Sunny Hsieh, a Principal Dancer with Canyon Concert Ballet, admired for his artistry, discipline, and expressive presence on stage.  Beyond the spotlight, Sunny’s journey to becoming an American citizen reveals a story of deep personal commitment, resilience, and love.

Fort Collins, CO – Canyon Concert Ballet is proud to unveil its highly anticipated 2025-2026 season, Masterpieces, a dynamic and inspiring lineup of performances showcasing timeless classics, bold reimaginings, and groundbreaking new works. With a diverse range of productions featuring emerging choreographers, world premieres, and collaborations with the Fort Collins Symphony, Masterpieces promises to be an unforgettable season of artistic excellence.

For Anneke De Jong, Coppélia has always held a special place in her heart. Her first experience with live ballet came at just four years old, when she watched Coppélia performed by her hometown studio in Stillwater, Minnesota. The vivid colors, lively mime, and joyful dancing made a lasting impression. She remembers being captivated by the laughter and lightheartedness on stage—an experience that would plant the seed for her lifelong love of ballet.

Today, on International Dance Day, we honor the universal language of movement that transcends borders and unites communities. As we celebrate the transformative power of dance, it's an opportune moment to spotlight Canyon Concert Ballet (CCB), Northern Colorado's premier dance organization, and their ongoing efforts to enrich the cultural fabric of the region.

In the world of live performance, the magic isn’t just on stage—it’s also happening behind the scenes, thanks in large part to passionate artists like Cara Doyle. Growing up in Texas during the high-octane glamour of the 1980s, Cara was immersed in a world where big hair and bold makeup reigned supreme. Her fascination began the moment her grandmother’s Avon lady pulled up each month, car brimming with samples and promises of transformation. That early encounter sparked a lifelong love for makeup that has become a cornerstone of her creative identity.

Fort Collins, CO – Canyon Concert Ballet is proud to announce the premiere of a groundbreaking new interpretation of Giselle, choreographed by Artistic Director Michael Pappalardo. Opening the company’s 2025 season, this reimagined classic breathes new emotional and psychological depth into one of ballet’s most iconic works.

For centuries, the Wilis of Giselle have been depicted as ethereal spirits—tragic yet delicate figures in flowing white. But in Canyon Concert Ballet’s upcoming production, costume designer Emily Bergum is taking a bold and chilling approach, reimagining the Wilis as spectral figures shrouded in heartbreak and ghostly darkness.

For many ballet dancers, stepping into the role of Myrtha, the Queen of the Wilis in Giselle, is a formidable and thrilling challenge. For Emily Thompson, it is the realization of a lifelong dream.

For every ballerina, there is that one dream role—an iconic character that encapsulates everything they love about dance. For Natsuho, that role has always been Giselle. Now, as she steps into the lead of Canyon Concert Ballet’s highly anticipated production, she describes the experience as nothing short of a dream come true.

For Jordan Nelson, two seemingly different worlds—ballet and cycling—intertwine to create a life filled with passion, discipline, and adventure. From an early age, cycling has been more than just a mode of transportation; it has been a lifelong source of freedom, autonomy, and exploration. Now, a dancer with Canyon Concert Ballet, Jordan has found the perfect environment to integrate both of his passions seamlessly.

When Esther moved to Colorado to dance with Canyon Concert Ballet (CCB), she never imagined that her passion for dance would lead her to impactful experiences beyond the stage. Through her work as Dementia Together’s part-time marketing coordinator, she has found a way to utilize her love for dance as a tool for connection, bringing joy and movement to people living with dementia.

For many dancers, the journey through a professional ballet career is one of unwavering discipline, sacrifice, and artistic pursuit. But for Abbey Morgan, marriage has proven to be not only a source of love and joy but also a vital foundation for her growth as an artist.

Canyon Concert Ballet is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural DanceFort Summer Workshop, a groundbreaking program designed to bring dancers and choreographers together in an immersive, enriching environment. This initiative seeks to not only refine the craft of local Fort Collins dancers but also to create a dynamic space for cultural exchange across the Mountain West region.

In Canyon Concert Ballet’s highly anticipated production of The Crucible, Conner Horak-Flood takes on the role of John Proctor, a man burdened by the weight of his own expectations and the moral complexities of his world. As an actor and dancer, Horak-Flood is deeply attuned to the internal and external struggles of Proctor, a man who sees himself as good and upstanding but is haunted by his past transgressions.

For many ballet dancers, discipline, precision, and an unwavering commitment to their craft often mean sacrificing certain pastimes. However, for Sophia Brodin, principal dancer at Canyon Concert Ballet (CCB), balancing her love for ballet with her lifelong passion for snowboarding is not just possible—it’s an essential part of her life.