March 1, 2026
Featuring Performances by Denver Ballet Guild Grant Recipient,
PLEASE NOTE: No photography or videography of any kind will be allowed during the final round of variations or during Boulder Ballet’s performance and please ensure that cell phones are silenced
The Denver Ballet Guild has been a cornerstone of Denver’s dance community since its establishment in 1979. Its origins trace back to 1958 with the formation of the Denver Civic Ballet and Denver Civic Ballet Guild, which aimed to produce outstanding ballets in the area in partnership with the talent from local dance schools
In 1969, the Denver Civic Ballet and Guild established the Denver Ballet Academy, further promoting quality dance in the Rocky Mountain region During this period, the organization initiated several enduring programs:
● Le Bal de Ballet (1969): A fundraising event introducing young women to Denver society, which has evolved into the Denver Ballet Guild’s signature annual fundraiser
● Les Cygnettes (1969): A program designed for sixth- to eighth-grade girls to cultivate an appreciation for ballet and ensure a future audience for dance
● In-School Programs (1974): Bringing dance performances directly into Denver Public Schools, providing students with interactive dance experiences.
In 1979, following the dissolution of the Denver Civic Ballet Company and Denver Ballet Academy, the Denver Civic Ballet Guild reorganized to form the now Denver Ballet Guild The new organization continued these cherished traditions and expanded its support more broadly to all professional companies and schools
In 1982, under the leadership of its first president, Florence Ruston, the Denver Ballet Guild founded the Young Dancers Competition, offering young Colorado dancers opportunities for advanced training and performance experience
Today, the Denver Ballet Guild remains a volunteer-driven organization whose mission is to promote dance, conduct dance education, raise funds for dance awards for students, award grants for professional companies, and develop audiences in the greater Colorado community. The Denver Ballet Guild is a non-profit organization of approximately 600 active members who work together to organize outreach events throughout the community
The Denver Ballet Guild welcomes all who would like to become members and invites you to join by visiting our website: wwwdenverballetguild org
The Young Dancers Competition was founded in 1982 by longtime Denver Ballet Guild member Florence Ruston. As the first president of the Denver Ballet Guild, Ruston established the Young Dancers Competition to recognize excellence in ballet and support the careers of young Colorado dancers
She envisioned a competition that would provide talented young dancers from Colorado with opportunities to advance their training and education. Participants would work with renowned master teachers, perform variations before distinguished dance professionals, and compete for awards to further their dance education.
The Denver Ballet Guild continues to honor Florence Ruston’s lifelong dedication to dance and her commitment to supporting ballet students in Colorado through the competition’s highest honor: the Denver Ballet Guild Florence Ruston Award
Welcome
Caroline Rodawig - Denver Ballet Guild President
Karen Crossman & Jennifer Cyphers - Young Dancers Competition Chairs
Introduction of Dancers in Categories l, ll, lll & lV
Finalist Performance of Dancers in Categories II, lll & lV
Boulder Ballet
“By Any Other Name”
Introduced by Sadie Brown - Rehearsal Director
Choreography | Amy Seiwert
Music | Violin Sonata No 2 for Solo Violin by J.S. Bach
Dancers | Marian Faustino, Gianna Forte, Rhys Hudson, Lucia Lorenzo, Sarah MacGregor, Jethro Paine, Ben Rabe
Tracy Jones and Francisco Estevez | Co-Artistic Directors, Young Dancers Competition
Boulder Ballet | Performing Company
Lesley Rausch | Masterclass Teacher
Sharon Wehner | Wellness Seminar
Sean Bennet, Anna Grunewald and Brandon Ragland | Judges
Candidly Created | Photography and Videography
Sophia Magnatta | T-shirt logo design
Greg Piotraschke | Mapleton Performing Arts Complex
Littleton Ballet Academy | Flooring and Barres
David Parvin Award | Anonymous
AK Dancewear, The Dance Archive, Boulder Ballet, Boulder Bodywear, ShamRockk Foundation, The Ruston -Porterfield’s, Southwest Airlines, Marjorie and Robert Felsberg, Marlo and Richard Wagner, Blue Peaks Roofing,
The Denver Ballet Guild would also like to recognize and thank Denver Bronze Works for the beautiful casting and crafting of the prestigious Young Dancers Competition
Florence Ruston Medallion.
