artists or as Scholars-In-Residence and will also be used to support the staging of groundbreaking works of George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins leading into and during the Festival.

“For 18 years, Heather has played a critical role in the Festival and provided leadership focused on nurturing Festival artists at every step of their dance career, as well as supporting the work of dance appreciation with our audiences and communities throughout the Valley,” says Martha Brassel, Senior Director of Development for the Vail Dance Festival.

“We are so grateful for the leadership contribution of Jonna Mackin and her vision of creating this fund in Heather’s honor to support her influential legacy within our Festival for years to come.”

Don’t miss Watching Dance with Heather Watts on Wednesday, July 30 at 11:00am at the Vail Mountain School. Event proceeds will benefit the free Celebrate the Beat summer dance and music education initiatives in Eagle County. If you want to contribute to the Heather Watts Emerging Artist Fund or Celebrate the Beat, you may do so online at vaildance.org or by contacting Martha Brassel at mbrassel@vvf.org.

Heather Watts, India Bradley and Philip Duclos during the 2024 Festival. Photo by Chris Kendig.

The Vail Valley Foundation and Vail Dance Festival extends their sincere gratitude to our patrons. Thank you! The list that follows represents patrons who gave from June 1, 2024 through May 31, 2025.

MARQUEE PRESENTER

JODY AND JOHN ARNHOLD | ARNHOLD FOUNDATION

Jody and John Arnhold are major supporters of the arts in New York City and admirers of the Vail Dance Festival’s Artistic Director Damian Woetzel. They are proud to support the the Vail Dance Festival again this year. John is committed to making a positive impact serving the organizations important to him, including the Mulago Foundation, University of California Santa Barbara, International Tennis Hall of Fame, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Conservation International, and WNET. Jody was a New York City public school dance teacher for 25 years. She is an advocate for dance and dance education and her mission, Dance For Every Child. She is Board Chair of the 92nd Street Y New York, Chair Emeritus of Ballet Hispánico, and founded the renowned

Dance Education Laboratory (DEL)

92NY. She is the Executive Producer of two documentaries about dance education in public schools: PS Dance! (New York Emmy-nominated) and PS DANCE! The Next Generation. Both are available to stream on public television. In 2024, Jody received the Teachers College, Columbia University’s Medal for Distinguished Service, their highest honor. She has been awarded Honorary Doctorate degrees from The Juilliard School and Hunter College for her contributions to the field of dance education. The Arnhold’s visionary support for dance education has brought opportunities to many through the Arnhold Graduate Dance Education Program at Hunter College and the Doctorate in Dance

PREMIER PRESENTER

SUSAN & JEFF CAMPBELL

Susan and Jeff Campbell started coming to the Vail Valley from Dallas when their children were first learning to ski. They bought a house in Beaver Creek, providing stability for the family as they moved from Dallas to London, San Francisco and the West Village in New York City. They are avid dance lovers and longtime supporters of the Vail Dance Festival and Vilar Performing Arts Center. Susan serves on the boards of the Vail Valley Foundation and the New York City Ballet, and also chairs the Vail Dance Festival Committee. Jeff retired from his full time job as Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of American Express last year and serves on the board of The Juilliard School and several corporations. The Campbells and their three grown children, who now live in San Francisco and Pittsburgh, are avid skiers, mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. The Arnhold Institute for Dance Education Research, Policy & Leadership at Teachers College generates valuable thought leadership for dance education in public policy, ensuring that dance becomes central to the conversation wherever education is discussed. Photo by Arthur Elgort.

JILL & KEVIN PLANCHER

Jill and Kevin Plancher first enjoyed the Vail Dance Festival in 1993 when Kevin was a fellow at the Steadman Clinic in Vail. They have attended and supported the Festival each and every year since. Jill and Kevin now live in Greenwich, CT and have three grown children: Brian, Jamie and Megan; daughter-in-law Annie Knickman Plancher and sons-in-law Cezar Babin (Jamie) and Boaz Goldwater (Megan); and grandkids Tess and Logan (Brian and Annie) and Shiloh (Jamie & Cezar). Kevin has a private orthopedic practice in New York City and Greenwich. Jill is a recently retired family attorney, she serves on the Vail Valley Foundation Board of Directors, the Vail Dance Festival Committee, is on the Advisory Board for the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center in Philadelphia, and on the board of Celebrate the Beat. They are delighted to once again support International Evenings of Dance III. In addition, the Plancher Family generously supports Celebrate the Beat.

TINA & DAVID WILSON AND THE CAROL F. STORR ENDOWMENT FOR CLASSICAL BALLET

Tina and David Wilson have called the Vail Valley home for 30+ years. Along with their daughters, Colby and Nicole, the Wilsons have embraced the uniqueness of Vail complete with immersion in the arts, culture, and outdoor activities that make Vail so special. In addition, they are active supporters and volunteers for a variety of charitable organizations in the Vail Valley including Vail Health and Vail Valley Charitable Fund. Their support to Vail Health helped fund a new palliative care program, Shaw at Home. In 2023 they launched The Wilson Family Performing Arts Scholarship through YouthPower365 to help a local students pursue their dreams of a degree in the arts. In honor of Tina’s mother, Carol Storr, the Wilson Family created The Carol F. Storr Endowment for Classical Ballet in 2022 to ensure the inclusion of classical ballet in the Vail Dance Festival for generations to come. The Wilson Family is proud to support Balanchine Celebration along with classical ballet pieces performed throughout the Festival.

SEASON PRESENTER

PRISCILLA BREWSTER

JONNA MACKIN, PH.D.

Prof. Jonna Mackin taught English at Dartmouth for 15 years. She lives in New Hampshire and since retiring, spends much of her time in New York City attending dance. Jonna serves on the Vail Dance Festival Committee and is a member of the Paul Taylor Dance Company Board of Directors. She is also proud to sponsor the “NextGen” program of DL/NY (Dance Lab New York) which recruits and mentors young dancers in the New York City public schools and provides apprenticeships in choreography. In 2024 she established the Heather Watts Emerging Artist Fund for the Vail Dance Festival with a visionary idea and a lead gift.

OSCAR

TANG & AGNES HSU-TANG, PH.D.

Oscar has supported the Vail Valley Foundation (VVF) at a leadership level since its inception and is a founding sponsor of the Vail Dance Festival. He is a Life Trustee of the VVF, after having served on the board from 1987 to 2015 and galvanized the VVF’s early focus on education in Eagle County. A lifelong New Yorker, Oscar is Co-Chair of the New York Philharmonic and has been a trustee of the Met Museum for over 30 years.

Agnes has advised UNESCO and President Obama’s Cultural Property Advisory Committee, including two UNESCO World Heritage designations and an international treaty on the prevention of looting and commercialization of looted cultural objects. Agnes is Board Chair of The New York Historical, New York’s first museum, and Co-Chair of the Objects Conservation Committee at the Met Museum.

They co-founded numerous institutions, including most recently the Hsu-Tang Library at Oxford University.

