Armstrong Center for Dance

- 1075 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204

Introduction / Overview

For more than half a century, what is now known as Colorado Ballet has been a cornerstone of the arts in the Centennial State, and the Armstrong Center for Dance is its home. Situated at the northern end of Denver's vibrant Art District on Santa Fe, this state-of-the-art facility is the central hub for one of the region's most successful and respected arts organizations. The Armstrong Center for Dance is more than just a building; it's a testament to the Colorado Ballet's enduring vision and a beacon for world-class classical ballet and innovative dance. For locals, it represents a unique opportunity to engage with a professional dance company on a personal level, whether as a student, a performer, or a captivated audience member. The building, which Colorado Ballet purchased in 2013 and moved into in 2014, was a historic structure that was renovated and combined with new construction to create a 30,000-square-foot facility designed to support the needs of professional dancers and students alike. For the first time in its history, the company had a home of its own, a place where it could train, rehearse, and flourish.

The Armstrong Center for Dance is an essential part of the Colorado Ballet's dual mission of presenting exceptional performances and providing superior dance education. It houses not only the professional company's dancers but also a large academy of students, along with administrative staff and community engagement programs. This shared space creates a powerful synergy, giving Academy students a unique chance to train alongside and be inspired by professional dancers. The facility's design reflects this commitment to community and education, with an abundance of glass and open views that allow the art within to reach outward into the neighborhood. It is designed to be an approachable space that supports the mission to educate the next generation of students through ballet academy programs and outreach. From pre-ballet classes for the youngest dancers to professional-level training, the Armstrong Center for Dance is a place where every step is a part of a journey of artistic growth and personal development. This central, state-of-the-art hub is not just where world-class dance is born; it's where it is shared with the community, ensuring that the transformative power of ballet is accessible to all.

Location and Accessibility

The Armstrong Center for Dance is located at 1075 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204, USA. This address places it squarely within the thriving Art District on Santa Fe, a cultural destination known for its galleries, studios, and creative energy. The studio's location is highly convenient for residents throughout the Denver metropolitan area, and it is well-connected to major roads and public transportation. For those who drive, the center offers a wheelchair-accessible car park, and there is also free parking available in the surrounding neighborhood along Santa Fe Drive and Kalamath Street. The facility also features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, making it a welcoming destination for all. This commitment to accessibility ensures that the world of dance is open to everyone, regardless of mobility. The location provides a safe and convenient student drop-off area, which is a major plus for parents bringing their children to class. The combination of a central, vibrant location and a focus on accessibility makes the Armstrong Center for Dance a premier and stress-free destination for anyone looking to engage with ballet in Colorado.

Services Offered

• Adult Ballet: Classes for adults of all skill levels, from those taking their first ballet class to experienced dancers seeking to maintain or refine their technique.
• Adult Dance Classes: A variety of dance classes for adults, providing an opportunity for fitness, artistry, and social connection.
• Advanced Ballet: High-level training for advanced students and professionals, focusing on complex technique, performance skills, and artistry.
• Ballet Class: Foundational and progressive classes that teach the classical ballet curriculum.
• Ballet Education: A comprehensive dance program that goes beyond technique to include artistry, musicality, and a deeper understanding of the ballet repertoire.
• Ballet Performances: The center hosts small, in-house performances in its Black Box Theater, featuring new works by dancers and student presentations.
• Classical Ballet Training: Rigorous training grounded in the pure classical ballet tradition, with elements of various schools to create versatile and well-rounded dancers.
• Contemporary Ballets: Classes and performances that explore contemporary dance as it relates to classical ballet.
• Contemporary Dance: A variety of contemporary dance classes that emphasize creative expression and modern movement.
• Male Ballet: Specialized classes and training for male dancers, focusing on strength, partnering, and specific male ballet techniques.
• Pre-Ballet: Classes for young children that introduce them to the joy and fundamentals of movement and dance in a fun and engaging way. Noted as being good for kids.
• Summer Intensive: An intensive, short-term program for dedicated students to immerse themselves in rigorous training and artistry.
• Virtual Ballet: Online classes that provide a flexible option for students to learn from home.

Features / Highlights

• Official Home of Colorado Ballet: The Armstrong Center is the state-of-the-art rehearsal and training facility for the professional Colorado Ballet, giving students a unique opportunity to train in a world-class environment.
• Black Box Theater: The facility includes a 135-seat Black Box Theater that hosts intimate performances and events, providing a stage for both professional company dancers and talented students.
• State-of-the-Art Facility: With eight professional dance studios, a physical therapy room, and amenities for dancers, the 30,000-square-foot building is designed to support the highest level of training.
• Comprehensive Academy: The Colorado Ballet Academy, housed within the center, trains approximately 1,500 students from toddlers to pre-professionals.
• Shared Space with Professionals: Academy students get the unique experience of sharing a space with professional company dancers and even have opportunities to dance alongside them.
• Commitment to Community: The center serves as a hub for community engagement and education programs, bringing dance to thousands of school children and individuals with disabilities.
• Convenient Amenities: The center offers a parent and student lounge and a retail dance boutique, making it a comfortable and convenient space for families.

Contact Information

Address: 1075 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204, USA

Phone: (303) 837-8888

What is worth choosing

When it comes to choosing a ballet school in Colorado, the decision is a significant one, and the Armstrong Center for Dance stands out as a clear leader. Its primary and most compelling feature is its role as the official home of the Colorado Ballet. This means that students at the center's academy are training in the same building as a professional, world-class ballet company. The opportunity for students to train alongside prestigious faculty and professional dancers is invaluable, providing a level of inspiration and mentorship that is difficult to find elsewhere. This environment is designed to shape students into well-rounded, dynamic dancers who are ready to thrive professionally under the diverse choreographic demands of today's dance world. The facility itself is a major draw, with eight spacious, state-of-the-art studios, a physical therapy room, and a Black Box Theater, which are all designed to support the highest caliber of training and performance.

Furthermore, the Armstrong Center for Dance offers a comprehensive and inclusive approach to ballet education. The programs cater to a wide range of ages and skill levels, from pre-ballet for young children to adult ballet classes for those who want to dance for recreation, fitness, or personal expression. This inclusive philosophy, combined with their commitment to community engagement and educational programs, makes the center a true asset to the entire state of Colorado. It is not just a place for aspiring professional dancers, but a place for anyone who wants to experience the joy and discipline of ballet. The convenience of a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, along with free neighborhood parking, further adds to its appeal, removing logistical barriers and making it an accessible destination for all. For parents looking for a place that is "good for kids," or for adults who want to explore ballet in a professional yet welcoming setting, the Armstrong Center for Dance offers a unique and unparalleled experience. It is a place where art and community come together to create something truly "awesome," as one reviewer noted, and it is a worthy choice for anyone in Colorado looking to start or continue their dance journey.

Armstrong Center for Dance

1075 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204, USA