“My favorite aspect of being a dancer is the continual opportunity for growth as an artist. I love challenging myself and pushing the boundaries of the art form. This inspires me every day to create and to become a better artist.” Nicolas Pelletier, Corps de Ballet, since 2017
“When I am on stage, sharing this art form with an audience, I feel pure joy. My normal day-to-day insecurities disappear and for that moment, I feel like I am right where I am supposed to be. That is why I dance.” Tracy Jones, Soloist, since January 2013
On Tracy: Dancer’s own leotard; Sacai leopard print chiffon plissé skirt, $985, MAX
On Nic: Ermenegildo Zegna silk and cashmere turtleneck, $865, Andrisen Morton; Burberry drawstring pants, $550, Neiman Marcus
“Dance allows me to be my most authentic self and share my passions and struggles with our audiences, and the sense of vulnerability that it brings allows the audience to relate on a more personal level. It’s human nature to crave connection— a sense of understanding and belonging. I dance not only to understand the world and the people around me, but also to better understand myself.” Alexandra Wilson, Apprentice, since July 2019
On Alexandra: Dries Van Noten silk dress, $1,420, MAX
On rack: Michael Kors metallic ruched cocktail dress, $2,190, Neiman Marcus; Camilla round neck silk kaftan, $800, Garbarini
“There is a purity and an honesty that ballet conveys which resonates within me. But what first attracted me to ballet was the athleticism.” Simon Zinabu Costello, Corps de Ballet, since July 2017
On Simon: Scotch & Soda jacquard T-shirt, $75; Theory wool waffle-knit sweater, $245; Off-White nylon track pant, $820, all Neiman Marcus
“The first thought that comes to mind is freedom. Dancing has always been the best channel for my emotions and exploration of myself. As a result, I find myself the most free when I am lost in a dance. I enjoy dancing at Colorado Ballet because of the range in opportunities they provide. From the diverse repertoire to class, I’m continually enlightened about dance and myself.” Ariel McCarty, Apprentice, since July 2018
On Ariel: Dancer’s own leotard; Pam & Gela faux fur animal print coat, $475, Garbarini; Bloom spear earrings in 14-karat yellow gold with pavé diamonds, $320, Metalmark, 1600 Boulder St., metalmarkfinejewelry.com
“Watching Michael Jackson is what inspired me to dance. I never thought I would become a ballet dancer until I saw the ballet Don Quixote. Seeing Mikhail Baryshnikov fly through the air is what made me want to pursue classical ballet. Ironically that is the first full-length ballet that Colorado Ballet is doing this season.“ Alexander Roy, Apprentice, since July 2019
On Alexander: Canali wool and cashmere coat, $2,250, Andrisen Morton; Hanes ComfortSoft Tagless men’s cotton crewneck T-shirt, $22; dancer’s own tights
On Ariel: Vince panne velvet wrap dress, $445, Neiman Marcus; Chan Luu earrings, $170, Blush, 4305 W. 44th Ave., shopblush.com
On Alexander: Stylist’s shirt; Burberry monogram striped track pants, $760, Neiman Marcus
“I dance because I feel completely free on stage. It brings me pure joy, and I love sharing that with the audience.” Morgan Buchanan, Soloist, since July 2016
On Morgan: Badgley Mischka Couture sheer-sleeve embellished tulle shirt gown, $2,290, Neiman Marcus; Samantha Louise Jewelry large petal stud earrings in 18-karat yellow gold with .16-carat champagne diamonds, $1,800, and Agaro Jewelry Mogra wide band in 22-karat gold with diamonds and white and purple tulip enamel detail, $5,700, Metalmark
“I feel blessed to have been given this body that allows me to dance and do amazing things. I love the combination of the music and the athleticism behind the art form.” Domenico Luciano, Principal, retired from dancing at the end of Colorado Ballet’s 2018- 2019 season
On Domenico: Off-White padded coat, $2,135, Neiman Marcus; Lululemon Surge jogger, $118
On Tracy: Ganni satin dress, $350, MAX; Jade Trau 18-karat yellow gold Ara hoops with .40-carat white diamonds, $2,200, Metalmark
On Nicholas: Ermenegildo Zegna wool jacket, $2,695 and Ermenegildo Zegna silk, wool and cotton sweat pants, $845, all Andrisen Morton
On Morgan: Dancer’s own leotard; CO sequin skirt, $795, Neiman Marcus; Jade Trau 18-karat yellow gold crescent necklace with 1.25-carat black diamonds, $3,500, and 18-karat yellow gold crescent necklace with .54-carat white diamonds, $2,950, both Metalmark
PHOTOGRAPHER: Jeff Nelson
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Tom Visocchi
MODERLS: Morgan Buchanan, Simon Zinabu Costello, Tracy Jones, Domenico Luciano, Ariel McCarty, Nicolas Pelletier, Alexander Roy, Alexandra Wilson—and Astro, our canine star
STYLIST: Georgia Alexia Benjou
HAIR: Nyla Nasser
MAKEUP: Liz Wegrzyn
STYLIST ASSISTANT: Tsering Dolma Sherpa
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT: Kyle David Jones
SPECIAL THANKS Colorado Ballet; Gil Boggs, Artist Director; Natalie Kelce, Company Manager; and Blanc Denver for our studio location coloradoballet.org blancdenver.com