UNDERWRITER CIRCLE

MALO & JOHN HARRISON

DONNA & DONALD BAUMGARTNER

Donna and Donald Baumgartner have been relishing their mountain retreat in Lake Creek for over 3 decades. They have been ardent patrons of the visual and performing arts in their hometown of Milwaukee, WI, and having attended all but three seasons of the Vail Dance Festival since 1990, are enthusiastic supporters of the Festival. Donald is an automobile aficionado, and the couple have spent countless hours refining their driving skills on race tracks across the US, Canada, and Europe. The couple’s passion for arts and adventure has taken them on incredible journeys around the world. They have sailed across the Atlantic on their own 60' motor yacht Trenora using celestial navigation and a sextant to chart their course. They have sought out the remote jungles of Papua, New Guinea to the Congo in search of lowland gorillas. They have swum in the Amazon, raced on ice in the Arctic Circle and gone on safaris in India and multiple countries in Africa. They have had an extraordinary time exploring some of the most awe-inspiring places on the map.

LISA TANNEBAUM & DON BROWNSTEIN

Lisa Tannebaum and Don Brownstein are longtime supporters of the performing arts and education in Vail and Connecticut. Lisa has a career as a harpist. Don is an investor.

JEFFREY D. BYRNE

Jeffrey Byrne has been coming to the Vail Valley from his full-time home in Kansas City for 22 years as a part-time resident to ski in the winter and enjoy music, dance, and the weather in the summer. Co-Founder + CEO of Byrne Pelofsky + Associates, LLC, Jeffrey provides leadership and counsel to nonprofits across the USA in the areas of capital, endowment and overall fundraising having worked with 750+ nonprofits and raised over $3.5 billion. Jeffrey stepped down in 2021 from B&F Farms, Inc., where he was a corporate officer and fourth generation family member in an agricultural farming operation. Jeffrey enjoys volunteering and serves on the David Parsons Dance Company Board of Directors and the Vail Valley Foundation Board of Directors, and is one of the founding Board Members of Charitable Communications. Additionally, Jeffrey has served as the National Chair of his professional association, The Giving Institute, and served as a Board Member of the Grammy Award-winning Kansas City Chorale, the Kansas City Camerata, and numerous other arts and nonprofit organizations.

JANE & SKIP NETZORG

The Netzorgs have enjoyed their mountain home in Vail for many years. They are active supporters of the performing arts and education in Denver, CO. They are true lovers of dance and Jane serves on the boards of Colorado Ballet and The Denver Ballet Guild, and is a member of the Vail Dance Festival Committee. Together they serve on the capital campaign committee for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. Jane and Skip have loved seeing some of the finest dancers in the world at the Vail Dance Festival each year. They are grateful to Damian Woetzel and Heather Watts for the creativity and excitement they bring to the Vail Valley.

MARGE & PHIL ODEEN

Marge and Phil Odeen have had a home in Vail for more than 40 years. When not in Vail they live in McLean, Virginia, and Naples, Florida. They have supported the Vail Dance Festival for several years and both have been active in numerous cultural and charitable activities in the communities in which they live.

ROSALIND REED

Rosalind Reed is an artist who lives and works in New York City. She previously had a home in Wolcott, CO. She once dreamed that she could have a career as a backup singer/dancer for a series of popular bands but neither skill is in her repertoire. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Paul Taylor Dance Company.

PAUL REPETTO & JANET PYLE

Paul Repetto and Janet Pyle are enthusiastic supporters of the Vail Dance Festival and the performing arts in general. Paul and Janet were honored at the 2022 Vail Dance Festival for their commitment to the Festival and the arts. Janet was a very involved Board Member of the Colorado Music Festival in Boulder. Paul has served on the

Board of the Boulder Ensemble Theater Company and the Colorado Music Festival as the Chairman of that Board. Paul and Janet greatly enjoy traveling and have explored much of Europe and the Pacific together. Paul is co-founder of Horizon Organic Dairy. In 2022 they created the Paul Repetto & Janet Pyle Gift for Collaborative Works to support unique collaborations (like theirs) that mix genres and surprise audiences.

RUBY DRESS CIRCLE

WENDY WILLIAMS & NOEL KULLAVANIJAYA

THE JAMES & JANET AVERILL CHARITABLE FUND

Jim and Janet Averill’s affection for the Vail Valley began with Jim’s many skiing excursions to the area and in later years, Janet’s (and both of their) admiration for the creativity and beauty that the Vail Dance Festival brings to them—and to so many others. Jim is a former Professor of English Literature and Partner of Wellington Management Company. Janet is a retired university administrator, guidance counselor, and fundraiser. They live outside Philadelphia, PA where both continue as volunteers and board members for a number of arts, educational, and social service organizations. Janet is the former Chair of Ballet X. Their two children and five grandchildren are enthusiastic skiers and are expected to maintain the Vail connection well into the future.

GINA BROWNING & JOE ILLICK

Gina Browning and Joe Illick are both professional musicians and lovers of the performing arts. Gina started coming to Vail in 1971 and Joe started coming with her in 1979. Gina and Joe’s life in opera has taken them to live and work all over the world. The two of them are avid skiers and hikers, and are passionate part-time residents of the Vail Valley. They want to use their talents to support the Valley with an emphasis on the performing arts and education for children, which they feel are integral and essential parts of a healthy and vibrant community. As lifelong dance lovers, they both feel that the Vail Dance Festival adds important richness to the incredible cultural fabric of Vail, and they are excited to be involved with this wonderful organization.

SARA FRIEDLE & MICHEAL TOWLER

Originally from the Midwest, Michael Towler and Sara Friedle now call the Eagle Valley their home. They have enthusiastically become involved with many organizations and activities, among them the Vail Dance Festival. Along with the performing arts, Michael and Sara enjoy skiing, bicycling and hiking. “We are fortunate to have world class events in our community year-round.” Michael and Sara have seven grown children and five grandchildren who enjoy sharing their love of our Valley.

MICHAEL E. MCGOLDRICK CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

The Michael E. McGoldrick Charitable Foundation is a private family foundation supporting nonprofits in the areas of Arts and Culture, Education, Environmental Conservation, Human Rights, Peace, Justice and the Rule of Law. Michael E. McGoldrick was a life-long learner, a curious intellectual, and inspiring teacher with a photographic memory and genius at financial mathematics. He attended Amherst College and Stanford University, and taught economic history around the world. He was active in the financial markets his entire life from a young investor in Seattle to a trader on the NYSE and Chicago Board of Trade. He worked as an economist, consultant, development director, teacher, portfolio manager, and retired as a successful private investor. He was a kind human, an animal lover from bugs to bears, and generous donor to the philanthropic causes and themes that he felt would improve our world. He lived a life of adventure traveling the world as a teacher, fisherman, mountain climber, conservationist and most importantly, with the love of his life, Terry Galpin-Plattner.

