Colorado Ballet Wins 10TH ANNUAL GOLDSTAR NATIONAL NUTCRACKER AWARD, Named Best Loved Nutcracker In US

Colorado Ballet has won the 10th AnnuAl Goldstar National Nutcracker Award, the only Award which honors live performances of the seasonal classic. As winner of the audience-favorite competition, Colorado Ballet takes home "The Nutty" statuette, a cash prize for its education programs, and is named the best-loved Nutcracker in the U.S. Colorado Ballet competed in the largest field of nominees in the Award's history -- it beat out over 80 other Nutcracker-themed productions.

"It is truly an honor to have Colorado Ballet's production of The Nutcracker named as the best loved Nutcracker in the US this year! I'm extremely proud of our dancers, musicians, production team and staff who have worked tirelessly to put on 28 performances this season," says Artistic Director, Gil Boggs. "Winning this honor proves that even after 56 seasons, our production of The Nutcracker continues to be as popular as ever, enchanting sold-out audiences year after year. We could not do this without the amazing support of our patrons-thank you for voting for our production of The Nutcracker. At Colorado Ballet, we delight in presenting a timeless story filled with tradition, humor and holiday magic!"

Colorado Ballet's 56th annual production of The Nutcracker features more than 300 costumes, 31 company dancers, 25 studio company dancers, 76 academy dancers, scenery by José Varona and timeless choreography paired with Tchaikovsky's extraordinary arrangement performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra.Established in 1961 by Lillian Covillo and Freidann Parker, Colorado Ballet is a non-profit organization celebrating 56 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 & Community Engagement programs.

For 10 years, The Goldstar National Nutcracker Award has been the only nationwide award for live Nutcracker-themed performances, showcasing the astounding quality and variety of Nutcracker productions each year -- from classic ballet to hip-hop, burlesque and more. Created by live entertainment ticket seller Goldstar (www.goldstar.com) the competition is based solely on Goldstar purchasers' post-show ratings to rankNutcracker productions in order of audience favorite.

"We've been encouraging people to show love for their very favorite productions all across the country, and it's very clear, Colorado Ballet's Nutcracker is the crowd favorite," says Goldstar CEO Jim McCarthy. "We'd like to congratulate the Entire company and crew for their remarkable work."

Celebrating 10 Years of The Goldstar National Nutcracker Award Winners:

2016 Colorado Ballet

The Nutcracker

2015 The Joffrey Ballet

Robert Joffrey's The Nutcracker

2014 MBS Productions

The Beulaville Baptist Book Club Presents: A Bur-less-Q Nutcracker!

2013 Debbie Allen Dance Academy

The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker

2012 The Joffrey Ballet

Robert Joffrey's The Nutcracker

2011 The Joffrey Ballet

Robert Joffrey's The Nutcracker

2010 Debbie Allen Dance Academy

The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker

2009 Boston Ballet

Mikko Nissinen's The Nutcracker

2008 Kirov Ballet

The Nutcracker

2007 The House Theater of Chicago

The Nutcracker

For more on the Goldstar National Nutcracker Award, visit goldstar.com/nutcrackers.

For more information about Colorado Ballet please visit www.coloradoballet.org.

(Photo Credit: Allen Birnbach)

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