Since 1979 the Denver Ballet Guild has been a cultural force in Denver by pursuing its mission to support dance as a performing art. The Guild was established to “stimulate interest in ballet and other forms of dance; to promote dance at all levels; to conduct dance education; to develop audiences; to conduct fundraising activities to support and promote dance; and dispose of the same for such purposes.”
THE DENVER BALLET GUILD grew out of early efforts in 1958 to produce outstanding ballets in the Denver area as Denver Civic Ballet Association. In an attempt to bring a new level of dance to the Rocky Mountains, Denver Ballet Academy and Denver Civic Ballet Guild were added to the Association in 1969. Nutcracker performances with the Denver Symphony Orchestra in the Auditorium Theater became a Christmas time tradition.
WITH THE NUTCRACKER A SUCCESS and a 1969 Spring production in the works, Denver Civic Ballet Guild organized Les Cygnettes for 7th, 8th, and 9th grade girls. The goal was to stimulate interest in and an appreciation of ballet in order to maintain an audience for dance. By 1974 the influence of ballet had expanded and reached the schools. Denver Civic Ballet Guild had a group of ten dancers perform every Friday in the Denver schools.
IN ORDER TO RAISE MONEY to support the dance outreach Le Bal de Ballet was started in 1969, where young ladies from area families were introduced to Denver society. Although the Denver Civic Ballet Association found it necessary to reorganize in 1978-79, many of the Denver Civic Ballet Guild Association members joined the newly incorporated Denver Ballet Guild and continued most of the wonderful traditions started by the Association.
TODAY, THE DENVER BALLET GUILD still carries out the great traditions of the Guild’s past. In 1988 young men were added to Le Bal de Ballet. As Young Men of Distinction along with the Debutantes they represent outstanding young ladies and young men who have made significant achievements and contributions to their schools and community; and represent distinguished families who have been active in the Denver metropolitan community. Le Bal de Ballet is the major fundraiser for the Denver Ballet Guild’s activities.
THE DENVER BALLET GUILD established an Endowment Trust in 1992 for the purpose of supplementing annual fundraising income, thereby perpetuating the objectives for which the Guild was created. Under the able guidance of the Trustees and our Endowment Campaign Committee, the Endowment has grown steadily.
IN 2001, OUR FALL FUNDRAISER “A Taste For Dance” Wine Event and Auction was initiated. The event has proven to be very popular with our membership and is one not to be missed.
THE DENVER BALLET GUILD School Programs provides dancers in the schools for the delight of children around the area. In 1997 Denver Ballet Guild created Dance Showcase to bring school-age children each spring into a theater to experience live dance performances by the best dance companies in Denver. The Denver dance companies perform abbreviated dances for the children, many of whom have never been to a live theater performance before. Since its inception, Denver Ballet Guild Dance Showcase has treated thousands of children to the magic of dance.
IN 1981, Denver Ballet Guild’s first president and guiding light, Florence Ruston, founded the Young Dancer’s Competition. This event offers young students of dance an opportunity to further their dance education, to perform in public and be honored for their dance achievements. Students compete for funds that are awarded to help promote their dance training.
IN SUPPORT of the professional performing dance companies, the Denver Ballet Guild awards thousands of dollars on an annual basis through our Community Enrichment Committee. To date, the Denver Ballet Guild has awarded over $700,000 to the dance community.
FUNDS ARE RAISED by or donated to the Denver Ballet Guild to continue these great traditions and support the Guild’s mission to stimulate interest in dance. The funds for all outreach activities whether community grants, young dancer awards, the cost of dance performances and company fees all still evolve from the members of the Guild and their fundraising efforts.
THROUGH THE TIRELESS WORK of Denver Ballet Guild members, children have an opportunity to be educated in the art of dance through in-school programs and live theater performances. Young dancers have received scholarships to continue their dance education and career, and professional companies have been able to stage new and innovative ballets through the funds raised by the Denver Ballet Guild.
IN 2005, LES DEMOISELLES - formerly the Denver Symphony Debs - joined the Denver Ballet Guild as its newest standing Committee allowing the Guild to offer opportunities for young ladies in grades 9th thru 12th with our already established and successful Les Cygnettes program, grades 6th thru 8th. Together, both groups provide a seamless continuum for young ladies wishing to experience cultural and theatrical events each year.