2023-2024 Season-Upcoming events
The Little Mermaid
Broomfield Auditorium
Friday January 26, 2024 7:30pm
Saturday January 27, 2024 2pm, 7:30pm
Sunday January 28, 2024 2pm
Danse Etoile explores the poignant story written by Hans Christian Andersen with original choreography, music and costumes, sure to delight the entire family.
Frida’s WIngs
In Frida's Wings on June 7th and 8th at the Dairy Arts Center, Danse Etoile will explore the art and life of famed artist Frida Kahlo, a contrast of traditional Mexican culture and her modern paintings. Translating the rich symbolism of her pieces into dance, we'll take a closer look at the many faces of Frida Kahlo, weaving her colorful and complicated life into a creative ballet that pays tribute to one of the most unique and intriguing artists of the 20th century.
Classes
Photo by Randy Macht
2023-2024 Schedule
registration form class starts Tuesday September 5, 2023.
Testimonial: “We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for the impact that Mrs. Marie-Jose Payannet and Danse Etoile Ballet has on our homeschooled children. Ballet classes provide numerous educational benefits for our two daughters. They provide a well-rounded education in art and performance. Ballet also gives them an understanding of music and rhythm and an opportunity to express themselves creatively. Ballet instruction develops strong concentration skills through discipline and increases their ability to focus. Their foreign language skills are also enhanced through Mrs. Payannet’s French heritage and ballet terminology. Mrs. Payannet has inspired us to study famous Ballet masters and choreographers, such as Marius Petipa and August Bournonville.
Ballet classes have also helped our homeschooled children with their social skills because they must focus on teamwork, communication, and cooperation. They have overcome some of their shyness in social situations and performing in front of an audience. Learning ballet has instilled a sense of accomplishment and confidence in our girls.
Enrolling our young daughters in dance class at Danse Etoile Ballet is not just extra-curricular; it is foundational. Thank you for investing your support in this excellent Company, which not only enriches our family, but also our community at large. “
Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Eileen Espinosa
Dance with us.
While our primary focus is classical ballet, we also offer classes in other dance forms to supplement a student's training. We focus on training year round and our small class sizes ensure individual attention. Students have the opportunity to audition for the company, giving them invaluable performing experience.
Our students have been accepted into prestigious summer programs (including Alonzo Kings Lines, Boston Ballet, Ballet Austin, ABT, Bolshoi Academy, Atlanta Ballet, Joffrey Ballet) and have been accepted into and graduated from college dance programs such as Julliard, Chapman, Philadelphia School of the Arts, Oklahoma School of the Arts, and NYU.
OUR FACULTY
Our teachers at Danse Etoile are all current or former professionals who have experience performing. Guest teachers are brought in periodically so that our students gain experience working with different techniques and styles of dance.
Testimonial:
“Danse Etoile provides a unique ballet experience for youth. The instruction by Marie-Jose far surpasses what you will find at any children's dance school or academy. She challenges her students to meet and exceed their potential. The students become more confident dancers and you can see their growth in each show they perform. The dancers not only learn proper technique, but they learn about acting, performance, costumes, stage makeup and proper nutrition and exercise for dancers. They also learn about responsibility, respect and etiquette required to be successful in the world or performing arts. The students at Danse Etoile have a wonderful opportunity to audition for full productions which provide experience they would never find in an annual gala or recital.
Marie-Jose Payannet's performances are a delight to attend. You may forget that you are watching a performance by the school, all the dancers are very poised and very professional. Marie-Jose's choreography is always breathtaking and the stories always have the perfect combination of drama, suspense and humor to keep everyone in our family entertained. Danse Etoile's performances highlight the best attributes of each individual dancer, and everybody is fully capable to perform the choreography Marie-Jose puts together for them.”
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David&Lisapanak
Absences and Make-Up Classes
We understand that circumstances arise where students are unable to attend their regular class. In order to schedule a make-up time:
The student's teacher must be notified in advance of the absence.
A make-up time must be scheduled within 4 weeks of the absence.
