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.”

____________

David&Lisapanak

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, 80027

• Please 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

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.

www.sarahwinkler.com

Follow on Instagram @sarahwinklerart

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. 

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

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

How Can I Give?

• Donate directly  by check or paypal

• Sponsor a Season

• Place an ad in our next performance program

• Volunteer!

• Attend Danse Etoile Ballet events and fundraisers.

• Spread the word! Follow us on social media and join our mailing list.

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.