About Denver
Denver, Colorado, is a vibrant city with a thriving art and culture scene. It's home to various popular attractions, from the Denver Art Museum to the Denver Zoo. In addition to these popular tourist destinations, Denver has some of the best dance venues in the United States. Denver has something for all types of dancers, from modern jazz clubs to salsa bars and even hip-hop scenes. The city also offers many gorgeous outdoor locations for stunning dance shoots. With scenic mountain views, lush green spaces, and picturesque lakeside parks, Denver is an ideal destination for organizing a dance shoot.
Organizing a dance shoot in Denver can be a fantastic experience as it lets you capture unique urban environments while showcasing your talent. Many world-renowned choreographers have used the city’s diverse locations as backdrops for their performances, adding extra visual interest to their work. As such, shooting your dance routine in Denver will bring out your creativity and help you stand out from the crowd.
An interesting fact about dance shoot locations in Denver is that it has been featured in numerous movies over the past few decades, from 1954's " The Glenn Millery Story" to 2021’s "Jazz Town," showing just how diverse and renowned these locations can be. With that said, if you are looking for an unforgettable experience for your next dance shoot, look no further than Denver.
Dance Shoot Options in Denver
- Choreographers
When planning a dance shoot in Denver, it is vital to find the right choreographer. The choreographer should have experience creating routines that are appropriate for the concept of the project and the dancers. They should also be willing to work with the director, photographer, and videographer to help create a performance that is engaging and well-coordinated. Many Denver-based companies have experienced choreographers on staff who can help to bring your vision to life.
- Videographers and Photographers
Finding a professional videographer and photographer is essential for any dance shoot in Denver. Professional photographers and videographers should understand how to capture movement, light, and energy in their shots to make each scene aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, they should be able to work as part of a team with the choreographer, lighting designer, and other creative professionals involved in the project. Luckily, there are many experts in Denver with an eye for detail and an understanding of motion photography.
- Lighting Rentals
The right lighting rental company can make or break a dance shoot in Denver. Lighting rentals provide lights that can be used in many different ways, depending on your project’s needs. Lights can be rented hourly or daily, depending on what you need them for; some companies may even offer packages specifically tailored for dance shoots. Ensure you understand your project’s needs before choosing a rental company.
Dance Shoot Vendors in Denver
- Mobile Pro Video
Mobile Pro Video offers video production and live-streaming services. Founded by owner Gary Kleiner in 1989, they have expanded their services to cover all points along the Colorado Front Range. While they do all kinds of video production projects, from simple personal and complex corporate videos to dance shoots, modeling shoots, brand photography, and more, Mobile Pro Video is dedicated to working with clients to formulate the best and most cost-effective approach for their project needs.
- Joe Smith & The Spicy Pickles
Joe Smith & The Spicy Pickles is a unique band from Denver. Formed initially to cater to swing dancers, they have expanded their repertoire to include pop, soul, and funk while still focusing on music that moves people. They are known for their background score and can aid with video films, dance shoots, music videos, and more. Their original music has been featured in feature films and commercials worldwide, including the critically acclaimed The Killing of a Sacred Deer. The Pickle Jar has taken its infectious grooves to festivals and events from coast to coast, including spots on the main stage at the San Diego and Telluride Jazz Festival.
- Colorado Mobile Music
Colorado Mobile Music has been helping event planners, businesses, dance shoot venues, video filing, and more navigate the complex world of event services for a decade. They offer a wide range of services such as Videography, Photography, DJ, Silent Disco, Karaoke, Photobooth, Party Limo Bus, and Lighting. Their team can assist you from the beginning, ensuring your needs are met, and any unforeseen issues are resolved.
Pros and Cons of Dance Shoots in Denver
When it comes to organizing a dance shoot, Denver offers a range of both advantages and disadvantages. Here is a short list of some key points to consider when making your decision:
Advantages
- Atmosphere and creativity: Dancers and photographers benefit from Denver's vibrant arts scene, which provides an inspiring atmosphere for creative collaboration and growth.
- Abundant scenic locations with diverse landscapes: From the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains to iconic downtown architecture, Denver offers various backdrops for dance shoots that can create stunning visuals.