Make-up classes must be in the same level as the missed class or lower, unless teacher states otherwise.
No tuition credits or refunds will be given for absences or missed classes
Tuition
Initial registration fee of $30. Please bring to your first class along with the registration form (see above link).
Drop-in Class
$30 general rate
$20 professional rate
Three-Month Punch Card (Adults Only)
$100 for 5 classes
Company Members Monthly or Semester payments differ with price according to the number of classes taken.
Tuition is due by the 5th of each month. There is a $10 late fee.
General Rates
Monthly Payments 60m Class/90m Class/2hours Class
1 Class $80/$100/120
2 Classes $130/$160
3 Classes $180/$250
4 Classes $230/$320
5 Classes $320/$360
Prepointe class $40(needs to take the technique class before )
Company Rate Annual fee of $360 paid the first month of the season*. Includes rehearsals and extra classes before performances. *This fee does not include master classes or general classes.
Tuition Policies
Tuition is divided into equal monthly installments. Each monthly installment does not change based on the number of weeks in a month
Tuition is due the 5th of each month; you will not receive a bill or monthly statement.
Tuition received after the 5th of the month will result in a $10 late fee. Postmarks will not be considered in determining the late status of payments.
Additional fees may be assessed each month the payment is overdue.
Please bring tuition payments to class, or mail them to:
2059 Cedaridge circle
Superior CO, 80027Please label all payments clearly with the student’s first and last name and the tuition/fee being paid.
Returned checks will result in a $20 charge.
Overdue accounts may result in dismissal from classes until finances are settled.
Under no circumstance will Danse Etoile refund or credit paid tuition. Exceptions may be made in the case of serious injury.
Private Lessons
Private Lessons are an opportunity to learn one-on-one from a Danse Etoile Professional. Our instructors can tailor their teaching to help students reach their goals in the most effective, efficient and fun way possible. Students may set up a private lessons with the instructor of their choice by contacting them personally. The rates are:
45 minutes - $50 Beginner Ballet.
Additional Students $20 per student
60 minutes - $65 Intermediate Ballet
Additional Students $30 per student
90 minutes - $90 Intermediate/Advanced Ballet
Additional Students $40 per student
DRESS CODE
Our dress code is based on classical standards for ballet training and helps students focus on their class work and prepares them for performances. It’s important for students to abide by a dress code policy for the following reasons:
A neat and tidy appearance sets an attitude of attentiveness and respect for students, teacher, and the art of dance.
Teachers must be able to see the dancer's body outline clearly in order to make proper corrections on posture, alignment, etc.
Hair must be properly secured and tied up off of the face and neck for all styles of dance.
Jewelry must not be loose or dangling. ie. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets
Gum chewing is not allowed due to danger of choking and appearance.
No loose fitting pants, blue jeans or t-shirts (they are not dance attire).
Beginner Ballet
Black or pink leotard with pink full-footed tights (no footless or rolled-up tights)
Pink leather ballet shoes with full sole
Bun with hairnet, bobby pins and hair clips (no bangs or wispies)
Short ballet skirts are allowed, but not required
Intermediate Ballet
Black or navy blue leotard with pink tights
Pink leather or canvas ballet shoes with full or split sole
Bun with hairnet, bobby pins and hair clips (no bangs or wispies)
Short ballet skirts are allowed, but not required
Advanced Ballet
Leotard with pink or black tights
Pink leather or canvas ballet shoes with full or split sole
Bun with bobby pins and hair clips (no bangs or wispies)
Short ballet skirts are allowed, but not required
Men
Plain white short sleeve t-shirt
Black men's dance tights or black dance leggings over black socks
Black leather ballet shoes with full or split sole
PURCHASING DANCE WEAR
We recommend purchasing dance wear at the following location. They carry approved brands and styles, and understand our dress code. Danse Etoile families receive a 15% discount – be sure to mention your affiliation at checkout.
