A Sunday Full of Joy, Art, and Community

On Sunday, September 14th, the Center for Future Audiences was alive with the spirit of creativity and connection. From the fluttering feet of young dancers to the rhythmic beats of percussion instruments, the day was a beautiful celebration of youth, culture, and the arts. 

 

From 1pm to 5pm, hundreds of young ballet dancers from across the Pikes Peak region gathered to audition for the beloved annual production of The Nutcracker. This year’s performance will be a special collaboration between the talented dancers of Oklahoma University (OU) and our very own local youth. It was a joy to witness dancers aged 7 to 17—tiny ones twirling with wide-eyed wonder and seasoned teens gliding confidently en pointe—each bringing their heart and artistry to the marley floor. The energy in the room was electric, filled with hope, dreams, and the promise of a magical holiday season ahead.

 

Meanwhile, across town, the Colorado Springs Philharmonic proudly joined the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region (COPPR) at Fiestas Patrias, Southern Colorado’s largest celebration of Latinx culture and community. From 10am to 7pm, we shared a vibrant table with our cherished arts partners: the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale, Theatreworks, Ormao Dance Company, the Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, and the Colorado Springs Conservatory. Together, we welcomed families into the Kidzone, where children explored a joyful array of percussion instruments—laughing, learning, and making music of their own.

Parents discovered opportunities like Phil Kids and Free for Kids, programs designed to ensure that every child, especially those in our Southeast community, can experience the transformative power of live music and performance. It was a day of meaningful conversations, shared stories, and new connections.

 

Fiestas Patrias is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of freedom, heritage, and pride. Recognized as a national holiday in Mexico, it commemorates the country’s independence from Spain in 1810. Here in Colorado Springs, it also serves as a vibrant cornerstone of National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans. To be part of this meaningful event in its second year was a true honor. We are deeply grateful to stand alongside our Latinx neighbors in celebration of their rich history and enduring impact on our community.

 

Thank you to everyone who made this day so special. The future of the arts in Colorado Springs is bright, and we are proud to help light the way.