Mountain Mayhem: Studio 54 Gala for DanceAspen’s 5th Anniversary Benefit

For their fifth go-round hosting a gala, DanceAspen transformed the ballroom of Hotel Jerome into Studio 54 on July 17. Entrepreneurs Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager, who opened the famous New York City nightclub in April 1977, would most certainly have been impressed with the guest list, décor, design and vibe. All arrived at the Antler Bar for cocktails, passed appetizers, a photo booth and bidding on silent auction items before the doors opened for dinner, dance performances, a paddle raise and live auction.

This was DanceAspen’s highest-grossing gala yet. The proceeds will fund world-class performances throughout the Roaring Fork Valley, free and low-cost community programs, DanceStart’s free in-school programming (reaching more than 1,500 students) and the creation and premiere of new works by today’s leading choreographers.

Allison Walsh, COO, noted, “This year’s gala became the most successful in DanceAspen’s history, which is a testament to the Aspen community that believes local arts organizations make our valley stronger, more vibrant and more connected.”

On the horizon, DanceAspen is pleased to announce its highly anticipated summer 2026 season headline performance, “Crescendo,” coming to the Wheeler Opera House for a two-night run on Thursday, Aug. 27, and Friday, Aug. 28. Both performances will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Curated as a fluid, music-driven journey rather than a traditional mixed bill, “Crescendo” features a dynamic four-work program built around rhythm, momentum and discovery. The evening marks an expansion of DanceAspen’s repertoire, showcasing a North American premiere, a DanceAspen premiere and two world premieres, including a special preview of a commission dedicated to local musical history.

The evening opens with “A Boléro” (North American Premiere), choreographed and set-designed by Samantha Lynch, a principal dancer with the Norwegian National Ballet. Set to Maurice Ravel’s iconic 1928 score, this high-energy duet builds intensity toward an explosive climax, all within a striking, nearly 10-foot-tall box structure; the dancers move within it, climb its frame and dance across its elevated surface, heightening the duet’s intimacy, tension and physical daring. This marks the piece’s first performance outside of Oslo, Norway.

Next is “Pacopepepluto” (DanceAspen premiere), choreographed by Charlotte Ballet Director Alejandro Cerrudo. This witty, visually minimalist piece features three male solos set to classic 1950s and 1960s tracks by Dean Martin, staging sharp athletic movement against smooth vocal standards.

The program continues with “Savoury Bites” (World Premiere Compilation), by audience-favorite choreographer Cayetano Soto. A newly conceived collection of excerpts from his acclaimed works Malasangre, Fugaz and Beginning Afterwards, it brings together distinct flavors from the choreographer’s bold and theatrical repertoire; reimagined for DanceAspen, the work showcases Soto’s signature physicality, musicality and striking movement vocabulary in one dynamic new presentation.

The evening closes with “Take Me Home” (World Premiere Excerpt), a 15-minute sneak preview of an original work commissioned by the Wheeler Opera House. Co-choreographed by Penny Saunders alongside DanceAspen’s in-house choreographers Jonah Delgado and Matthew Gilmore, the piece, set to John Denver’s music, will be performed with a live onstage band led by local Colorado musician Mack Bailey.

Learn more at http://www.danceaspen.org.