Transforming from Beginners to Dance Innovators: Your Journey to the Cutting Edge of Dance

Get ready for a captivating evening of dance at the Wheeler Opera House! This weekend, DanceAspen will showcase their winter performance, “Ember Glow,” featuring an array of talented dancers and innovative choreography.

Inspiration can come from unexpected places. For Jonah Delgado, it hit while he was watching the Australian Open tennis tournament. The intense emotions of the players reminded him of the passion in dance.

“It struck me that I wanted to merge the two,” Delgado shared. He used this inspiration to create “Love All,” a dance that explores love through the lens of tennis. This piece marks his debut choreography for DanceAspen, and he’s thrilled to share it with the audience.

“‘Love All’ delves into how competition in love can shift dynamics,” he explained. “This company has supported dancers in expressing their creativity, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

The centerpiece of “Ember Glow” is choreographed by Matthew Gilmore, commissioned to honor the Wheeler Opera House’s legendary history. His piece tells the story of the theatre’s destruction and resurrection, embodying the powerful symbol of a phoenix rising from the ashes.

DanceAspen emerged in 2021, founded by former Aspen Santa Fe Ballet member Laurel Winton. Since then, it has grown to include a talented cast of seven dancers, highlighting their dedication to artistry and community.

“Ember Glow” will feature guest choreographers like Gabrielle Lamb and Noelle Kayser. Lamb describes her piece, “No Chance, No Pants,” as exploring transformation and the balance of control and breakdown in dance.

Kayser’s work, titled “Alpine,” delves into the themes of human ambition and its evolution, a nod to the rigorous demands faced by dance artists.

Delgado remarked on DanceAspen’s renewed focus on the local community. “We’re integrating more with Aspen,” he said, noting the successful collaborations with various local arts organizations.

The upcoming performances of “Ember Glow” are not just a showcase but a celebration of the progress DanceAspen has made. Winton reflects on the journey, stating, “We started with a passionate group and quickly built a significant presence in the dance world. We’ve created a home for artists, transforming Aspen into a hub for contemporary dance.”

Catch “Ember Glow” at The Wheeler Opera House this Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. You won’t want to miss this evening of inspiring performances!