It is hard to imagine a more open-minded cultural event than the Vail Dance Festival. Ballet, ballroom, tap — any form of movement seems to be welcome at this free-ranging fest, and often on the same night. There is really nothing else like it in the United States.
This year’s edition — the 36th — has all of that variety, and it comes to a climax during the upcoming week as the annual parade of stars wraps up its shows. There are local, national and global performers in the mix.
While the festival used to focus on importing big names to the Colorado mountains each summer, it has evolved to include regional troupes as well. Both the Colorado Ballet and Denver-based Cleo Parker Robinson Dance are now regulars on Vail programs.
Those companies complement a lineup of dancers from such renowned troupes as New York City Ballet, Martha Graham Dance and American Ballet Theatre. The fest’s long-time artistic director, Damian Woetzel, was a principal dancer with New York City Ballet for 23 years until his official retirement from the stage in 2008. He knows a lot of people and uses those connections to keep Vail’s programming entertaining and credible.
That guiding concept of variety also applies to the ways dance fans can access the programs. The fest still makes the large, outdoor Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater its main home, but now there are offerings across the region in venues big and small. Prices vary, too, so it is good to spend some time on the website parsing out the opportunities.
As for that final week, here are four good options.
Tuesday, July 30: “Dance for $20.24”
Each year, the Vail Dance Festival presents an affordable concert with ticket prices set by the year. The cost is low but the talent level is high. On the program this time around is a premiere by choreographer Larry Keigwin, featuring Vail Valley residents working with fest stars. The night culminates with a performance of the piece “Serenade,” featuring the Colorado Ballet.
Wednesday, July 31: “An Evening with Michelle Dorrance”
It is impossible to overstate the impact that tap dancer Michelle Dorrance has had on contemporary movement. A recipient of a MacArthur Genius grant, she has helped to resurrect an American art form that is often neglected. This night’s program is being created specifically for Vail; expect it to reference the roots of tap and look toward its future.
Saturday, Aug. 3: “International Evening of Dance III”
Vail is probably most famous for this annual mix of styles and cultures, all connected together on the same program, and this year it will present three editions on three consecutive nights. They are all promising — and jam-packed — but the final version has a bit of everything. The highlights: a Tchaikovsky-scored pas de deux featuring of-the-moment names Tiler Peck and Joseph Gordon; a duet from “Swan Lake,” with Isabella Boylston and Herman Cornejo; and a highly-anticipated pairing of Lauren Lovette and Robbie Fairchild in “Carousel.”
Monday: Aug. 5: “Now Premieres”
The fest’s biggest contribution to the field of dance overall comes through its annual commissions. Every year, choreographers at the top of their games are invited to come, dance, play and make new works. The showcase of their multiple works ends the annual party with a bang. This year’s creators: Kyle Abraham, Michelle Dorrance, Lauren Lovette, Justin Peck, Tiler Peck, Pam Tanowitz and Jamar Roberts.
The Vail Dance Festival continues through Aug. 5 at various venues in the Vail Valley. Info: vaildance.org.