Boulder BodyWear
2850 Arapahoe Rd #104
Lafayette, CO 80026
Summer Classes
July Monday Tuesday and Wednesday 4pm to 5:30pm Pointes til 6pm
SUMMER INTENSIVE
SUMMER INTENSIVE 2024
JUNE 17 to JUNE 28th M-F 9:30am–3:000PM
August 5 to August 17 M-F 9:30am–3:000pm, 3:00pm–4:00pm Student choreographies, rehearsals
August 19– August 30 4:00pm–8:00pm
Audition FOR 2024-2025 Season, Saturday August 31, 11am-1pm ($30)
Placement in the Danse Etoile Summer Intensive is by audition only. Auditions are individual and by appointment.
Please contact Marie-Jose for more information and an appointment. 720-938-3030 or mariejose@danseetoile.org
End of Summer Intensive 2023
Guest Artists and Collaborations
Christopher DArling
Videographer/Guest Artist
Christopher was a National figure skater competitor and is now a coach and choreographer. He performed with Danse Etoile for many years. His memorable roles were Quasimodo in the Hunchback of Notre-Dame, the Prince in Snow White and the Little Mermaid and many other fun roles.
He is a great asset to the team, bringing his knowledge of videography to the productions.
He is married and has two adorable children.
Bruce Klepper
Composer
Bruce Klepper studied music composition in the 1970s with a number of renowned composers on the East Coast and received a degree in music composition and theory. During the 1980s and 1990s, Bruce continued to compose music but decided not to made a career of it. In 2014, Bruce retired from business so he could devote himself to his true passion, composing music.
Bruce is currently involved in writing music for Danse Etoile Ballet as well as collaborating with other musicians. Bruce's music can be heard on SoundCloud at https://soundcloud.com/bruce-klepper-1
Oddrun Eikli
Oddrun h been a singer all her life and has participated in several CD productions, both as a chorister and as soloist.
In the last years she has been composing and producing music and lyrics, arranged in collaboration with other composers.
Oddrun Eikli and Arne Hiorth formed the duo Loops And Bridges, releasing their first album in 2010 at MTG Music.
Oddrun Eikli has also been involved in music for film and theater.
Dave Heffner
Composer
Dave began classical piano study at the age of five and trombone at age ten, playing in school, college, and community bands. His interest turned towards jazz and blues in college while also studying music theory and playing in a jazz and rock group.
Dave is now focusing on composing and producing music in his Pro Tools studio. His music is available through his website: daveheffner.com and through most streaming services.
Sarah Winkler
Painter
is a British-born, US-based painter and collage artist living and working in Morrison, Colorado. She studied Art and Earth science at William Patterson University in NJ and combines both subjects in her large-scale depictions of the geology of mountain and desert landscapes in the American West. In her paintings, she often embeds crushed minerals collected in the landscape to foster a deeper connection to place.
Winkler has exhibited her work since 2005 in art galleries, regional museums, Art Fairs and non profits including The Thoreau Center For Sustainability in San Francisco, CA, The Arvada Center in Denver, CO, Bakersfield Museum of Art in California, Art Aspen and the LA Art Show. Winkler is a participating artist in the US Department of State’s Art in Embassies program where she has exhibited in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Winkler has been named by the curators of ARTSY as one of the top ‘Women Painters on the Rise’ and was curated into their 2022 digital billboard campaign 'Scenes of Summer' exhibition in NYC. Extensive features and reviews of her work have appeared in international publications such as Times UK, American Art Collector Magazine, Scientific American, Radical Art Review, Cowboys & Indians, CREATE! and New American Paintings.
Her work is currently represented by Foster/White Gallery in Seattle, WA. Visions West Gallery in Denver, CO and Montana. Vail International Gallery in Vail, CO. Gallery MAR in Park City, UT and by the US Dept of State’s Art in Embassies program.
Follow on Instagram @sarahwinklerart
The Company
COmmunity
Danse Etoile Ballet strives to share the passion and beauty of dance with as many members of the community as possible. The company offers a broad range of outreach services to schools, arts presenters, and other community organizations.
Outreach Performances in Local Schools
Our school outreach program gives students the wonderful opportunity to witness and experience the art of dance up close and personal.
