Business Details
47 Years
experience
Denver Ballet Guild: Empowering Dance in Colorado Communities
The Denver Ballet Guild has been a cornerstone of dance arts support in Colorado since 1979. As a 100% volunteer-driven organization with over 500 members, we channel our efforts into community outreach, education, and fundraising initiatives that elevate dance as a vital cultural asset. Our programs, including the Young Dancers Competition and Showcase of Dance, have directly impacted thousands of Colorado youth by providing access to professional dance experiences and educational resources. Through our Community Enrichment Program, we award $100K annually in grants to local dance companies, fostering innovation and sustainability in the arts.Our volunteer-led structure ensures that every dollar raised is strategically invested in advancing dance education and appreciation across the state. With a legacy of hosting iconic events like Le Bal de Ballet, we continue to bridge the gap between professional dance and community engagement, ensuring Colorado remains a vibrant hub for artistic expression.
Services
Young Dancers Competition
Community Enrichment Grants
Showcase of Dance
Guild for Teens Programs
Le Bal de Ballet
Volunteer Opportunities
Membership Benefits
Dance Education Outreach
Event Sponsorships
Grant Applications
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We have awarded over $100K annually in grants to local dance companies since 1979.
- Our Young Dancers Competition provides $21,500$27,500 in educational awards annually.
- Showcase of Dance reaches over 2,400 underserved elementary students with free performances.
- 100% volunteer-driven model ensures maximum community impact from every donation.
- Le Bal de Ballet raises $130K+ annually for dance education and outreach programs.
Services
Young Dancers Competition
This annual event provides Colorado dancers aged 1018 with masterclass training and scholarship opportunities. Participants compete for financial awards to advance their dance education while gaining professional performance experience. The program costs $56K to produce, with $28K awarded directly to promising young artists.
Community Enrichment Grants
We distribute $100K annually to Metro Denver dance companies through competitive grants. These funds support artistic innovation, organizational sustainability, and community engagement projects that expand access to dance education and performances across Colorado.
Showcase of Dance
This free program introduces over 2,400 Title I elementary students to live dance performances annually. We cover all costs including transportation and educational materials, creating first-time cultural experiences that inspire lifelong arts appreciation.
Guild for Teens Programs
Les Cygnettes (grades 68) and Les Demoiselles (grades 912) programs connect students with professional dance/theater events while fostering philanthropy and cultural awareness through volunteer activities and parent-teen engagements.
Le Bal de Ballet
Our premier fundraising gala honors high school seniors through a year-long cultural program featuring social events, mentorship opportunities, and a formal presentation ball. This tradition has raised over $130K annually since 1979 to support dance education initiatives.
People
Caroline Rodawig
President
Caroline brings decades of nonprofit leadership experience to her role, having previously served as Past President and in various committee positions. Her commitment to arts education drives strategic initiatives that expand the Guild's community impact.
Julia Porterfield
President Elect
Julia has served on the board since 2018, leading the Nominating Committee and contributing to governance reforms. Her background in event planning strengthens the Guild's signature fundraising programs and volunteer engagement strategies.
Kelli Fisher
VP, Community Enrichment
Kelli oversees grant distribution programs that have awarded $850K to local dance companies over the past decade. Her expertise in arts administration ensures equitable funding opportunities for emerging and established dance organizations.
Karen Crossman
VP, Young Dancers Competition
Karen has managed the Young Dancers Competition for eight years, overseeing logistics for 250+ annual participants. Her background as a professional dancer and educator informs program development that aligns with industry standards.
Lisa Olson
Le Bal de Ballet Chair
Lisa has chaired the Guild's signature fundraising event since 2016, growing annual contributions by 40%. Her corporate partnerships background secures sponsorships that sustain educational outreach and grant programs.
Questions
How can I become a member of the Denver Ballet Guild?
Visit our website to complete an adult membership application. Membership grants access to events, volunteer opportunities, and program participation benefits.
Does the Guild offer volunteer opportunities?
Yes! We have committees for events, marketing, education outreach, and more. Volunteers help sustain our mission and community impact.
What youth programs does the Guild support?
We offer the Young Dancers Competition, Guild for Teens (Les Cygnettes/Les Demoiselles), and Showcase of Dance programs for Colorado students.
How does the Guild support local dance companies?
Our Community Enrichment Program awards $100K annually in grants to Metro Denver dance organizations for innovation and development projects.
What is Le Bal de Ballet?
This signature fundraising event honors high school seniors through a year-long program, raising over $130K annually for dance education initiatives.
Can I donate to the Denver Ballet Guild?
Yes! Donations fund educational outreach, grants, and programs. Visit our website to contribute or contact us for sponsorship opportunities.