Young Dancers Competition Committee:
Karen Crossman, Jennifer Cyphers | Young Dancers Competition Chairs
Gigi Ryner | Volunteer Coordinator
Caroline Rodawig | President, Denver Ballet Guild
Edie Bell, Danielle Belanger, Rosemary Cleary-Hague, Katie Grassby, Charis Spencer, Janice Scott, Jacci Bainbridge, Margie Felsburg, Mark Hilleary, Merry Logan, Susan Tracy, Anastasia Fett, Gina Bogitch, Carol Hamer, Lisa Decker, Holly McDonald, Ann Foster, Allison Nelligan, Kristen Billows, Lauren Eigner, Linda Schatz, Linda Bettalora, Anastasia Lucero, Alexis Demoulas, Nicole Matta, Anna Spitzer, Allison Dodge, Evan Lewis, Paige Augustine, Kristin Wessell, Kim Manning, Jeanne Coleman, Kelli Fisher
Remi Wagner: A Life of Dedication and Artistry in Ballet
Remi Wagner’s journey in ballet was one of resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment Though he transitioned to pre-professional ballet training later than most, his determination and work ethic propelled him forward Balancing intense training with academics, he made countless sacrifices to pursue his dream, demonstrating an extraordinary level of dedication His perseverance and discipline set him apart, allowing him to grow into a refined and expressive artist
His talent and commitment led him to remarkable opportunities on both national and international stages From training with world-renowned institutions to performing in prestigious productions, Remi embraced every challenge with grace and tenacity. Whether adapting to virtual training during difficult times or overcoming setbacks in pursuit of his goals, his resilience never wavered. Each performance reflected his passion, musicality and artistry, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and peers alike
Remi’s story is a testament to the discipline and love for dance that define a true artist. His vibrant spirit, kindness of heart and legacy lives on through the ShamRockk Foundation, supporting young male dancers on their journey from ballet school to the professional stage, ensuring that his dedication continues to inspire future generations
Tracy Jones and Francisco Estevez are long-time members of the Denver dance community and were most recently tenured dancers with the Colorado Ballet. They bring a wealth of experience, enthusiasm, and knowledge to the competition having danced in many companies both nationally and internationally and having strong backgrounds in mentorship and coaching in Denver and beyond. Under their direction since 2023, the Young Dancer Competition continues its mission to support the development of young talent in our local dance community by incorporating a holistic approach including wellness seminars and resources for all dancers taking part.
Lesley Rausch grew up in Columbus, Ohio, training at Columbus Youth Ballet under Shir Lee Wu and later at Pacific Northwest Ballet School She attended summer intensives at the School of American Ballet, International Dance School, and PNBS
Lesley joined Pacific Northwest Ballet in 2001, rising to soloist in 2007, and became a principal in 2011 before retiring in 2023 She captivated audiences in principal roles across full-length ballets by Kent Stowell, Alexei Ratmansky, Peter Boal, Ronald Hynd and Jean-Christophe Maillot, as well as in original works by legendary choreographers George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, William Forsythe, Twyla Tharp, Jiri Kylián, Nacho Duato, Crystal Pite, David Dawson, Christopher Wheeldon, and many others. She also originated roles in new works by Jessica Lang, Benjamin Millepied, Edwaard Liang, Val Caniparoli, and Kiyon Gaines Ross
A sought-after guest artist, she has performed at the Chicago Dancing Festival, Nevada Ballet Theatre, Ballet Hawaii, and the Nantucket Atheneum Dance Festival, among others, and has danced on renowned stages in New York City, Paris, London, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Istanbul, and Hong Kong
Beyond performing, Lesley has been a guest instructor at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Ballet Hawaii, Evergreen City Ballet, and Montana Ballet Company, where she also choreographed and staged excerpts of Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty She was on faculty at Pacific Northwest Ballet School (2017–2023) and currently teaches at Adage Ballet Academy. She also served as the Ballet Adjudicator at the MusicFest Northwest
Lesley is a Stott-certified Pilates and Fascial Movement instructor and certified in Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance as well as Madeline Black Series One and Two, specializing in private instruction for rehabilitation and dance training
Earlier this year, Denver Ballet Guild launched its annual T-shirt logo design contest. We are thrilled to share our 2026 design by Sophia Magnatta.
