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 Thurs., Aug. 27, and Fri., Aug. 28, 2026. Both performances will begin at 7:30 p.m.
“Crescendo” features a dynamic four-part program of works built around rhythm, momentum, and discovery. The evening marks an expansion of DanceAspen’s repertoire, showcasing a North American premiere, two Aspen premieres, and a special preview of a John Denver commission dedicated to local musical history. “The program is intentionally curated as a fluid, music-driven journey, rather than a traditional mixed bill,” said Allison Walsh, Managing Director of DanceAspen. “Each piece has a distinct voice, but they’re all connected by how choreography responds to music. What ties it together is that sense of crescendo—each work adds a new layer, style, and musical world, creating a program that feels constantly in motion.”
The performance order for the evening includes:
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“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 is the first performance outside of Oslo, Norway.
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“PACOPEPEPLUTO” A 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.
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“SAVOURY BITES”: A World-Premiere compilation by audience-favorite choreographer Cayetano Soto. A newly conceived collection of excerpts from his acclaimed works Malasangre, Fugaz, and Beginning After, SAVOURY BITES 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 of language in one dynamic new presentation.
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“Take Me Home” is a World Premiere Excerpt / 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 is set to John Denver’s music and will be performed with a live, onstage band led by local Colorado musician Mack Bailey.
“John Denver’s catalog is deeply rooted in a sense of place, and his strong connection to Aspen makes it an especially meaningful setting to bring this work to life through movement,” notes co-choreographer Matthew Gilmore.
INNOVATIVE STAGE SETTING: *A Bolero Box: Designed by choreographer Samantha Lynch and fabricated in Colorado by Scenic Mercenary Inc., the nearly 13-by-10-by-10-foot A Boléro box is the largest scenic element DanceAspen has ever commissioned. The structure was reengineered to be lightweight and movable while preserving the impact of the original design, allowing the dancers to dance up and down the sides. Bolero Box Set piece photos
PLEASE NOTE: Due to revealing costuming used in parts of the production, parental discretion is advised for attendees.
Tickets are currently on sale for $45 through the Wheeler Opera House Box Office. To purchase tickets, visit aspenshowtix.com or call the box office directly at 970-920-5770.
About DanceAspen: In 2021, in response to the dissolution of Aspen Santa Fe’s professional dance company, a determined group of dancers led by Laurel Winton established a bold, new contemporary company. Their grassroots effort quickly garnered local support, culminating in a sold-out debut at the Wheeler Opera House. Rooted in the principles of collaboration, community, and artistic excellence, their company has developed a significant reputation, showcasing internationally renowned choreographers and creating 35+ world premieres. DanceAspen has also graced prominent stages at the Vail Dance Festival and Aspen Music Festival, demonstrating their dedication to producing new contemporary dance while enhancing the cultural vibrancy of the Aspen area. Visit www.dance-aspen.org
About the Wheeler Opera House:
Since 1889, the Wheeler Opera House has been Aspen’s favorite year-round performance venue and has become the Roaring Fork Valley’s premier site for concerts, films, festivals, lectures, community events, and more. Recently named the Outstanding Historic Theatre Award from the League of Historic American Theatres (LHAT), a national honor recognizing excellence in preservation, programming, services, and community impact, the Wheeler takes extraordinary pride in being a part of Aspen’s history as a gathering place and a space for artistic expression in our community. Our vision is to set the stage for connections that create memories for our audiences, artists, and the greater Aspen community.
Media Contact: Lea Tucker, 303-641-4370, lea@lucyleatucker.net For more information about DanceAspen, visit www.danceaspen.org. For more information about upcoming events and happenings at the Wheeler, visit www.wheeleroperahouse.com
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