For more than four decades, Boulder Ballet has been a vibrant force in the local arts scene bringing movement and meaning to audiences across Boulder County. The organization serves more than 500 students, reaches audiences in six counties, and supports a professional company of 10 dancers. Through performances, classes, and community programs, Boulder Ballet continues to expand access to the arts and connect people through the shared experience of dance.
At the heart of the Boulder Ballet is a belief in the transformative power of the arts to create human connection. “We’re a human-based organization,” said Claudia Anata Hubiak, Executive Director. “Our mission is to create engaging dance performances and educational initiatives that enrich human connections through the arts.” Boulder Ballet fulfills this mission through a wide range of offerings—professional performances, dance education for all ages, wellness initiatives, and innovative community collaborations.
Hubiak’s connection to Boulder Ballet runs deep. “I actually took my very first ballet class here,” she shares. After earning degrees in dance from UC Santa Barbara and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and leading her own dance company for a decade, Hubiak returned to Boulder in 2019 to lead the organization just months before the pandemic.
Guiding Boulder Ballet through those uncertain times became both a challenge and a calling. “It was an adventure – figuring out creative ways to stay afloat, taking care of our people, and continuing to serve the community,” Hubiak reflects. In the years since, the organization has rebounded with energy and innovation, particularly in the professional company’s growth and notoriety.
Boulder Ballet’s reach extends far beyond the stage. Through initiatives like Bilingual Ballet, offered in partnership with EcoArts and PLAY Boulder Foundation, young students learn in both English and Spanish—building bridges through movement and language. The Adaptive Dance and Tuition Assistance programs ensure accessibility for dancers of all abilities and financial backgrounds, while a BIPOC Scholarship supports diversity and representation in the arts.
One of Boulder Ballet’s most inspiring recent initiatives is its collaborative mental health research study with CU Boulder and Mental Health Colorado. The study examines how live dance impacts audiences’ emotional well-being, particularly in areas of resiliency and self-regulation.
“We’re seeing incredible results,” Hubiak says. “People report feeling more emotionally balanced and uplifted after seeing live dance.” The hope is that one day, attending performances might even be recognized as a legitimate health and wellness activity. Boulder Ballet’s artistic director, Ben Needham-Wood, helped spearhead the effort, drawing from his background in dance and mental health advocacy.
Like many nonprofits, Boulder Ballet faces the ongoing challenges of funding and space constraints. “We’re bursting at the seams,” Hubiak admits. “There’s incredible energy and momentum but limited room to grow.” Despite these hurdles, she remains optimistic about Boulder’s collaborative arts scene and long-term efforts to expand access to performance and rehearsal space.
Right now, a major priority for Hubiak is increasing dancer pay. “Our dancers are professionals who bring immense value to this community. My goal is to ensure they’re compensated with a living wage,” she says. “Wellness includes financial stability.”
There are a variety of ways for the community to connect with Boulder Ballet—attending performances, taking a class, donating, or joining the “Tutu Crew,” a group of dedicated volunteers who sew costumes and support productions. The organization’s Guild also brings families and supporters together for events, fundraisers, and community projects.
Boulder Ballet’s 2025-26 season runs from September through June, featuring beloved classics and contemporary works:
- The Nutcracker – November and December 2025, at Macky Auditorium, Longmont’s Vance Brand Auditorium, and the Stanley Hotel
- Rebels and Innovators – March 2026, highlighting the power of mentorship and artistic heritage through works by Amy Seiwert, Stephanie Martinez, Ching Ching Wong, and Ben Needham-Wood.
- Storybook Ballet: Mary Poppins – April 2026, celebrating the school’s 40th anniversary
- Radiance – May 2026, luminous contemporary masterpieces by Jorma Elo and Nicolo Fonte.
- Ballet in the Park – June 2026, bringing free outdoor performances to the community
As it approaches its 40th Anniversary, Boulder Ballet continues to connect people through dance, demonstrating the lasting impact of live art in our community.To learn more or to get involved: boulderballet.org
