Finding the right contemporary dance training can feel like chasing a fleeting emotion—elusive until you discover the space that clicks. For dancers near Arboles, CO, the search leads to some unexpected gems.
Photo credit: Dance Colorado Collective
Training Options
Movement Foundry (Durango)
35min drive from Arboles
The only studio in the region offering Gaga technique classes alongside contemporary. Their "Floorwork Lab" on Sundays has become legendary for pushing dancers' physical storytelling.
- ✦ Professional company auditions held annually
- ✦ Scholarship program for rural dancers
Pagosa Movement Project
50min drive from Arboles
What began as a pop-up collective now offers year-round contemporary training with an emphasis on improvisation and contact work. Perfect for dancers who crave collaborative energy.
- ✦ Outdoor classes at hot springs (summer only)
- ✦ Pay-what-you-can community classes
Digital Options: Flux Remote
For days when the mountain roads aren't cooperating
The first VR contemporary dance platform with haptic feedback. Their "Colorado Dancer" subscription includes:
- ✦ Live classes with Durango-based teachers
- ✦ AI choreography generator with regional style presets
Making It Work
→ Carpool culture is strong among Four Corners dancers. Check the @SWCO_DanceRides channel on Telegram for shared transportation.
→ Many studios now offer "mountain time" passes—bundled classes to use whenever you make the trip to town.
Contemporary dance in rural Colorado isn't about perfect studios—it's about finding the spaces where the landscape seeps into the movement. The right training ground will have you dancing with the mesas, not against them.
Dancers in the area: Did we miss your favorite spot? Drop a voice note on our audio guestbook below ↓
