The Colorado Ballet's 2013-2014 Season is Most Successful in Organization History

Colorado Ballet had its most successful performance season in the 53-year history of the organization, breaking attendance and revenue records during the 2013-2014 season.

"The recession hit cultural institutions especially hard, but things have improved so much during the last few years and we just had our best season ever," said Colorado Ballet Artistic Director Gil Boggs. "There are so many positive signs that things are improving, Colorado Ballet's audience grows each year and we are seeing more and more sold-out performances each season, and not just for The Nutcracker."

Colorado Ballet's productions of The Nutcracker, Cinderella and Ballet Director's Choice all exceeded revenue goals. A performance at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House is considered sold out at 2,000 patrons, and this season Colorado Ballet averaged 1,976 patrons per performance at The Nutcracker. Overall, the holiday production sold out 19 of the 25 performances. Cinderella had the highest average attendance per performance of any production excluding The Nutcracker for at least the last 20 years. Ballet Director's Choice had the highest total attendance and highest average attendance per performance than any show the ballet has ever performed at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts. Overall, the organization exceeded its season budget and attendance goals for performances this season.

"In addition to the improvement in the economy, I think there are a lot of other factors that go in to our growing audience," said Boggs. "We've streamlined how we market to our customers and social media has really improved how we communicate to patrons. Plus, dance is so popular and we really offer something for everyone each season; family-friendly shows like The Nutcracker and other storybook ballets and edgy, innovative contemporary works for true dance-lovers."

Colorado Ballet has several things to look forward to in the coming year including the opening of its new state-of-the-art dance training and rehearsal studio in Denver's Art District on Santa Fe this summer and next season's production lineup, which includes a special Halloween presentation of Dracula with the other four productions: A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Nutcracker, Ballet MasterWorks and Peter and the Wolf.

"While we had an excellent ticket sales season, ticket revenue only covers 50 percent of our operating costs," said Colorado Ballet Development Director Claire Margolf. "However, the excitement around our season and the new building have given Colorado Ballet more momentum to finish the fiscal year strong."

About Colorado Ballet

Established in 1961 by Lillian Covillo and Freidann Parker, Colorado Ballet is a non-profit organization celebrating 53 years of presenting world-class classical ballet and superior dance in Denver. Under the direction of Artistic Director Gil Boggs, Colorado Ballet presents more than 50 performances annually. Colorado Ballet enhances the cultural life of Colorado through performances of the professional company, training at the Academy, and Education & Outreach programs. Visit www.coloradoballet.org.

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