Danse Etoile Ballet

The dancer believes that his art has something to say which cannot be expressed in words or in any other way than by dancing… ” Doris Humphrey 1937
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About Us
 
 
Mission Statement
 
Danse Etoile is dedicated to producing quality artistic performances, programs, and instruction which will foster access to, and appreciation of dance and theatre for new audiences.
The value of ballet study extends beyond the mastery of dance steps and the outlet for artistic and emotional expression. Our mission is about building self-esteem through hard work, learning self-discipline, responsibility and commitment; and the value of working as part of a larger community.
 
Danse Etoile is dedicated to making ballet accessible to people of all ages.
From school programs to family events, we offer many exciting ways to develop our audiences' awareness, appreciation and understanding of dance. With our community partners, we are constantly striving to develop and increase our programming so that dance continues to be a part of everyone’s life.
Notes from the Director
 
I created Danse Etoile in August 2004 to give an opportunity to passionate dancers, musicians, actors to train, perform, and educate others about what they love most. Danse Etoile is unique. Our dancers have different backgrounds, levels of training or talent yet each one brings something unique to the team. We follow the Opera de Paris ranking to reinforce the importance of hard word and training but all dancers participate in the creation of a performance from helping others in rehearsals to ideas about a piece, a costume or a set. All of our students who auditioned were accepted to prestigious summer camps such as ABT, Boston Ballet, The Boilshoi academy, Colorado Ballet. In February 2008 and February 2009, two 14 years old company members placed top 12 in the Youth Grand Prix semi-finals competition in the Junior division.
 
By supporting Danse Etoile, either by coming to our performances, volunteering, sponsoring or giving donations, you are helping us build a community that is not based only on video games and reality TV. Ask about our enrichment programs to schools and organizations. The future of the arts is in the hands of the young.
Marie-Jose Payannet
Artistic Director

 

Danse Etoile Ballet is non-profit 501(c)3 regional company.
All donations are tax-deductible.

For more information contact us:

Phone: (720) 938.3030

E-Mail: Info@DanseEtoile.org

 

 

 

What People Say

 

June 2010

 

   Danse Etoile provides a unique ballet experience for youth. The instruction by Marie-Jose far surpasses what you will find at any children's dance school or academy. She challenges her students to meet and exceed their potential. The students become more confident dancers and you can see their growth in each show they perform. The dancers not only learn proper technique, but they learn about acting, performance, costumes, stage makeup and proper nutrition and exercise for dancers. They also learn about responsibility, respect and etiquette required to be successful in the world or performing arts. The students at Danse Eotile have a wonderful opportunity to audition for full productions which provide experience they would never find in an annual gala or recital.
   Marie-Jose Payannet's performances are a delight to attend. You may forget that you are watching a performance by studentsof the school, all the dancers are very poised and very professional. Marie-Jose's choreography is always breathtaking and the stories always have the perfect combination of drama, suspense and humor to keep everyone in our family entertained. Danse Etoile's performances highlight the best attributes of each individual dancer, and everybody is fully capable to perform the choreography Marie-Jose puts together for them.

   Danse Etoile Parent

 

 

November 2008


Dear Danse Etoile,
   I wanted to congratulate you and the dancers of the Danse Etoile Ballet on your captivating performance of Matilda at the Dairy Center for the Arts. It was a joy to see the light, bright footwork, unique story line, and the depth and energy your dancers brought to the performance. Bravo!

Your choreography captured the perfect combination of classical and contemporary ballet movement, whimsy, magic, and athletic ability for each of the dancers.  I can imagine that this was no small feat and I commend you and your dancers for it.  It was, in a word, fantastic!

   Over the past three years our family has attended several of your performances at the Boulder Creek Festival, Dance is for Every Body and the Dairy Center for the Arts. Each time we come away with a new appreciation of dance from the original choreography, the meticulously rehearsed moves, the improvisation, and your ability to showcase so many students in solos.  Equally impressive is your development and stewardship over the dancers.

Thank you so very much for sharing this rare gift with us.

   The Danse Etoile performances have become “an absolutely must see” in our household and we are looking forward to once again being moved to tears of joy and laughter.  

With sincere congratulations,

   Niwot Resident

 

 

 

January 2005

 

   What a treat for my daughters (ages 10 & 13) and I to attend Danse Etoile Ballet's "Evening of Classics & More" at the Dairy Center Saturday evening! This was the dance company's debut production, and it surprised us by providing more than just beautiful ballet. The affordable, art-filled evening included a classic but eclectic mix of ballet, comedy, and musical performances by artists from our own community!
   Artistic Director, Marie-Jose Payannet, refers to her group as "A company with an attitude..." which wonderfully describes this talented cast of performing artists. From the moment the show began, it was clear Marie-Jose has a penchant for exceptional ballet technique with a splash of clever whimsy. The sold-out show was captivating, as the cast led an audience of children to adults through one beautiful, clever, or funny performance after another. The mix of ages, backgrounds, and levels of training within Danse Etoile created a unique, entertaining show that played on both emotion and wit.
   Thank you, Marie-Jose, for sharing your love of dance, art, children, and community. We look forward to upcoming performances, and watching Danse Etoile grow and thrive in Superior, Boulder, and beyond.
   Superior Resident