About us.
Canyon Concert Ballet (CCB) is Northern Colorado’s premier dance organization, dedicated to the development and presentation of the highest caliber of ballet and dance performances. Founded in 1979, CCB has been a cornerstone of the Fort Collins arts community, enriching lives through exceptional dance education and performances that inspire and captivate audiences of all ages.
As a non-profit organization, CCB is committed to making dance accessible to everyone. We offer a diverse range of programs, from our professional-level ballet company to our comprehensive dance school, which nurtures students from their first steps in dance through to advanced training. Our curriculum includes ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, and more, providing a well-rounded dance education in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Under the artistic leadership of Michael Pappalardo, who joined CCB as Artistic Director in 2022, the company has flourished, becoming the second-largest dance organization in Colorado. Michael's innovative vision and dedication have brought new energy to the company, leading to the premiere of groundbreaking works such as Dracula, Snow White, 1984, and The Picture of Dorian Gray. His work has also expanded the company’s repertoire with highly anticipated new productions like Giselle and The Crucible.
CCB’s commitment to artistic excellence is matched by our engagement with the community. We offer outreach programs, scholarships, and collaborative projects, ensuring that the joy and discipline of dance are available to everyone. Each year, our company presents a full season of performances, including beloved classics and contemporary works that showcase the talents of our dancers and choreographers.
Whether you are a dancer, student, or audience member, Canyon Concert Ballet invites you to be a part of our vibrant and dynamic dance community. Together, we create, inspire, and elevate the art of dance in Northern Colorado and beyond.
Mission.
Canyon Concert Ballet's mission as a nonprofit organization is to expand, nourish, and enrich the artistic opportunities in classical dance through training, performance, and community outreach in service to the Northern Colorado region. As a quality performing arts company, and a leading educational institution for students of dance, Canyon Concert Ballet provides both professional training and recreational dance opportunities for dancers of all ages, strengths, and abilities.
Vision.
We provide the highest quality training to a diverse group of dancers, create a broad range of performance opportunities for dancers and audiences, and enrich Northern Colorado’s cultural climate with a diverse repertoire of artistry. CCB is a leader in Northern Colorado’s expanding arts community.
Accessibility.
Canyon Concert Ballet strives to ensure that all aspects of our programs and services are accessible to people of differing abilities. Our facilities are state-of-the-art and barrier-free. Large print programs and audio-assist devices are available at our home theater, and for audience members who are hearing impaired, a sign language interpreter and/or audio devices can be made available at designated performances. Please contact Canyon Concert Ballet prior to a performance if you require additional accommodations. Our number is 970-472-4156 or you may email us at info@ccballet.org.
History.
Canyon Concert Ballet, Ltd. began as an informal ballet group in October 1977. In September 1979, incorporation was complete and in November of that year auditions produced a company of 17 Canyon Concert Ballet performers.
Carole Torguson (1923-2019), Founder
Our history began with our founder, Carole Torguson. Her dance story started early with formal training in classical ballet, and a ballet teaching career that began at age 14. She founded Canyon Concert Ballet in 1979, making her dream of an outstanding dance company in Northern Colorado a reality.
Carole’s lifelong passion was dance. Over fifty years after she began, she still taught 150 children each week. She also produced a series of instructional video tapes which were well-received across the U.S. Her belief in the paramount importance of listening to your body and giving it what it needs, be that work or rest, is still one of our guiding philosophies.
Canyon Concert Ballet continues to exercise her extraordinary care with these very young dancers in our Young Dancer Program. To this day, Carole continues to inspire our work at CCB.
Canyon Concert Ballet Today
Canyon Concert Ballet has grown into the only full-time professional ballet company in Northern Colorado. Annually, we present four classical and contemporary productions across our season. In addition to this, we host The Fort Collins Movement Festival. Our Company’s annual holiday productions of The Nutcracker, accompanied by the Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra, is a highlight of the holiday season in Fort Collins and Northern Colorado.
Our advanced students have opportunities to participate in our Youth Ensemble, where they are given additional performance opportunities and dance competition experience, as well as in our Professional Training Program, where they receive individual mentoring and training in how to pursue a professional career in dance.
All students participate in our annual Student Showcase at the end of the school year. From humble beginnings (and a big dream), Canyon Concert Ballet is an organization that Northern Colorado residents can be very proud of!
