David Taylor Dance Theatre gets new digs - Presstime News - Brief Article

Dance Magazine, May, 2002 by Janine Gastineau

Dance companies have struggled for years with federal arts-funding cuts and, more recently, from economic downturn. But in Colorado, there's good news for one local ballet company. David Taylor Dance Theatre is literally getting in on the ground floor of a brand-new complex that incorporates city government offices, stores, residences, and the arts. Thanks to a unique agreement with the City of Englewood, the Denver suburb where the new center is located, the company now has room, and funding, to expand. It moves into the complex, called CityCenter Englewood, this month.

"This is the most important event in our company's history," said founder and Artistic Director David Taylor. "This relocation will transform the organization."

DTDT had long outgrown its old space in the nearby Littleton Town Hall Arts Center. Last season, when rent at Town Hall doubled, Taylor knew the company couldn't remain there much longer. Luckily, he began making arrangements for a new home three years ago.

In 1997, the City of Englewood developed a plan for revitalizing a former mega-mall into a community center that would include performance piazzas and space for artists. Taylor learned about the project through a friend and collaborator, Cynthia Madden Leitner, director of the Museum of Outdoor Arts, which moved into the CCE in 2001. "We immediately began negotiations with the Englewood City Council," said Taylor.

In DTDT's particular agreement, the City of Englewood has committed a little over one million dollars to help create 8,600 square feet of office and studio space and to provide start-up funds for outreach and performances. DTDT will raise some funds to help finish the studio. But their rent will drop from the $4000 per month they paid in Littleton to $600 per month.

In exchange for the city's help, DTDT will provide four performances at the CCE's outdoor piazzas. Two will be evening-length collaborations with artists from the Museum of Outdoor Arts and the Up Close and Musical Ensemble--twenty musicians from the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. Two shorter DTDT performances will feature mixed repertoire. All will be admission-free. DTDT will also provide scholarships to Englewood residents living below the poverty line and perform outreach through the public schools.

Taylor is thrilled by the prospects of company growth and development. "We can add a staff person, we get a faculty/ company lounge, a 60' x 40' rehearsal space, three studios with sprung wood floors, new mirrors and barres, and space for on-site set, props, and costume storage."

Taylor is also interested in finding a home theater for future DTDT seasons. "Discussion is now underway [with the City of Englewood] to create a performing arts center adjacent to CCE. We're keeping a close watch on this issue."

For more information, visit www.dtdt.org.