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 Adi Slifer
Ann Smead
Kristin Tang Fred 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
Tiny Dancer Tea Party 10:00am–11:30am // SC
Conversations on Dance
Alonzo King LINES Ballet 10:30am–11:30am // VMS
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.
Detroit jit, litefeet, Memphis Jookin and body percussion. “These dances are really about resistance, resilience, and expressing who you are,” says Asherie of the multitudes of history and meaning held in these movement languages. Dorrance, a MacArthur “Genius” Fellow, sophisticatedly celebrates the dance lineages in which she situates herself as a tap dancer, which is an historically Afro-American artform. Dorrance Dance’s electrifying performances immerse audiences into these rich legacies through music and dance that move us at the deepest level of our humanity. Interdisciplinary collaboration is a key element of the Vail Dance Festival. Robert Battle, the lauded former Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, will create a largescale piece incorporating a range of dancers from backgrounds in modern, ballet and beyond. Battle, who was personally 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
Jamison in 2011, holds numerous prestigious honors, from Princess Grace and Dance Magazine awards to honorary doctorates and fellowship appointments. While steeped in Ailey’s mastery of movement, Battle’s choreography is greatly his own. He has honed his work since creating his own company before leading Ailey, and is known for complex musicality, imagery and nuanced use of gesture. After leaving Ailey, the Paul Taylor Dance Company’s Artistic Director Michael Novak appointed him as resident choreographer, so that he has a “home to focus on creating a new era of modern dance.” Battle’s Vail premiere marks an important step forward into that new era.
Audiences will also enjoy Vail debuts from sought after ballet choreographers, Gianna Reisen and My’Kal Stromile. Both artists draw inspiration from the works they performed as dancers. Reisen, who was the youngest artist to choreograph work for New York City Ballet at age 18 in 2017, trained at the School of American Ballet before joining the LA Dance Project, where she danced modern and contemporary dances around the world. Stromile, who trained in multiple styles at the Juilliard School, danced with the Boston Ballet, where neo-classical choreographer William Forsythe created multiple works. Stromile’s recent commission at the Paris Opera Ballet was part of an evening centering the renowned choreographer, solidifying Stromile’s place in the lineage of one of ballet’s most important makers of the last half-century.
The Festival’s identity as a place of artistic excellence includes breathing new life into existing work.
Standout premieres range from revivals to adaptations, such as an encore of Bobbi Jene Smith’s stirring MASS created for Sara Mearns and singer Davóne Tines with music by Caroline Shaw. Smith will also be represented by a duet never seen in Vail set to Bach piano, in addition to a new work to be made in collaboration with Michelle Dorrance, in which the contemporary dance maker who is known as a grippingly powerful performer will take the Festival stage herself for the first time.
In another first at the Festival, Robbie Fairchild, the versatile ballet and Broadway star, will make his debut in Three Preludes, a solo created by modern dance maker Mark Morris for Mikhail Baryshnikov and himself to the music of George Gershwin.
This work, which premiered in 1992, will now 33 years later be seen in Vail for the first time, as Fairchild shares the charm, wit and musicality emblematic of Morris’s iconic choreographic voice. These Festival firsts, among other extraordinary happenings including new works by ComposerIn-Residence Caroline Shaw and the Festival debut of Grammy Award-winning musician Rhiannon Giddens, contribute to what make Vail the transformative destination that draws artists and audiences in from around the world.
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
See page 20. 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
additional support by
“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.
Wendy Williams & Noel Kullavanijaya,
James & 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.
SATURDAY, 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
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
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
JUNE 19 - JULY 31, 2025
July 13
Stéphane Denève, conductor
Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, piano
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
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Jane & Skip Netzorg at Donor Sparkling Brunch. Photo by Brian Maloney.
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SUPPORTER
Anonymous
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^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
Sara
Andrea Lodico Keigwin + Company
Chloe Misseldine* Principal, American Ballet Theatre
Emiko Nakagawa Independent
Brooks Landegger* Miami City Ballet
Kayla Mak Company Dancer, ABT Studio
Takumi Miyake* Corps de Ballet, Courtesy of American Ballet Theatre
Dario Natarelli Independent
Spencer Lenain Independent
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
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:
Gandelsman,
Cameron Grant Pianist
Johnny
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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