DanceAspen: CRESCENDO

About this event

Experience an electrifying evening of dance that builds in rhythm, energy, and emotion. CRESCENDO brings together DanceAspen’s acclaimed artists for a dynamic program featuring bold contemporary works, live music, and a world premiere inspired by the music and spirit of John Denver. At the heart of the evening is the North American premiere of Samantha Lynch’s powerful interpretation of Ravel’s iconic Boléro—a mesmerizing duet that steadily intensifies to a thrilling finale. The program also features Alejandro Cerrudo’s cheeky tribute to the smooth sounds of Dean Martin, audience favorite Cayetano Soto’s captivating choreography, and the world premiere excerpt of Take Me Home, a Wheeler Opera House commission choreographed by Penny Saunders, Jonah Delgado, and Matthew Gilmore and performed with a live band. From sweeping music to breathtaking athleticism, CRESCENDO celebrates the artistry, passion, and innovation that define DanceAspen. The performance order for the evening includes: “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. “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. “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…