DIAMOND DRESS CIRCLE

Anonymous (2)

Karen & John Arnold*

Martin Atkin & Reid Balthaser

Bacca Foundation*

Jane & Gary Bomba

Ann Smead & Michael Byram

Mauri Pioppo & Keith Funger

Lisa & Bruce Goldman

Margery Goldman

Sheika Gramshammer

Martha Head*

Jane & Ray Heller

Doe Browning & Jack Hunn*

Alexia & Jerry Jurschak

Lisa Watson & Michael Krupka*

Anne C. Kubik*

Lisa & Mark Neporent*

Martha & Terry Allen Perl

Senenne & Marc Philippon

Nancy & Donald Remey

Rella & Monroe Rifkin

Mary Sue & Michael Shannon*

Irene Shen

Marcy & Gerald Spector*

Teresa Tsai*

Martin Waldbaum

LaDonna & Gary Wicklund

Kristy & Bill Woolfolk*

* VVF Cornerstone Patron

PLATINUM DRESS CIRCLE

Anonymous

Hennessy-Allen

Mary Ellen Anderson

Jill & Christian Anschutz

Jamie Babin

Dierdre & Ronnie Baker

Judy & Howard Berkowitz

Bendy Bodies

Deborah & David Boillot

Alison Mass & Salvatore Bommarito

Margo & Terry Boyle

Rebecca & Howard Braverman

Pamela Comfort

Ms. Arlene Harris and Mr. Martin Cooper

Robert J. Croteau & Karen A. Nold

Pam & Ernie Elsner

Kaye Ferry

Caryl & Ken Field

Caroline J. Fisher

Susan & Harry Frampton

Stacey & Foster Gillett

Virginia Gold and Victoria Morris

Judith Hoffman

Sherry & Michael Guthrie

Kaye Isaacs

Shelly & Chris Jarnot

Susan Kasser & Daniel Kah

Dr. Henry & Pam Levine

Philip Livingston

Eugenia Lubell

Nancy & Richard Lubin

Mary Lujack & Sarah Johnson

Hilary & Kevin Magner

Jean & Tom McDonnell

Sarah Malloy Millett & Peter Millett

Elizabeth G. Chambers & Ron Mooney

Melanie & Allan Nelkin

Renèe Okubo

Michael L. Ritchie

Paula & Scott Ryan

Ann & William Sacher

Shannon & George Slessman

Dhuanne & Doug Tansill

Joan Nissman and Judith Nissman Taylor

Sunnie & Mark Wang

Heather Watts & Damian Woetzel

GOLD DRESS CIRCLE

Raydeon Acevedo & Walter Jenkins

Dot Ahuja

Diana Bradley & Claude Accum

James & Shirley Cassing

Vintage Contessa & Times Past, Rob & Donae Chramosta

Janet & Curtis Clark

Brenda & Thomas Curnin

Debra Devereaux

Greg and Keala Dickhens

Dr. Fred Distelhorst

La Belle & Gary Edmiston

Holly & William Elliott

Susan & William Fink

Vicky & John Garnsey

Alex Goldsmith

Pam & Duke Hartman

Lisa Huertas

Sally & Kyle Hybl

Julia Danalel Johnson

Elaine & Arthur Kelton

Cynthia & Robert LeBreton

Janet & Paul Lewis

Teresa & Robert Lindsay

Michelle & John Mason

Lynn McGowin

Helen McIntyre

Paul Mesard

Lynnette Morrison

Rosie & Roger Oberg

Ruth Malman & Michael Opatowski

Sandy & Fred Pack

Ellen Arnovitz & Michael Plasker

Ronnie Potter

Nellie Rosenberg

Elise & Jay Rossiter

Michael Stein

Kathryn & Brian Stoffers

Deborah & Peter Weinberg

Joan Whittenberg

Sara Fitzgerald & Bruce Wilson

Ellen & James Wiss

Alyn Park & Jay Wissot

Mary Ellen & Dave Wright

SILVER DRESS CIRCLE

Anonymous (2)

Nancy Adam and Marlene Shapiro

Cathy & Bill Bethke

Linda Stamper Boyne

Amy & Ken Brown

Steve Brint & Mark Brown

Maggie & Clayton Chessman

Janet Pyle, Paul Repetto, and Leanne Repetto. Photo by Brian Maloney.

Allie Coppeak

Louise Pearson & Grant Couch

Stephanie & Brian Cramer

Lois & Stephen Eison

Kathy & Bill Farley

Diane & Larry Feldman

Kim & Andrew Fink

Susan Rothschild & Don Freedman

Margie & Tom Gart

Roberta Levin & Dr. Gilad Gordon

Lisa Green

Gina Harman

Ronne & Donald Hess

Lorraine and Harley Higbie Family

Pamela & Richard Hinds

Ami Hudgins

Donna & Ward Katz Family

Anne-Marie & John Keane

Christian Keesee

Bonnie Lee & Lawrence Kivel

Paul & Joyce Krashow

Beth & Todd Leonard

Joan & Robert Levine

Drs. Charles & Gretchen Lobitz

Augusta Molnar & Kent Lupberger

Stan Shapiro

Charlotte Shifrin

Amy & Leonard Slosky

Jeanne & Terry Startzel

Stacy & Mark Stoutenberg

Drs. Jean & Alec Urquhart

Aimee & Bart Valls

Brenton VerPloeg

George Ann & Buzz Victor

Elizabeth & James Webb

James Wright

BRONZE DRESS CIRCLE

Anonymous

Janet & Bill Adler

Amy & Charles Allen

Jannice Alvaney

Elizabeth & Cristian Basso

Linda Bernhard & Michelle Walsh

Mary Bird

Kathy & Jack Blair

Deborah Webster

Christine & George Burns

Julie Carr

Benette Chen

Diana & Robert Crew

Patricia & Gordon Hardenbergh

Rhondda Hartman

Jannah Hodges

Christi & Tim Howell

Barbara & Paul Jenkel

Lynn & Andrew Kaufman

Audrey LaFehr

Lesley Larson

Jordan Lausch

Laura Leitzinger

Susan & Steven Lipstein

Wolfgang Mairhofer

Beth Barbre & John Mangan

DeAnn & Dan Maurer

Amy Kennedy & Steve Miller

Melanie Nichols

Nancy Nottingham

Deborah Nunez

Amy Paul

Lorraine Prentis

Amanda & Adam Quinton

Elissa Stein & Richard Replin

Jane Rosenbaum

Erin Rossitto

Andrea & Stuart Shatken

Terry Snyder

Marla Steele

Judy & Charles Stoopack

Elizabeth Fowler & Gary Sumers

Bonnie Utley

Patricia Peeples & Tony Vangalis

Webb Family Fund in memory of Marka Moser

Karen & Gregory Weiss

Suzanne Weiss

Nina & Ken Wise

Lee Wolcott

Rosalind & Larry Wolff

FAN CLUB

Anonymous (4)

