Our History

Ballet Nouveau Colorado (BNC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. BNC was founded in 1992 to fill a need for quality ballet training and educational dance programs in Denver’s north metro community. The National Guild for Community Arts Education certified these quality programs in 1999. As the organization grew, the public’s desire and need for accessible dance performances became apparent and drove BNC to establish a professional company in 2002 with a small group of dancers presenting performances at local theaters. Later that year, the Colorado State House of Representatives recognized BNC with a resolution for its contributions to the state through professional performances, educational programs and community involvement. In 2003, BNC implemented its ongoing Title I Elementary Partnership Program, which helps high-need schools strengthen core curricula through the integration of dance. BNC’s Community Education Programs now reach over 20,000 individuals each year throughout Adams, Broomfield, Jefferson, Boulder and Denver Counties.

The arrival of Artistic Director Garrett Ammon and Associate Artistic Director Dawn Fay in 2007 marked a sea of change for BNC. Under their guidance, BNC has been transformed into a rostrum for the creation and presentation of new choreography, the nurturing of contemporary dance artists, and the development of new collaborative partnerships across artistic mediums. With a commitment to dance that is both artistically rich and highly accessible, BNC’s artistic vision has filled an important void in the region’s dance offerings and is helping lay the groundwork for a new and vibrant era in the American dance community. Through its innovative productions, BNC has captured the imagination of a new and enthusiastic audience and drawn national attention to Denver’s dance scene, including being named “25 to Watch” by Dance Magazine  – the first Colorado organization to receive this honor. Today, BNC plays a distinctive role in the Denver community as an acclaimed contemporary dance company, ballet school and community education organization.