Boulder Dance Coalition

- 6185 Arapahoe Rd, Boulder, CO 80303

For residents across the Colorado Front Range, the Boulder Dance Coalition (BDC) is synonymous with the joy of movement, community, and shared passion. As a non-profit, volunteer-based organization, BDC has, since its founding in 1989, worked tirelessly to provide a home for a wide variety of participatory dance and movement at its cherished venue, the Avalon Ballroom. It’s a place where dancers, musicians, and artists of all ages and abilities come together to celebrate the physical and mental well-being, social connections, and pure joy that dance brings. From international folk dance to swing, tango, and waltz, the Avalon Ballroom is celebrated as the best venue for social dance within a thousand miles, according to its dedicated community.

The mission of the Boulder Dance Coalition is to promote public participation in dance, music, and other folk arts, providing an affordable and welcoming facility. This dream has been realized at the Avalon, which has become a vibrant hub for the dance community. The Avalon Ballroom offers a refreshing, non-bar-like environment, making it a safe and inclusive space for people of all backgrounds. Its strong community values and dedication to creating a positive and friendly atmosphere have made it a go-to destination for anyone looking to connect with others through the art of dance.

The Boulder Dance Coalition is located at 6185 Arapahoe Rd, Boulder, CO 80303, USA. The venue is easily accessible and a familiar landmark for many in the area. Situated on Arapahoe Road, it offers straightforward access from major roads, making the drive from nearby cities like Denver, Louisville, and Lafayette a breeze. One of the significant advantages of the location is the abundant, free on-site parking, which includes a spacious, covered parking lot. This eliminates the common stress of finding a parking spot, allowing dancers to arrive with ease and focus on the fun ahead.

The venue is designed with accessibility in mind, providing wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating, and restrooms. This commitment to physical accessibility mirrors the organization's dedication to social inclusivity, ensuring that the dance floor is open and available to everyone. The convenience of the location and its ample parking contribute significantly to the Avalon's reputation as a welcoming and stress-free venue for social gatherings and dance events.

The Boulder Dance Coalition, through the Avalon Ballroom, offers an impressive array of services and activities that cater to diverse dance interests.

• Social Dance Events: The Avalon Ballroom hosts a wide variety of social dance nights, including contradance, swing, tango, salsa, waltz, and many other forms of social dance. These events often include both live bands and talented DJs, creating a lively and unforgettable atmosphere for dancers of all levels.

• Dance Classes and Lessons: Many events begin with a beginner-friendly dance lesson (often included with the price of admission). The BDC also partners with local dance groups to offer progressive classes and workshops in various styles, ensuring that both new and experienced dancers can learn and grow. Many classes do not require a partner, making it easy for individuals to attend on their own.

• Venue Rentals: The Avalon is not only a hub for BDC-sponsored events but also a premier rental space for dance series, meetings, workshops, luncheons, and other community functions. With multiple rooms of varying sizes, it provides a versatile and well-equipped space for any event.

• Community Building: As a volunteer-based, non-profit organization, BDC focuses on fostering a strong and supportive community. The dance floor is known for being a place where dancers connect, socialize, and make new friends, regardless of their skill level or background. Programs like their Dance Ambassadors are there to ensure everyone feels welcome.

• Live Music Events: The Avalon frequently features live music, with events ranging from weekly gatherings with local DJs to monthly swing dances with live bands and special performances by renowned musicians. This dedication to live music creates a truly authentic and high-energy dance experience.

The Boulder Dance Coalition and the Avalon Ballroom have several unique features and highlights that make them a standout in the Colorado arts scene.

• World-Class Cushioned Dance Floors: One of the most cherished features of the Avalon Ballroom is its multi-layered, cushioned wooden dance floor. Lovingly built by community volunteers, these floors provide a cushioned surface that is easy on the knees and ankles, allowing dancers to enjoy hours of movement without the physical strain of less forgiving surfaces.

• A Strong and Inclusive Community: The BDC is known for its "great community." It is a welcoming, LGBTQ+ friendly, and transgender safe space where all people are encouraged to participate in dance. This inclusive ethos is a core part of its identity, creating a welcoming and accepting environment for everyone who walks through the doors.

• Focus on Health and Well-being: Beyond dance, BDC's mission is to promote physical and mental well-being. Dance is a fantastic way to stay active, and the Avalon provides an opportunity for regular exercise that is both fun and socially engaging. This is particularly appealing to those in their sixth and seventh decades, who appreciate the chance to stay young and healthy through dance.

• Variety of Dance Forms: The Avalon is a truly versatile venue that hosts a wide range of dance forms. Whether you are interested in a specific style like tango or swing, or you want to try something new like international folk dance, the BDC provides a platform for countless dance groups and styles, ensuring there is always something to explore.

• Commitment to Safety: In a time of ongoing health concerns, the BDC has demonstrated a clear and transparent commitment to community safety. While they no longer require vaccination for entry, they allow individual dance groups to set their own requirements and strongly encourage vaccination and masking. This approach puts control in the hands of event organizers and communicates a shared responsibility for community health, fostering trust and transparency.

To find out more about events, classes, or to inquire about rentals, please use the contact information below.

Address: 6185 Arapahoe Rd, Boulder, CO 80303, USA

Phone: (303) 440-8303

For residents in Colorado, choosing the Boulder Dance Coalition and its Avalon Ballroom is about selecting a premier venue that offers an unparalleled social and physical experience. What truly sets this place apart is its identity as a community hub rather than just a commercial space. Its non-profit status means every effort is aimed at supporting and promoting dance, not maximizing profit. The community is at the heart of everything they do, from the volunteer-built floors to the inclusive atmosphere that welcomes everyone with open arms. The BDC's mission goes beyond teaching steps; it’s about fostering connection, building confidence, and promoting well-being through dance.

Whether you are an experienced dancer looking for the perfect cushioned floor to practice on or a beginner who has always wanted to learn to waltz, the Avalon Ballroom is the ideal place. The variety of dance forms, the live music, and the consistently friendly environment make it a truly special place. As one customer stated, "The Avalon Ballroom is the best venue for social dance within a thousand miles." That's a testament to the dedicated work of the volunteers and the wonderful community they have built. When you choose to dance at the Avalon, you are not just attending an event; you are becoming part of a thriving, supportive, and joyful community that has made dance a central part of life in Boulder for decades.

Boulder Dance Coalition

6185 Arapahoe Rd, Boulder, CO 80303, USA