Opening Night
Friday Jul 31, 2026 7:00 pm
GERALD R. FORD AMPHITHEATER
Over the past two decades under the leadership of Artistic Director Damian Woetzel, the Vail Dance Festival has become a stage where bold new music and dance meet the moment, now—presenting over 130 original works by some of the world’s most cutting-edge voices in contemporary choreography. This evening marks the 20th anniversary of Woetzel’s extraordinary artistic vision with a collection of new works created in collaboration with Festival artists, featuring daring choreography and a remarkable ensemble of dancers and musicians from across genres. Choreographers will include 2026 Artist-In-Residence Alexei Ratmansky, Robert Battle, Robbie Fairchild, Larry Keigwin, Tiler Peck, Pam Tanowitz, and first-time Festival choreographers Chun Wai Chan and Amanda Treiber.
Photo credit: Roman Mejia rehearses with Alexei Ratmansky ahead of the 2019 Vail Dance Festival. Photo by Erin Baiano.
Ticketing
MORE TICKETING INFORMATION:
- We are offering a number of ticket packages this year.
Click HERE to learn more. - Children 12 and under receive free admission on the lawn
with the purchase of an adult ticket. - Students and faculty may purchase discounted lawn tickets.
(excludes Dance for $20.26 and the Vilar Performing Arts Center) - Ticket prices are subject to change.
Questions? Contact the Box Office at [email protected] or call 970.845.TIXS(8497)
Gates open one hour prior to showtime.
Community Arts Access
To learn more about attending a performance through our Community Arts Access program or providing support to eliminate socioeconomic barriers to the arts, please contact Martha Brassel ([email protected])