The Colorado Ballet Breaks Records with THE NUTCRACKER and Year-End Fundraising

Colorado Ballet's 2014 production of The Nutcracker broke records for attendance and revenue, making it the most successful Nutcracker run in the Company's history.

The 2014 production had ticketing revenue of $2.47 million, shattering the previous record set in 2013 of $2.39 million. In addition, the 2014 run had one performance less than the previous year, with 24 performances in 2014 and 25 performances in 2013. The Company considers a performance sold out at 2,000 patrons in the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and the average attendance in 2014 was 2,062 per show, breaking the previous average attendance record of 1,981 per show set in 2012.

"For the past few years, The Nutcracker has continued to grow and break records," said Colorado Ballet Artistic Director Gil Boggs. "We could not sell out nearly every performance of this holiday classic without the support of the people of Denver. Our dancers and musicians were so grateful to receive standing ovations from more than 2,000 patrons at every performance this season."

Ticketing revenue from The Nutcracker accounts for approximately one-third of Colorado Ballet's total annual budget. This season, Colorado Ballet's goal for The Nutcracker was $2.23 million.

"Performing The Nutcracker is essential for the economic stability of most professional ballet companies," said Boggs. "It makes or breaks a season for us. Without The Nutcracker, we could not afford to present other ballets. Luckily, The Nutcracker is as popular as ever and we have been honored to present it on stage for the past 54 years."

Colorado Ballet also set a fundraising record by receiving just shy of $1 million between capital and operating contributions in the month of December. The contributed revenue reflects a robust annual fund campaign and the continued success of the ballet's capital campaign for The Armstrong Center for Dance, which is more than 90 percent complete.

"As a non-profit organization, we depend heavily on donations from our generous supporters to continue to present world-class ballet performances and dance education in Denver," said Boggs. "Colorado Ballet's patrons and stakeholders continue to demonstrate their faith in the Company by investing in our future. We are fortunate to have their support."

The record-breaking Nutcracker ticket sales and December fundraising follows a trend of positive news from Colorado Ballet. In August 2014, the organization moved into its new state-of-the-art studios at The Armstrong Center for Dance in Denver's Art District on Santa Fe-the first time in its 54-year history that the organization has owned its home. In addition, the Company's 2013-2014 season was the most successful in its history, exceeding budget goals and breaking revenue records for three of its productions and attendance records for two of its productions.

KeyBank sponsored the 2014 production of The Nutcracker.

About Colorado Ballet

Established in 1961 by Lillian Covillo and Freidann Parker, Colorado Ballet is a non-profit organization celebrating 54 years of presenting world-class classical ballet and superior dance in Denver. Under the direction of Artistic Director Gil Boggs, Colorado Ballet presents more than 50 performances annually. Colorado Ballet enhances the cultural life of Colorado through performances of the professional company, training at the Academy, and Education & Outreach programs. Visit www.coloradoballet.org.

Photo Credit: Mike Watson

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