Creativity and passion take the stage this weekend for Steamboat Dance Theatre’s 53rd annual concert. 

This year’s concert theme — Metamorphosis. 

“It couldn’t be more appropriate or perfect because it speaks to the evolution of the organization since its inception back in 1972…” said Executive Director Lori Biagi. “The concept of the transformation that the individual experiences by dancing is really profound.” 

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This year’s show includes 19 dances for approximately 200 participating dancers. Shows run Thursday-Saturday with two shows on Saturday at Steamboat Springs High School. 

Choreographers and the production team met at the start of fall to discuss which dance routines would be selected for the show. From there, the visions are explained to the dancers who get to submit which dances they are most interested in. 

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Dancers are distributed to the pieces they feel most attached to and practice begins by November. 

Practice runs once per week, picking up more frequently as the show gets closer. 

“It’s definitely been a lot of work, but also so much fun,” said Eleonor “Leo” Bauwens, a dancer in the show. “It’s really exciting to see how everything comes together—watching the pieces slowly fall into place is so rewarding… It’s not just about rehearsals—it’s all the behind-the-scenes work, too. They’ve made it all come to life, and we’re all so grateful for everything they’ve done to create such a special experience for the community.”

Bauwens will be performing in the show’s third routine, “Now Boarding”, choreographed by Mandy Peterson. 

Bauwens said she selected that routine to expand her palette in dance. 

“Growing up, I was all about ballet, so it’s been really fun to explore a different side of dance through this experience,” she explained. “It’s given me the chance to grow in ways I hadn’t expected. I moved to Steamboat a year ago, and being part of Steamboat Dance Theatre has helped me feel like I truly belong here. It’s awesome seeing my new dance friends around town and feeling that deeper connection to the community. It’s made Steamboat feel even more like home.”

This year’s performances include: “Barracuda” by Alexa Kaminski and Avery Globe; “Call of the Light” by Mandy Quinones and Heidi Miller; “Now Boarding” by Mandy Peterson; “Transitions” by Amanda Montgomery and Stephanie Juneau; “Freddy’s Queens” by Jean Labaree, Jennifer McCannon and Lora Labaree; “Hip Hop Hoedown” by Haley Orton and Kat Stuart; “Lost & Found” by Emma Sharp and Lauren Hughes; “Faith!” by Rachel Radetsky; “Don’t go yet” by Juanita Rastello and Irene Alicot; “Shake Ya Tailfeather” by Michelle Barnett; “Highland Guys and Gals” by Kelly Cook; “Justin Bieber Mashup – Scholarship Piece” by Alexa Kaminski; “Daylight” by Marlow Linford; “Tahiti Nui” by Jenn Simbre; “Ex-wives” by Kathryn Gingrich and Alexa Taylor; “Rhianna” by Brooke Carpenter and Courtnee Townsend; “Shady Ladies” by Heidi Meshurel-Jolly; “Anxiety Dream” by Courtney Gerber and “Best Life” by Kat Goodhand.

In an effort to make dance more accessible, Biagi said the show hosts several area nonprofits and those with financial need to attend the dress rehearsal, free of charge. 

Thursday’s show will be recorded and available to watch virtually for purchase through April 7.

“I am beyond humbled, inspired and grateful for the way in which this community shows up for this organization,” Biagi said. “Whether it’s through participation, sponsorship, volunteerism, in-kind, donations, or audience attendance, our community is really special.”