Cheryl Acierno

Catherine & Truman Anderson

Toni Cohig

Dr. Cathy Cohn

Jennifer & George Coloney

Ama & Chris Couch

Karen Davidson

Alejandra & Chus De La Llama

Nancy & Craig Denton

Taylre Derby

Michael Diana

Sharron Dorward

Joyce Dulin

Darlene & Lee Ebert

Andrea Eddy

Kay Maune & David Elmore

Lisa & Alan Engel

Robert Engelman

Mary Anne & Robert Fantauzzi

Leslie & Howard Farkas

Lisa Feingold

Carole Feistmann

Larry and Barbara Field

Irmak Fite

Sheila Furr

Elisabeth & Alvin Goldman

Suzanne Greene

Dale & Rebecca Hahs

Douglas Hamilton

Simon Hamui

Jan Harkins

Ann & Tony Harris

Vilia Hayes

David Hill

Loyal & Jill Huddleston

Leslie & Stephen Isom

Alice & Steve Jennison

Alberta C. Johnson

Amy & Kevin Jones

Sarah Kellner

Geneva & David Kerstein

Ellen Keszler

Julie & Mike Kirk

Linda Kirscht and Karen Backstein

Karen Marisak & Gerard Lynch

Rachelle McBride

Marcia & Thomas McCalden

Ferrell & William McClean

Pat McFarland

Rosemary Maher & Mendel Melzer

Laurian Unnevehr & Jerry Nelson

Jana Edwards & Frederick Poppe

Etty & Alberto Rimoch

Margaret & Rick Rogers

Carey & Tim Romer

Fran Schulman

Maureen & David Cross

Katherine & Hassan Dayem

Robin Deighan

Andrew Donaldson

Renee & Jeffrey Epstein

Matilde Flores

Colleen Forrest and Christopher Forrest

Mikki & Morris Futernick

Terry Galpin-Plattner

Merrily Glosband

Juli Greenwald

Julie Grimm

Karin & Ron Artinian

Carol Atha

Karen Backstein

Ann & Gerald Bass

Marie & Steven Booren

Lourdes Rosado & Jan Boswinkel

Amy & Terence Britton

Marc Brombert

Jean Kutner & Robert Brown

Wendy Rudolph & Graeme Bush

Amy Cantor

Ellen & Jonathan Chilton

Barbara & Mark Cohen

Lawrence LaFevre

Robyn Landry

Wendy Legum

Dawn Lesh

Ann & William Lieff

Sharon Mandell

Leslie & John Manes

Judy Margolis and Joede Schoeberlein

Sheila McInerney

Nancy McKeever

Helen Moxcey

Daniel Murphy

Jane & Skip Netzorg at Donor Sparkling Brunch. Photo by Brian Maloney.

Nancy & Sam Osborne

Ali & Paul Peters

Kathryn Powers

Susan & Kenneth Press

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Carlinda & Luis Quintero

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SUPPORTER

Anonymous

Ginny Ades

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VVF PATRONS

CORNERSTONE FRIENDS

Anonymous

Karen & John Arnold

Bacca Foundation

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PEAK CIRCLE

Anonymous

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FRIENDS OF VAIL

Ellen & Dan Bolen

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Jay & Elise Rossiter. Photo by Brian Maloney.

Keith Funger & Maruri Pioppo in the May Gallery. Photo by Brian Maloney.

Rochelle Lazarus

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ARTS CIRCLE

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MEDALLION CIRCLE

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Coleman Custom Homes

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CHAMPIONS CIRCLE

Anonymous

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LEGENDS CIRCLE

Anonymous (3)

In Memory of J. Marilyn Addy 1930–2020

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The Sherrill Family FoundationDebbie & Skip Courtney

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John Stevens

Ann & Mike Stone

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Jenifer Valentine

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Susan Lynch & Daniel Virnich

Martin Waldbaum

Allison Krausen & Kyle Webb

Joanne & Morris Wheeler

Mindy & Gregory White

Deborah & Stephen Yurco

^in remembrance

Patrick Galvin, Laura Hellman, and Praveen Maddela at Donor Sparkling Brunch.

Photo by Brian Maloney.

Classical & Dance

WINTER 2026

Ailey II

THU | JAN 15 2026

The Next Generation of Dance.

Sinfónica de Minería

SAT | JAN 31 2026

Known for igniting dialogue between classical masterpieces and vivid works from Latin America.

Ballets Jazz Montréal

DANCE ME: Music by Leonard Cohen

THU | MAR 26 | 2026

An exclusive creation inspired by the rich and profound work of Leonard Cohen.

BY Vilar and Vail Dance Festival

II

Lang Lang

TUE | MAR 17 2026

A leading figure in classical music today — as a pianist, educator and philanthropist.

Jazz Montréal PRESENTED BY Vilar and Vail Dance Festival

Ailey

Ballets

Sinfónica de Minería

Lang Lang

Rhapsody

RETURNS

A dance party starring Vail Valley citizens takes center stage

By Joel Solari

Everyone in the Vail Valley is invited to become part of the cast of dancers this July in the encore presentation of Rhapsody, a site-specific dance work choreographed by award-winning choreographer Larry Keigwin. Rhapsody builds on more than two decades of work by Keigwin, Artistic director of the New York based KEIGWIN + COMPANY, who has been creating community-driven dance works and bringing folks together in the joy of dance and collective creativity.

It started in 2007 with Boléro, a work originally inspired by the diversity and density of his native New York City. The work featured the iconic Maurice Ravel score and a cast of 50 everyday citizens ranging from toddlers to individuals 80 years old.

“It was created with the community, about the community, and for the community,” recalls Keigwin. “In the end it turned out that the creative process was bonding, and to this day I am still friends with those people, and they are friends with each other. The bonding experience that comes from the creative process can bring people together and closer to the art form.”

Keigwin’s Boléro went on to be adapted and performed in more than a dozen other cities and communities around the country, and then a new iteration of the project took shape called Rhapsody, going outside the theater and into the park.

“During the COVID-19 lockdown, I found peace and refuge in Central Park,” Keigwin recalls. “I found tranquility there, and in

doing so, I constantly saw the park as choreography—rollerbladers, joggers, badminton, all these activities—and thought, wouldn’t that be great if we could orchestrate that to music and then end up in a dance party?”

Rhapsody had its premiere in Brooklyn in 2022 as a communitydriven work that harnesses the unique talents of local residents as performers to create a moving celebration of humanity, artmaking and shared space. The Vail edition of Rhapsody premiered last summer amongst the Rocky Mountain scenic backdrop of the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater and resulted in a rousing dance party for the citizen cast, Festival artists, and audience members alike. The celebration continues this season as the community is invited to participate in the unique, one-of-a-kind dance experience on July 27. Set to a vibrant medley of pop and disco music, a large cast of individuals of all ages, abilities, and experience levels are encouraged to join, says Keigwin.

“We are looking for individuals who have a sense of curiosity, a sense of play, and the ability to let go of judgment and to allow themselves freedom of expression and joy”. “Everyone is a player in not just the dancing but also in the making of it, and so the rewards are both physical, mental, and spiritual. I want to get everybody dancing because I believe in the endorphin rush and the adrenaline that comes from the positive vibrations that dance can bring to not just the individual, but to the whole group.”

How to join in on the fun!

No professional dance experience is required to participate!

The Rhapsody open call takes place in the Piney Ballroom at Manor Vail Lodge (595 Vail Valley Drive, Vail).

Intro Session:

July 21 from 6:00pm–7:30pm Participants will be guided through a short, playful choreographic process with Larry Keigwin using games and guided improvisation.

Rehearsals:

July 22–24 from 6:00pm–7:30pm

July 25 from 4:00pm–5:30pm

July 26 from 1:00pm–3:00pm also in the Piney Ballroom at Manor Vail Lodge.

A dress rehearsal will take place at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater (520 Frontage Road, Vail) on July 27 at a time to be determined.

The performance of Rhapsody will take place at 6:30pm on July 27 as part of UpClose: Song & Dance (call time TBD).

Generously Underwritten by Susan & Jeff Campbell.

to learn more, sign up, and watch the video from last year! vaildance.org/rhapsody/

Larry Keigwin rehearsing at the 2024 Festival. Photo by Chris Kendig.

