A series of performances are scheduled for the first season of the Colorado West Performing Arts Company, a newly founded professional ballet company in Grand Junction.

Theresa Kahl, owner of Absolute Dance in Grand Junction, and Nicole Wilkinson, an instructor there, formed the company as a nonprofit for the 2022-23 season. They reviewed applications from more than 500 dancers and contracted with eight dancers for the inaugural year.

Kahl and Wilkinson grew up and trained in Grand Junction. Given the support for school performances, they decided it was time for a professional company.

“While the Front Range is open to multiple successful ballet companies, Western Colorado has yet to be home to one. And I feel it is time to fill that void,” Kahl said. 

“More and more surrounding residents are looking for more culture in Grand Junction beyond the music festivals and concerts passing through. We are ready to help cultivate the area with our company through more ballet performances,” she said.

Colorado West Performing Arts company will present four ballets for its first season — “Cinderella;” “The Nutcracker;” “Peter Pan Ballet;” and a performance of classic, romantic and contemporary works.

Performances will be staged in the Avalon Theater in Grand Junction as well as in Glenwood Springs, Montrose, Rifle and other Western Colorado communities.

For tickets or more information, call 255-8322 or visit the website at www.coloradowestpac.org.