- Affordable production costs: With its competitive rates for shooting permits and equipment rentals, Denver provides an economical option for photographers or directors looking to get their projects off the ground.
- Centrally located: Being at the heart of the country makes Denver easily accessible from almost any part of the United States, allowing for easy travel arrangements for cast members or crew.
Disadvantages
- Time-consuming: For the shoot to go smoothly, ample time must be put into rehearsals and securing locations and crew members.
- Limited resources: Depending on the budget available certain aspects, such as hiring professionals, may need to be sacrificed, leaving fewer resources available than desired.
- Inclement weather: With its unpredictable climate, photographers must be prepared for quick changes in weather conditions that could affect shooting schedules.
- Crowded urban landscape: Finding open outdoor space free from distractions such as traffic noise can be difficult due to the highly populated environment around Colorado’s capital city.
Tips on How to Organize Dance Shoots in Denver
Capturing a dance performance on camera is both an art and a science. Even for experienced photographers, this type of shoot can be challenging. However, organizing a successful dance shoot in Denver can be easier with the right preparation and expert tips. Here are several tips for planning and executing a great dance shoot in Denver:
- Research Dance Venues: Before heading to Denver, research the venues where you plan to shoot. Look into the size of the venue and the vibe to ensure that it’s suitable for your shoot. It’s essential to also look into any special rules or policies that may be in place regarding photography at the venue. This will help you plan accordingly when organizing your dance shoot in Denver.
- Hire Models: When capturing beautiful images of dancers, having professional models is key. Make sure to hire models who have experience with modeling and dancing so they can move gracefully throughout your shots. If possible, meet with them beforehand and discuss what poses and moves you’d like them to execute during the session to reach your desired aesthetic goals for the project.
- Consider Lighting: Lighting plays a huge role when capturing dance performances on camera. Plan by researching different lighting options available at your venue, or bring your equipment if needed. If shooting outdoors, check out the local weather conditions ahead of time and scout out potential locations with ample natural lighting options available during certain times of day that could work best with your planned shots.
- Utilize Music: The right music can make all the difference when shooting dance performances. It helps set the mood and atmosphere while creating an engaging experience for viewers once they watch back the footage later. Take some time before shooting begins to strategize which music would pair best with each scene or pose you set up during production day to capture more expressive images for your project overall.
- Showcase Variety: Since dance photography is about showcasing motion and movement, try incorporating several poses throughout each shot sequence rather than strictly sticking to one style or angle when photographing dancers performing their choreography. Doing this lets you capture more dynamic images, adding depth and life to your collection after post-production editing.
Famous Locations in Denver
- Brown Diamonds Mural
Cryptik's "Brown Diamonds" in Denver will captivate your attention. With a glance, the hand-painted calligraphy appears to be a foreign language. However, it's Cryptik's calligraphy that he created to intrigue viewers into a contemplative state that isn't necessarily defined by logical meaning. The "mantradalas," as he calls them, are a combination of the words "mantra" and "mandala." These groups of symbols are laid out geometrically to encourage meditation.
- Cheesman Park
With its lush greenery and serene atmosphere, Cheesman Park is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park's crown jewel, the Pavilion, stands atop “Prospect Hill,” offering an unobstructed view of the surroundings. Interestingly, Cheesman Park is built on what used to be a cemetery, adding an eerie touch to its already rich history. Although the thought of ghosts may be intimidating, visitors often flock to this park for peace with a picnic, walk, or a game of frisbee. For a more lively experience, the park also hosts free movie screenings during the summer months, while the Denver Botanic Gardens are conveniently located just behind it, exhibiting some of nature's finest indoor and outdoor beauty.
- “Dancers” – Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Denver is home to some truly stunning sculptures, and none are as iconic as "Dancers." Located in the heart of the city at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, this towering installation takes the form of two faceless white figures clasping hands and joyously twirling around. At a towering 60 feet high and weighing 25 tons, this sculpture is impossible to miss while driving down Speer Blvd. If you're lucky enough to get up close and personal, you'll be treated to a rendition of "Let's Dance," a piece composed by artist Jonathan Borofsky himself.