UpClose

Song & Dance

By Sarah Silverblatt-Buser

Legendary composer Leonard Bernstein often opened his rehearsals to the public, inviting audiences into the artistic process. Following this spirit, the Vail Dance Festival’s UpClose—a pillar of the Festival for nearly two decades— offers a rare glimpse into the “room where it happens,” says Artistic Director Damian Woetzel. This intimate evening invites audiences to witness star dancers and musicians as they refine their craft through rehearsal, discussion, and experimentation. The result? A dynamic exploration of the histories and creative processes behind the Festival’s most compelling works.

This summer’s UpClose spotlights the symbiotic relationship between song and dance, from choreography inspired by existing music to groundbreaking composer-choreographer collaborations. Audiences will see how world-class artists—and the art they create—reach new heights.

The Paul Taylor Dance Company, last seen in Vail in 2018, will open its rehearsal process for Company B, a seminal work set to the Andrews Sisters’ buoyant wartime hits. The piece juxtaposes the exuberance of swing dancing with the looming shadows of the Great Depression and World War II, using music as both narrative and rhythmic guide. Meanwhile, Alonzo King’s Suite Etta,

choreographed to the soul-stirring voice of Etta James, delves into emotional depth through movement. Dancers Adji Cissoko (praised for her “ancient spirit”) and Shuaib Elhassan (whose work is called “life-affirming”) will demonstrate how they embody James’ raw lyricism with technical and expressive mastery.

As a former New York City Ballet principal, Woetzel brings firsthand insight into George Balanchine’s musicality. At

Festival artists perform at the 2023 Vail Dance Festival. Choreography by George Balanchine ©The George Balanchine Trust. Photo by Christopher Duggan.

Michelle Dorrance & Justin Peck with Kate Davis at the 2018 Festival. Photo by Erin Baiano.

UpClose, he’ll guide dancers through excerpts of Liebeslieder Walzer, set to Johannes Brahms’ romantic waltzes, revealing how music transports us to 19th-century ballrooms. He’ll also explore Who Cares?, Balanchine’s vibrant tribute to George Gershwin’s jazzy New York energy.

The evening also celebrates live collaboration, a hallmark of the Festival. Bobbi Jene Smith’s MASS (premiered in Vail in 2022), performed by NYCB’s Sara Mearns with music by Caroline Shaw and vocals by Davóne Tines, exemplifies the electric interplay between movement and sound. Tines will further illuminate this synergy by sharing By and By, his 2023 collaboration with Memphis Jookin pioneer Lil Buck, reimagining the hymn I’ll Fly Away through movement and voice.

Additionally, Caroline Shaw and Melissa Toogood will unpack Pam Tanowitz’s choreography for Shaw’s haunting cover of ABBA’s Lay All Your Love on Me—a radical reinvention that layers emotion through Sō Percussion’s architectural soundscapes.

Vail's 2025 UpClose will reach far and wide, taking advantage of the brilliant range of artists present and their many experiences across genres. From Christopher Wheeldon’s This Bitter Earth (melding Dinah Washington’s voice with Max Richter’s strings), to Twyla Tharp’s Sinatra Songs, to Jerome Robbins’ West Side Story, to so many more— the dazzling world of song & dance will come to life on the Vail stage in this unique one-time-only evening that is not to be missed.

Chun Wai Chan performs an excerpt of George Balanchine's Stars and Stripes at the UpClose program of the 2023 Festival. Choreography by George Balanchine ©The George Balanchine Trust. Photo by Christopher Duggan.

A.I.M by Kyle Abraham

Kyle Abraham (he/him), Artistic Director

Emily Waters (she/her), Executive Director

A.I.M by Kyle Abraham has, for nearly two decades, been at the forefront of contemporary dance, becoming one of the most acclaimed touring companies in the world. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, the company exemplifies “lush movement, infectious music and magnetic dancers...” as noted by The New York Times. A.I.M has been featured in Vogue, Essence, among many other publications, and was on the April 2025 cover of Harper’s Bazaar. The company is described as a “postmodern gumbo” with an ardent voice and artistic process informed by robust conversations with people from diverse perspectives. A.I.M collaborates with renowned choreographers including Bebe Miller, Doug Varone, Trisha Brown, Keerati Jinakunwiphat, Maleek Washington, Rena Butler, Paul Singh and Andrea Miller, ever expanding its repertory.

A.I.M is based in New York City. If We Were a Love Song, photo by Maria Baranova.

DANCERS:

Jamaal Bowman

Amari Frazier

Mykiah Goree

Alysia Johnson

BalletX

Christine Cox, Artistic & Executive Director

Tara Keating, Associate Artistic Director

Faith Joy Mondesire

Destin Morisset

William Okajima

Morgan Olschewske

Alonzo King LINES Ballet

Alonzo King, Founder & Artistic Director

Niya Smith Keturah Stephen Gianna Theodore Olivia Wang

Alonzo King LINES Ballet is a celebrated contemporary ballet company that has been guided since 1982 by the unique artistic vision of Alonzo King. Alonzo King LINES Ballet has collaborated with noted composers, musicians, and visual artists from around the world to create performances that alter the way we look at ballet today. Its unique artistic vision adheres to the classical form—the linear, mathematical, and geometrical principles that are deeply rooted in the pre-existing East-West continuum. Shuaib Elhassan & Alvaro Montelongo, photo by RJ Muna.

DANCERS:

Maël Amatoul

Babatunji

Adji Cissoko

Keelan Whitmore, Rehearsal Director & Community Liaison

Theo Duff-Grant

Lorris Eichinger

Shuaib Elhassan

Josh Francique Ilaria Guerra Marusya Madubuko

Tatum Quiñónez

Mikal Gilbert Amanda Smith

BalletX, Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet, unites artistic innovation with technical excellence to forge new works of athleticism, emotion, and grace. Founded in 2005 and led by Artistic & Executive Director Christine Cox, the company has commissioned nearly 80 choreographers from around the world to produce 140 world premieres that are “fresh, inclusive, and connect to what people want” (Philadelphia Citizen). With a versatile and diverse ensemble of 16 dancers, hailed as “among America’s best” by The New York Times, BalletX pushes the boundaries of classical ballet to tell today’s stories with passion, creativity, and exuberance. As a vibrant global incubator for artistic talent, the company makes ballet accessible and inviting, captivating audiences at prestigious venues including The Kennedy Center, Vail Dance Festival, The Joyce Theater, and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Through performances, international touring, and meaningful community outreach, BalletX creates extraordinary dance experiences that inspire human connection. Photo by Scott Serio.

DANCERS:

Eli Alford

Itzkan Barbosa

Luca De-Poli

Francesca Forcella

Savannah Green

Lanie Jackson

Mathis Joubert

Jared Kelly

Eileen Kim

Skyler Lubin

Jonathan Montepara

Jerard Palazo

Minori Sakita

Ben Schwarz

Ashley Simpson

Peter Weil

Colorado Ballet

Gil Boggs, Artistic Director

Sameed Afghani, Executive Director

Presenting exceptional classical ballet and innovative contemporary dance through performances, training, education and community engagement, Colorado Ballet continues to inspire and grow an increasingly diverse audience base in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1961 by Lillian Covillo and Freidann Parker, Colorado Ballet is a nonprofit organization celebrating 65 years of excellence. As a world-class professional company serving over 100,000 national and international patrons, Colorado Ballet presents 58 performances annually to sold-out audiences in the 2,000 seat Ellie Caulkins Opera House. The Company’s 40 professional dancers and 22 studio company dancers come from all over the world. Colorado Ballet’s The Armstrong Center for Dance, a 35,000 square foot building, boasts eight state-of-the-art professional dance studios and amenities for the professional Company. Under the direction of Artistic Director Gil Boggs, Colorado Ballet performs classical ballet masterpieces, full-length story ballets and its critically acclaimed repertory production MasterWorks, featuring varied works from neoclassical ballets to world premieres. The Raydean Acevedo Colorado Ballet Academy serves over 1,200 students from toddlers to seniors each year. Colorado Ballet’s Education & Community Engagement offers programs to students and community members, making over 25,000 contacts and reaching over 200 schools and organizations annually. Participants come from a variety of backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses including youth, families, teachers, and people with and without disabilities. Photo by Amanda Tipton. Generously Underwritten by Jane & Skip Netzorg.