Sean Bennett was born in San Francisco, and trained at the San Francisco Ballet School and American Ballet Theater’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School before joining the San Francisco Ballet in 2011 He danced professionally with the San Francisco Ballet for 14 years,performing an array of soloist roles and working with choreographers including Helgi Tomasson, Yuri Possokhov, Christopher Wheeldon, Mark Morris, Liam Scarlett, Arthur Pita, Edward Liang, Annabelle Ochoa and many more
After retiring from the stage, Sean moved to Marietta, GA where he is currently working with the Atlanta Ballet’s Centre for Dance Education in hopes to inspire the next generation of dancers.
Anna Grunewald grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, where she trained at the Ballet Academy of Pittsburgh. She then studied at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Ballet and an Outside Field in Arts Management. Following her graduation, Anna joined Ballet Arizona for the 2018/2019 season, and she had the opportunity to perform featured roles such as Princess Florine in The Sleeping Beauty and the pas de trois in Balanchine’s Emeralds At Ballet Arizona, Anna added additional Balanchine ballets to her repertoire, such as Square Dance and Symphony in 3 Movements Anna then joined Miami City Ballet for the 2019/2020 season, where she danced for 5 seasons. In her time with MCB, Anna performed many iconic ballets, including Balanchine’s Jewels, Serenade, and The Nutcracker, Martha Graham’s Diversion of Angels, Jerome Robbin’s I’m Old Fashioned, and the role of the Four Little Swans in Alexei Ratmansky’s Swan Lake After two foot surgeries, Anna has transitioned into a teaching career. Located in Pittsburgh, Anna teaches ballet at Point Park University and Ballet Academy of Pittsburgh as well as Pilates and Progressing Ballet Technique to dancers at a local Pilates Studio. Anna has found a passion in teaching and promoting healthy training in the younger generations.
Dayton Ballet Artistic Director
Brandon Ragland received his early training in Birmingham, AL, and graduated from Butler University with a B.S. in Dance-Arts Administration After graduation, he joined the Alabama Ballet, performing numerous classical and neoclassical works by choreographers such as Roger Van Fleteren, George Balanchine, Christopher Bruce, and Septime Webre In 2010, he joined the Louisville Ballet in where he spent 13 years as a leading artist and performed featured roles in classical, neoclassical, and contemporary works by choreographers such as Alun Jones, George Balanchine, Adam Hougland, Val Caniparoli, Ma Cong, Lucas Jervies, Stanton Welch, Ronald Hynd, and Tim Harbour In 2023, Brandon joined the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance as the Artistic Director of the Dayton Ballet.
Sharon Wehner is originally from San Jose, California, and had her fundamental ballet training with San Jose Dance Theatre, Dance Theatre Seven, and San Francisco Ballet. In addition to 22 years as a Principal Dancer with the Colorado Ballet, Sharon has also danced with Amy Seiwart’s Imagery, the Oakland Ballet, the Washington Ballet, Zikr Dance Ensemble, Engage Movement Arts, Fuku Dance, and Maedee Dupres. She has performed as a guest artist in numerous dance festivals, including the Tokyo Aoyama Ballet Festival, the National Ballet of Japan’s Golden Ballet Co-Star, the Vail International Dance Festival’s International Evening of Dance, and the Lila Dance Festival
As a Principal Dancer, Sharon has performed nd contemporary works, some of her favorites being Odette/Odile, Juliet, Giselle, Aurora, Cinderella, the Sugarplum Fairy, Kitri, Medora, Stars and Stripes, Rubies, Theme and Variations, and the Leaves are Fading After retiring from her long career with the Colorado Ballet, Sharon is spreading her wings as a freelance artist, exploring new territory in classical and contemporary choreography that speaks to her and to audiences in a fresh and stimulating way
In addition to her career as a dancer, Sharon is a ballet teacher, certified Sports Nutrition Coach, GYROTONIC®/GYROKINESIS® trainer, Yoga instructor, Reiki Master, and Instructor for Dance for Parkinson’s Disease She has taught dance for over 30 years, for numerous schools and companies, including Colorado Ballet, Ballet Arts Austin, Yellowstone Ballet, The Russian Ballet Academy, Littleton Ballet, Classic Dance Academy, International Ballet School and Vermont Ballet.
In 2020, she was inspired to create RISE: The Empowered Dancer, a holistic mentoring program for teen and pre-professional dancers, to help young dancers cultivate health and mindset tools that support the demands of rigorous dance training.
In 2023 Sharon took the next step in service to the Colorado dance community, becoming owner and director of Denver Dance Center. She is committed to providing quality dance classes and studio space, fostering artistic growth for dancers, choreographers, and performers in our diverse and multi-cultural arts scene
