Sharon Wehner has brought a level of spirited charisma to the artistry of ballet in her tenure with the Colorado Ballet. “According to Wehner, entering her 22nd season is bittersweet. She feels grateful to have spent the last two decades doing what she loves with the company and people that she loves and sharing it on stage with the audience. “I never take for granted how special it is to perform for a live orchestra, in front of thousands of people in our beautiful Ellie Caukins Opera House,” said Wehner. “I hope to embrace the potential power of this experience each time I have the opportunity to step onto the stage this season, and share something meaningful with our audiences, whether they have been long-time patrons, or seeing the ballet for the very first time. It is always an honor to be able to do this, but becomes more poignantly so, knowing that I will be dancing some of these roles for the very last time.”*

Sharon Wehner in Don Quixote photo by Terry Shapiro
Sharon Wehner in Don Quixote photo by Terry Shapiro

Colorado Ballet was very fortunate the day Sharon joined the Company and to my knowledge, Sharon has danced with Colorado Ballet as a professional Company member longer than any dancer in our history,” said Colorado Ballet Artistic Director Gil Boggs. “Her tenure here is a testament to her passion as an artist and love of this organization. Sharon’s dedication to this art form is evident as she gives everything of herself in rehearsal and on the stage. When Sharon takes on a role, she has a process of learning, discovering and putting everything together which culminates in a performance that few can accomplish. She is also a role model for the younger dancers because she is such a devoted professional. I’m honored to have Sharon perform with us for one more season, especially as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet this spring.”*

Originally from San Jose, California, Wehner has trained with Jody White and David Roxander, San Jose Dance Theatre, San Francisco Ballet and San Jose/Cleveland Ballet. In 1995 she joined the Colorado Ballet and within four years (1999) was promoted to Principal. Wehner has also performed with The Washington Ballet, Oakland Ballet and Amy Seiwert’s Imagery. She has also been a guest artist at the Vail Dance Festival, at the Aoyama Ballet Festival in Japan, and the National Ballet of Japan’s Golden Ballet Co-star.*

Wehner spent the off-season rehabilitating a hip injury, however, she remains steadfast in her determination to stay focused and “on task this season with conditioning, working on rebuilding strength, flexibility and stamina to remain at the top of her game.”

Sharon Wehner and Dmitry Trubchanov in Feast of the Gods photo by Sue Daniel
Sharon Wehner and Dmitry Trubchanov in Feast of the Gods photo by Sue Daniel

“Although it is easy to find myself reminiscing about the past or worrying about the future, I have found that as I embark on my 22nd season with Colorado Ballet, I am focused on remaining present, working on my craft and taking each day, each rehearsal, and each ballet one at a time,” said Wehner.

“I am extremely excited and grateful to be able to perform some of my very favorite ballets this year, and I look forward to being able to share the experience with both my colleagues and the amazingly gracious Denver audiences.”

Sharon Wehner photo by David Anderws - Leaves are Fading Arabesque
Sharon Wehner photo by David Anderws – Leaves are Fading Arabesque

The arts and culture that surrounds us is too important to miss. Become active in your community and experience the arts and culture up close and personally.

Watching the athleticism and passion that Sharon Wehner has brought to her craft has been inspiring over the years… don’t miss this season’s performance. Visit Colorado Ballet website here for this years schedule.

Feature Image by Allen Birnbach

Please Note: some quotes and information was gathered directly from press release