Fort Collins, CO — Shrinking grant funding at every level of government, declining ticket sales, and falling enrollment are creating a perfect storm for the nonprofit arts sector—one that is threatening cultural institutions that took decades to build. In Fort Collins, that storm has reached the door of Canyon Concert Ballet (CCB).

Founded in 1979, Canyon Concert Ballet has served Northern Colorado families for nearly five decades—not only as a ballet school, but as a place where children build confidence, develop discipline, and experience the rewards of creative commitment. For thousands of students, CCB has been a formative experience extending far beyond the studio.

After extensive financial review, multiple restructuring efforts, and sustained fundraising attempts, CCB’s Board of Directors has announced that the organization must prepare to conclude operations. This decision reflects the broader financial realities impacting arts organizations nationwide.

Across the country, arts organizations are navigating similar challenges as pandemic-era relief funding has been exhausted, earned revenue has declined, and government funding has dropped significantly. Recent national data indicates accelerating closures and contractions across the sector since 2024, affecting both small and established institutions alike.

Even highly recognized organizations—including regional dance companies and major institutions such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra—have reported significant financial strain, with many reducing programming or closing entirely.

Locally, CCB has experienced reduced enrollment impacting tuition revenue, rising operational costs, and increased competition for limited grant funding. Despite significant cost reductions and operational adjustments, the organization’s leadership determined that long-term sustainability is no longer achievable under current conditions.

In response, CCB has developed a “Graceful Landing Strategy”—a structured plan to conclude operations with care, ensuring students, families, and artists are supported through the final phase of programming.

To execute this plan, CCB must raise $220,000 in community support.

If successful, the funding will allow the school portion of the organization to:

• Operate through the end of its current semester on May 31, 2026

• Provide all enrolled students, trainees, and CCB2 (second company) dancers the opportunity to perform one final time

• Fulfill scheduled May performances, including:

  • The Wizard of Oz (all students)

  • Vintage Vibes (contemporary recital)

  • Ballet & Beer at Bas Bleu (featuring trainees and CCB2)

  • Competition Team performance

These performances are intended to ensure that every dancer has the opportunity to take the stage one final time.

As part of this transition:

• The planned production of Alice in Wonderland will be cancelled

**All ticket purchasers will automatically receive a full refund for their order, credited back to the original payment method. This process is entirely handled by the Box Office at the Lincoln Center and may take up to two weeks to complete.   You can reach the Box Office at (970) 221-6730

• The professional company will be released

• Following May, limited summer programming may be offered before the organization goes dark.

CCB leadership emphasized that this fundraising effort is not intended to prevent closure, but rather to allow the organization to conclude its operations in a way that reflects its mission and community impact.

There is no guarantee that the full funding goal will be achieved. If the $220,000 target is not met, operations may conclude as early as May 1, 2026. In that event, the Board of Directors and Executive Director have committed to addressing refunds and outstanding obligations with transparency and urgency.

CCB is launching a 48-hour Graceful Landing Fundraiser- starting Tuesday, 4/28, through Wednesday, 4/29 - and reports that it has already raised $30,000 toward its goal.

Community members interested in supporting the effort can donate by clicking here: Graceful Landing Campaign

“We recognize the significant role CCB has played in the lives of families across Northern Colorado,” said Bridget Pasquinzo, Board President of Canyon Concert Ballet. “This plan is about ensuring that, even in closure, we honor that impact with intention and care.”

The organization also anticipates a high volume of community inquiries and has established a centralized communication process, including a Google Form, to ensure timely and coordinated responses.

The closure of Canyon Concert Ballet reflects a broader national trend and underscores the ongoing challenges facing nonprofit arts organizations. Leaders emphasize that sustaining cultural institutions requires ongoing investment from individuals, businesses, foundations, and public partners.

As CCB enters its final chapter, its focus remains on its students, its community, and the lasting impact of nearly five decades of artistic contribution.