DANCERS:

Catherine Aoki

Lily Bines

Mylie Buck

Alexandra Gilliom

Jennifer Grace

Sheridan Guerin

Lily Hagan

Chloe Kinzler

Mario Labrador

Ever Larson

Ariel McCarty

Leah McFadden

Catherine McGregor

Patrick Mihm

Stefanee Montesantos

Rheana Montesantos

Christophor Moulton

Jessica Payne

Nani Ross

Mackenzie Studinski

Sara Thomas Lili Travaglia

Alexandra Wilson

Paul Taylor Dance Company

Michael Novak, Artistic Director

One of the world’s foremost dance companies, the Paul Taylor Dance Company, is recognized for innovating and transforming modern dance. Under the artistic direction of Michael Novak and drawing from a history of multidisciplinary collaborations, passionate expression, and thrilling athleticism, the Company is known for a vast repertory that features work from the Founder’s canon, new works created by some of today’s most engaging choreographers and established and important historical dances from the 20th and 21st centuries. Dedicated to sharing modern dance with the broadest possible audience, the Company tours annually, both domestically and internationally, with performances and a variety of educational programs and engagement offerings. Paul Taylor Dance Company in Paul Taylor’s Esplanade at Lincoln Center in 2024. Photo by Whitney Browne.

DANCERS:

Madelyn Ho, M.D.

Kristin Draucker

Lee Duveneck

Alex Clayton Devon Louis John Harnage

Lisa Borres Casey

Jada Pearman

Shawn Lesniak

Jake Vincent

Jessica Ferretti

Austin Kelly

Kenny Corrigan

Gabrielle Barnes

Emmy Wildermuth

Elizabeth Chapa

Payton Primer

Kyle Abraham Artistic Director, A.I.M. by Kyle Abraham Festival Choreographer

Dominika Afanasenkov* Corps de Ballet, New York City

Gilbert Bolden III Principal, New York City Ballet Festival Choreographer

Chun Wai Chan Principal, New York City Ballet

Patricia Delgado Former Principal, Miami City Ballet

Ballet

Isabella Boylston Principal, American Ballet Theatre

Adji Cissoko Alonzo King LINES Ballet

Michelle Dorrance Dorrance Dance Festival Choreographer

Robert Battle* Festival Choreographer

India Bradley Corps de Ballet, New York City Ballet

Naomi Corti* Corps de Ballet, New York City Ballet

Denys Drozdyuk Ballroom Dancer

Olivia Bell Corps de Ballet, New York City Ballet

Lil Buck Memphis Jooker

Derek Crescenti Keigwin + Company

Philip Duclos Corps de Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet

Robbie Fairchild Former Principal, New York City Ballet / Broadway Star

Elijah Geolina* Scholar-In-Residence

Zack Gonder* Independent

Joseph Gordon Principal, New York City Ballet

Daniel Guzmán* Scholar-In-Residence

Catherine Hurlin Principal, American Ballet Theatre

Daisy Kate Jacobson Independent

Yoon Jung Seo* Corps de Ballet, Courtesy of American Ballet Theatre

Larry Keigwin Artistic Director, Keigwin + Company Festival Choreographer

Brooks

Spencer

Andrea Lodico Keigwin + Company

Chloe Misseldine* Principal, American Ballet Theatre

Emiko Nakagawa Independent

Landegger* Soloist, Miami City Ballet

Kayla Mak Company Dancer, ABT Studio

Takumi Miyake*

Dario Natarelli Independent

Lenain Independent

Sara Mearns Principal, New York City Ballet

Mayfield Myers Corps de Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet

Justin Peck New York City Ballet Festival Choreographer

Rachel Lockhart* Independent Festival Choreographer

Roman Mejia Principal, New York City Ballet

Mira Nadon Principal, New York City Ballet

Tiler Peck Principal, New York City Ballet

Unity Phelan Principal, New York City Ballet

Gianna Reisen* Festival Choreographer

Calvin Royal III Principal, American Ballet Theatre

Ben Rudisin Principal, National Ballet of Canada

Antonina Skobina Ballroom Dancer

Bobbi Jene Smith Festival Choreographer

My’Kal Stromile* Festival Choreographer

KJ Takahashi Soloist, New York City Ballet

Corps de Ballet, Courtesy of American Ballet Theatre

Pam Tanowitz

Pam Tanowitz Dance Festival Choreographer

Stephanie Terasaki Independent

Ryan Tomash* Royal Danish Ballet

FESTIVAL COMPOSER & MUSICIANS

Caroline Shaw Multi-Instrumentalist, Vocalist

Leonard Bernstein

Composer-In-Residence

Jayla Cheeˆ Upright Bass

Youba Cissokho Kora

Melissa Toogood

Pam Tanowitz Dance Artist-In-Residence

Kate Davis Multi-Instrumentalist

QUARTET-IN-RESIDENCE

BROOKLYN RIDER

James Whiteside Principal, American Ballet Theatre

Rhiannon Giddens* Multi-Instrumentalist, Vocalist

Generously Underwritten by Malo & John Harrison.

With their gripping performance style and unquenchable appetite for musical adventure, Brooklyn Rider has carved a singular space in the world of string quartets over their fifteen year history. Defining the string quartet as a medium with deep historic roots and endless possibility for invention, they find equal inspiration in musical languages ranging from late Beethoven to Persian classical music to American roots music to the endlessly varied voices of living composers. Claiming no allegiance to either end of the historical spectrum, Brooklyn Rider most comfortably operates within the long arc of the tradition, seeking to illuminate works of the past with fresh insight while coaxing the malleable genre into the future through an inclusive programming vision, deep-rooted collaborations with a wide range of global tradition bearers, and the creation of thoughtful and relevant frames for commissioning projects.

Photo by Shervin Lainez.

MUSICIANS:

Cameron Grant Pianist

Johnny Gandelsman, Violin

Colin Jacobsen, Violin

Nicholas Cords, Viola

Michael Nicolas, Cello

Eliza Salemˆ Drummer

Michael Scales Pianist

Tony Siqi Yun Pianist

Davóne Tines Bass-Baritone

Derek Wang Pianist

Joel Wenhardtˆ Pianist

TAYLOR MADE A special birthday salute to an American dance icon

By Joel Solari

American choreographer Paul Taylor (1930–2018) was a trailblazer in modern dance, reshaping the art form with his bold, original vision. A contemporary of legends like Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham, Taylor redefined modern dance by merging classical influences with groundbreaking innovation. Since its founding in 1954, the Paul Taylor Dance Company has become a cornerstone of the global dance scene, celebrated for over seven decades of powerful performances and genre-defying choreography. The New York Times hailed it as “one of the most exciting, innovative, and delightful dance companies in the entire world.”

