March 11, 2010- the Vail International Dance Festival

The furthest I got while trying to learn dance as a child was sliding across the kitchen floor in my tights, more than likely breaking something important. This is why the Vail International Dance Festival will leave me in awe. The big air and physical strength combined seamlessly with an artistic flare can’t be missed!

The Vail International Festival, located in Vail, Colorado from July 27, 2010 to August 10, 2010 will include the Pacific Northwest Ballet and the Paul Taylor Dance Company, along with many dancers from around the world such as Savion Glover, Larry Keigwin, and include styles ranging from traditional ballet to Beijing Dance. Tickets (in the seating area of the Gerald Ford Amphitheater) are available for $20.10, and $10 for the lawn.

I can’t wait for these evening shows! Get a group together because summer in Vail, Colorado can’t be beat. Other festivals and events coming this summer in Vail and the Rocky Mountains include:

• the TEVA Mountain Games & IFSC World Cup Climbing, June 3-6
• Vail Arts Festival, June 25-27
• Vail America Days, July 4
• Beaver Creek EXTERRA, July 17
• Colorado Soul Festival, August 20-22

Damian Woetzel the Founder of the Vail International Dance Festival Officially Retires from the Stage

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The man who founded the 2008 Vail International Dance Festival 2 years ago has officially announced his retirement from the stage, and in doing so performed once more with the New York City Ballet on June 18th. His style and grace supported a long career lasting over 25 years at the professional level. During this time his reputation as one of the United State’s prominent dancers has established his mark in the dance world. Yet, his contribution to the arts may just be beginning as Damian Woetzel is rumored to be a potential replacement for his troupe’s director in the future.

Damian making a curtain call for his final performance

Photo courtesy of Evan Namerow

While the Vail Dance Festival may not gain his full attention now, he is enrolled at Harvard after all, it is sure to grow under his direction. His style and grace have translated into a wonderful persona as a director, his influence over the festival is quite dramatic as he guides his dancers yet doesn’t overstep his boundaries as a director.

Vail Ski Vacations is very anxious for the return of the Vail International Dance Festival and await opening night. Coverage will increase as the festival approaches, but for now all of our staff would like to congratulate Damian Woetzel on a fabulous career.

For further reading on Damian Woetzel’s retirement from the stage check out Dancing Perfectly Free a great blog covering the arts or check New York Entertainment’s for a great in depth look into his career and retirement.