Our Artistic Director and some of our Company will come to your school and perform excerpts from the Company’s repertoire and upcoming performances. These performances are designed for larger audiences and may be held in an auditorium or gymnasium. Programs begin with a brief introduction to ballet and our unique company.
After the performance, the dancers will answer a few questions from the audience. This program spans the K-12 range and is individually set for specific age groups and educational requests.
photo by Dominique Payannet
photo by Dominique Payannet
Tickets to the Underserved
Danse Etoile Ballet partners with a number of local social service agencies in order to make dance programming accessible to all. Reduced or complimentary tickets have been provided to nursing homes, Girl Scout troops, Friends of Broomfield, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, and the I Have a Dream Foundation of Boulder.
Free Performances
Danse Etoile frequently performs at community events like Dance is for Everybody at the Boulder Library, Broomfield Days, the Boulder Creek Festival, and Taste of Louisville. Find our next appearances on our Events page.
Groups interested in hosting a Danse Etoile Ballet outreach program can learn more by contacting mariejose@danseetoile.org .
about us
Mission Statement
Board of Trustees
Marie-Jose Payannet, President
Laurie Mohler, Vice-President
Dominique Fratkin, Treasurer
Eileen Neilands, Marketing, Costuming
Dominique Payannet, Videotaping, Bookkeeping, Music, Sets
Danse Etoile is dedicated to producing quality artistic performances, programs, and instruction which will foster access to and appreciation of dance and theatre for new audiences.
The value of ballet study extends beyond the mastery of dance steps and the outlet for artistic and emotional expression. Our mission is about building self-esteem through hard work, learning self-discipline, responsibility and commitment; and the value of working as part of a larger community.
Danse Etoile is dedicated to making ballet accessible to people of all ages. From school programs to family events, we offer many exciting ways to develop our audiences' awareness, appreciation and understanding of dance. With our community partners, we are constantly striving to develop and increase our programming so that dance continues to be a part of everyone’s life.
Notes from the Director
I created Danse Etoile in August 2004 to give an opportunity to passionate dancers, musicians, actors to train, perform, and educate others about what they love most. Danse Etoile is unique. Our dancers have different backgrounds, levels of training or talent yet each one brings something unique to the team. All dancers participate in the creation of a performance from helping others in rehearsals to ideas about a piece, a costume, or a set design.
By supporting Danse Etoile, either by coming to our performances, volunteering, sponsoring or giving donations, you are helping us build a community that is not based only on video games and reality TV. Ask about our enrichment programs to schools and organizations. The future of the arts is in the hands of the young.
Marie-Jose Payannet
Artistic Director
photo by Dominique Payannet
Marie-Jose Payannet, Executive and Artistic Director grew up in beautiful Southern France. She studied ballet at the Conservatory of Classical Dance and Music in Avignon. She was fortunate to train and dance with many great dancers, including Galina Mezentseva, prima absoluta Kirov Ballet; Shamil Yagudin, ballet master Bolshoi Ballet; Luba Gulyaeva, soloist Kirov Ballet; Gaenor Grange Parkes, Royal Ballet; Mira Popvic, principal Czech Republic; and David Herriot, principal dancer Winnipeg Ballet and North Carolina Ballet. Marie-Jose moved to the United States with her husband, and was a principal dancer with the Huntsville Ballet, and a guest artist and teacher with the Alabama and Atlanta Ballets. Marie-Jose performed many classical and character roles and was recognized by her audiences for bringing life and emotion to the stage.
Marie-Jose moved to Colorado in the year 2000, where, prior to founding Danse Etoile, she was director of the Apprentice Company of Ballet Nouveau Colorado. Marie-Jose holds a Master’s Degree in Statistics and Economics, writes and illustrates children’s books, and is an accomplished artist in oil and watercolor painting.
Support Us
Ticket sales account for less than half of the income we need to meet our expenses. We depend upon community support to produce and perform and engage new audiences in the performing arts. Donations from individuals like you and organizations such as the SCFD have been crucial to Danse Etoile's success and sustainability.
photo by Dominique Payannet