Last seen at the Festival in 2018—just before Taylor’s passing that August—the Paul Taylor Dance Company returns to Vail to honor what would have been the choreographer’s 95th birthday. On

Tuesday, July 29 at 7:30pm, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater will host a tribute performance featuring iconic works from Taylor’s repertoire, along with a special collaboration, a Dance Education Laboratory Movement Sentence Choir (DE MSC). Inspired by movement theorist Rudolf Laban, the DEL MSC initiative takes a community-based ensemble and uses structured, narrative driven choreography to explore collective expression, in this case, creating a one-of-a-kind celebration of Taylor’s enduring legacy that will then go on to be a dance education resource in the years to come.

Taylor’s choreography is renowned for its emotional depth and stylistic versatility, ranging from poetic tenderness to sharp satire. At the heart of the program is Esplanade (1975), a masterpiece marking its 50th anniversary. Set to Bach’s Violin Concerto in E Major and Double Violin Concerto in D Minor, the piece transforms everyday motions—walking, running, falling— into profound dance. The New Yorker praised

its ability to lend “a mythic dimension to ordinary aspects of our daily lives,” capturing themes of joy, solitude, and the passage of time.

Many of Taylor’s works also delve into American identity, juxtaposing nostalgia with social critique. Company B (1991), set to the Andrews Sisters’ buoyant wartime hits, contrasts the exuberance of 1940s swing with the shadows of World War II. Through vibrant choreography, Taylor reveals an era defined by both celebration and sacrifice—a testament to his ability to distill complex emotions into movement.

This Vail tribute honors a visionary who captured the full spectrum of human experience—from love and joy to conflict and loss. Paul Taylor’s legacy endures not only in his dances but in their timeless resonance, reminding us of art’s power to reflect our shared humanity.

Want to discover more about this amazing dance legend and his enduring legacy? Join us for Conversations on Dance with Michael Novak from Paul Taylor Dance Company on July 27th at 10:30am at Vail Mountain School Theatre.

Paul Taylor and Damian Woetzel in Vail, 2013. Photo by Erin Baiano.

Jada Pearman, Jake Vincent, Kristin Draucker, and Company in Esplanade. Photo by Steven Pisano.

ABRAHAM IN MOTION

A.I.M by Kyle Abraham makes a Festival debut

By Joel Solari

MacArthur Fellow and Princess Grace Statue Award winner Kyle Abraham, celebrated choreographer and artistic director of A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, brings his company to the Vail Dance Festival for the first time. While Abraham has created new works for the Festival in recent seasons, this debut performance promises to showcase the groundbreaking artistry that has captivated audiences and critics worldwide.

The special one-night only Vail Dance Festival engagement of A.I.M will take place on Sunday, August 3, at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek. The choreographer will have his works highlighted on the program including his ode to Nina Simone, If We Were a Love Song (2021), a collection of solos and duets set to some of the music legend’s most intimate songs, as well as MotorRover (2023), a duet in conversation with Merce Cunningham’s 1972 ensemble work, Landrover. The evening will also include a special debut of a new work by Jermaine Spivey entitled In the act of undoing. “It’s important to me to bring in new voices into our repertoire at A.I.M,” explains Abraham. “Doing so

allows the dancers and audiences alike to experience the range of styles the company is capable of living in and dancing.”

Spivey, a Baltimore-born artist and Associate Choreographer for Nederlands Dans Theater, brings his world-premiere ensemble piece to A.I.M, drawing from his two decades of work with innovators like Crystal Pite, William Forsythe, and even pop icon Robyn. Known for his dynamic teaching and performing across Europe and North America, Spivey’s contribution underscores A.I.M’s commitment to fresh perspectives. “This is a demanding work for the performers,” said Spivey. “It requires unending collaboration as a means of revealing, loosening, broadening, reducing, strengthening, deepening, restructuring and interpreting. To animate the essence of what moves people, and elaborately demonstrate the rigor, unity, and diversity of our movements when we all remain on task.”

In addition to the full company engagement at the Vilar, A.I.M will also be represented at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater with the presentation of Kyle Abraham’s Show Pony (2018) as part of the International Evenings of Dance program (see schedule for details). The high-energy solo work was originally choreographed

Photo by Maria Baranova.

“Combining the groove of hip hop, the gutsiness of modern dance, and the expansive lines of ballet, Kyle Abraham has been spinning his own inimitable movement vocabulary for two decades.” —Dance Magazine

for dancer Alysia Johnson when she was graduating from The Juilliard School. Johnson later went on to dance for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and recently joined A.I.M where, in a full circle moment, she will now be performing the solo again. The work features music by American electronic music producer and composer Jlin, known for her innovative and genre-defying approach to rhythm and sound.

A.I.M by Kyle Abraham performs on Sunday, August 3 at 6:00pm. at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek. Tickets are available at vaildance.org or by calling the Box Office at 970.845.TIXS (8497).

September 30 - October 12

Kyle Abraham with lighting designer Brandon Stirling Baker during the 2023 Festival. Photo by Christopher Duggan.

“SCENE” AT THE FESTIVAL

A look back at past Festivals!

1. Spencer Lenain, Melissa Toogood, Caroline Shaw, Pam Tanowitz, & Brooklyn Rider in 2024. Photo by Christopher Duggan.

2. Dario Natarelli performs at intermission during an International Evening of Dance. Photo by Chris Kendig.

3. Joseph Gordon & Isabella Boylston rehearse James Whiteside’s new work.

Photo by Christopher Duggan.

4. Pianist Michael Scales & vocalist Davóne Tines in rehearsal. Photo by Christopher Duggan.

5. Sara Mearns & Ben Rudisin rehearse George Balanchine's Symphony in C. Choreography by George Balanchine. ©The George Balanchine Trust. Photo by Christopher Duggan.

6. James Whiteside, Unity Phelan, Melissa Toogood, Jules Mabie, Alessio Crognale-Roberts, Harrison Coll, Daisy Kate Jacobson, & Frances Samson backstage. Photo by Christopher Duggan.

7. Patricia Delgado & Justin Peck in rehearsal for Partita. Photo by Christopher Duggan.

THANK YOU

It takes a village to put on the Vail Dance Festival and we could not do it without the hard work and dedication of our sponsors, partners, staff, interns, ambassadors, and volunteers.

