local
DanceAspen’s gala supports dancers and community outreach programs
By Kimberly Nicoletti Follow at Aspen Times
· July 12, 2026
· 3 min read
For one night only, DanceAspen’s gala at Hotel Jerome transports attendees into the extravagant, gold-and-glamour shine of Studio 54, circa the 1970s.
“Dance is meant to bring people together, and few places embodied that more than Studio 54,” said Laurel Winton, DanceAspen’s executive direc...
Key takeaway “Dance is meant to bring people together, and few places embodied that more than Studio 54,” said Laurel Winton, DanceAspen’s executive director.
Why this matters in Aspen News
As DanceAspen celebrates its fifth anniversary, the community can reflect on the tangible impact the organization has made in Pitkin County and beyond. With over 3,150 people reached through education and community engagement programs, DanceAspen's efforts have helped foster a deeper appreciation for contemporary dance among locals, particularly among students in the Aspen School District. The company's free, in-school movement education program, DanceStart, has been especially beneficial, providing 1,503 students with access to high-quality arts education. Furthermore, DanceAspen's partnership with the Wheeler Opera House on initiatives like Behind the Curtain has strengthened the local arts ecosystem, offering students a unique glimpse into the creative process. As the organization continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how DanceAspen expands its community outreach programs, potentially collaborating with other local institutions to further enrich the cultural landscape of Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley.
About this story
Original reporting by Aspen Times . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: local ·
Published: July 12, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? For one night only, DanceAspen’s gala at Hotel Jerome transports attendees into the extravagant, gold-and-glamour shine of Studio 54, circa the 1970s.
“Dance is meant to bring people together, and few places embodied that more than Studio 54,” said Laurel Winton, DanceAspen’s executive direc...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 12, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kimberly Nicoletti Follow at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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