FESTIVAL MARQUEE PRESENTER

Jody & John Arnhold | Arnhold Foundation

FESTIVAL SPONSORS

Bulleit Bourbon

Casamigos Tequila

Celsius Discover Vail

Epic Mountain Express

La Crema

Lifetime Home Remodeling

Manor Vail Lodge

Nature Valley

Pacifico

pact

Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate

Sonnenalp Hotel

Squash Blossom

Town of Avon

Town of Vail

Vail Mountain

LODGING PARTNERS

Beaver Creek West Condominiums

Christiania at Vail

The Christie Lodge

Manor Vail Lodge

The Osprey at Beaver Creek, A Rock Resort

The Pines Lodge, A Rock Resort

Tivoli

Vail Management Company

Vail Realty

Vail Spa Condominiums

PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

New York City Center

Vail Integrative Medical Group

Vail Mountain School

FOUNDATION SUPPORT

Doris Duke Charitable Foundation

Jerome Robbins Foundation

ARTISTIC TEAM

Damian Woetzel, Artistic Director

Patricia Delgado and Melissa Toogood, Staging Associates

Russell Kaiser, Artistic Planning & Rehearsal Director

Heather Watts, Creative Associate

Margaret Tracey, Teacher & Repetiteur

Shelbie Rassler, Musical Director

PRODUCTION

Jesse Campbell, Director of Production

Alberto Ruiz, Production Manager

Duncan Gallagher, Asst. Production Manager

Nicole Mommen, Production Stage Manager

Clifton Taylor, Lighting Designer

Roya Abab, Guest Lighting Designer & Lighting Director

Joe Samala, Production Audio

Marlene Hamm, Costume Director

Angelina Pellini, Stage Manager

Elizabeth Nguyen, Stage Operations Lead

Kirk Baltzell, Asst. Stage Manager

Heather Olcott, Asst. Stage Manager

Alayna McCabe, Asst. Stage Manager

Marq Gonzalez, Production Electrician

Garth MacAleavey, FOH Audio Engineer

Miguel Chamberlain, Wardrobe Supervisor

Miranda Trembley, Asst. Production Electrician

Megan McKay, Backstage Audio

Covey Carpenter, Backstage Audio

Michael Sopp, Electrician

Christian Soto, Electrician

Joseph Dudley, Stage Operations Crew

Joseph Love, Stage Operations Crew

Sabina Fritz, Venue/Rehearsal Manager

Evan Smedley, Venue/Rehearsal Manager

Ash DiTaranto, Wardrobe Assistant

Harry Cornelio, Wardrobe Assistant

Ryan Fogal, Musical Coordinator

STAFF

Mike Imhof, President & CEO

Harper Addison, Sr. Festival & Operations Manager

Sara Amberg, Executive Director, YouthPower365

Lisa Babb, Sr. Operations Manager

Peter Barclay, Vice President of Philanthropy

Julie Block, Director of PR & Communications

Greg Bloom, Sr. Director, Sponsorship Sales

Peter Blosten, Sr. Director of Operations, GRFA

Martha Brassel, Sr. Director of Philanthropy

Erik Brown, Director of Special Projects & Infrastructure

Justin Brown, Director of Operations, Vilar

Maddie Brown, Logistics & Administrative Coordinator

Javier Cendejas, Pianist

Josh Cloud, Chief Financial Officer

Andie Cott, Box Office Manager, Vilar

Noelle Cristo, Development & Grants Coordinator

Dean Davis, Facilities Manager, Vilar

Dymond Davis, VDF Development Coordinator

Dave Dressman, Vice President, Sales & GRFA

Dionne Drugan Brown, Office Manager

Kristen Dudding, Sr. Director, Marketing & PR

Christopher Duggan, Festival Photographer

Heidi Elzinga, Asst. to the President

Britt Felton, Marketing Manager

Tim Felton, Sr. Operations Manager

Rosi Folmer, Development Events Manager

Sarah Franke, Sr. Vice President, Operations

Elle Friedle, Sr. Manager, Grant Development

Lauren Gary, Director of Ticketing, VVF, Asst. Director, GRFA

Elizabeth Gihle, Sr. Box Office Manager, GRFA

Linda Giordano, Sr. Director, Human Resources

Riley Goossen, Lighting Designer, Vilar

Ruthie Hamrick, Director of Marketing, Vilar

Kenneth Howell, Food & Beverage Manager, Vilar

Shane Huebner, PSr. Manager, Production, Vilar & GRFA

Owen Hutchinson, Artistic Director, Vilar

Kate Kalamon, Sr. Manager, Sponsorship Sales

Erin Kelly, Transportation & Operations Coordinator

Chris Kendig, Photographer

Stephen Licciardi, Director of Philanthropy, General Fund

Erica de Longpre, Controller

Devin Lyon, Marketing Coordinator

Brian Maloney, Photographer

Sean McRee, Gore Creek Concessions

Cheyenne Mendoza, Technical Director, Vilar & GRFA

Cameron Morgan, Executive Director, Vilar

Brian Muller, Chief Technical Officer

Bailey Nelson, Philanthropy Manager

Kate Penner, Social Media Manager

Marley Poku-Kankam, NYC Rehearsal Coordinator

Kendra Powell, Director, Donor Engagement

Tess Reinhold, Programming & Artist Relations Manager, Vilar

Gail Russell, Accounting & Finance Manager

Morgan Russell, Venue & Events Manager, GRFA

Andrea Selby, Festival Illustrator

Gabe Shalley, Associate Director, Data Systems

Nel Shelby Productions, Festival Videographer

Michael Sheridan, Asst. to the Artistic Director

Heather Smith, Payroll & Benefits Manager

Chef Hunter Smith, Big Delicious Catering

Mia Smith, Data Gift Entry & AP Coordinator

Whitney Smith, Director of Philanthropy, Education & Community Engagement

Joel Solari, Festival Public Relations Manager

Jessica Stevens, Sr. Director, Sponsorship Sales

Shannon Thornburg, Sr. Marketing Manager

Kit Twichell, Arts Education & Community Engagement Manager, Vilar

Deb Wautier, Volunteer Manager

Miah Wheeler, Director of Philanthropy, Vilar

Peggy Wolfe, Sr. Director of Operations

Brad Wuelling, Director, FP&A & Procurement

Patrick Zimmerman, High Country Backline

FESTIVAL INTERNS

Miriam Czaja, Artist Services Intern

Ella Grace Worraker, Merchandising Intern

Ava Hinz, Marketing Intern

Tieran Horton, Operations & Logistics Intern

Gracie Johnson, Summer Development Intern

Anna Beth Lee, Artist Services Intern

Isabella Locke, Operations & Logistics Intern

Lindsay Osten, Marketing Intern

Kate Thomas, Development Intern

FESTIVAL AMBASSADORS

Lia Aubuchon, Ambassador

Lauryn Carr, Sr. Ambassador

Maggie Coors, Ambassador

Sophia Howard, Ambassador

Ashlyn Kirkham, Ambassador

Oakley Milhoan, Ambassador

Amelia Moag, Ambassador

Avery Moyer, Ambassador

Zooey Schamis, Ambassador

CELEBRATE THE BEAT

POP HOP CAMP STAFF

Tracy Straus, Founding Artistic Director

Kris Walsh, Artistic Executive Director

Tony Kieraldo, Musical Director

Aubrey Bell, Program Coordinator & Teaching Artist

Emma Stedman, Lead Teaching Artist

Nelly Quijano, Assistant Teaching Artist

Jacob Lidard, Musician

Ben Freese, Musician

Kimberly Mayorga, CTB Alumni, Teaching Assistant

Raya Fowler, CTB Alumni, Teaching Assistant

Rebecca Flores, CTB Alumni, Teaching Assistant

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS

The Juilliard School

The Keith Haring Foundation

Shelly & Chris Jarnot

Rebecca & Tyler Morse, MCR

SPECIAL PROJECT VOLUNTEERS

Theresa Anders

Shelly Jarnot

On behalf of the Vail Dance Festival and Vail Valley Foundation, thank you to our dedicated team of volunteers!

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