Greeley’s Colorado Dance Collective to put on its first original show in collab with the Colorado Railroad Museum

By Dan England

The last time Wendy Sosa put on a show this big was “The Nutcracker.” But she’s familiar with “The Nutcracker.” Who isn’t familiar with “The Nutcracker”?

“I know the Nutcracker like my own fingerprints,” said Sosa, a dance instructor for 25 years. “This isn’t that.” 

No. This is the Colorado Dance Collective’s first original show, called “Off The Tracks,” that represents a shift in philosophy for the longtime dance troupe as well. There will be two shows on one day only, Saturday, May 14, although a live stream will be available for the evening show. 

The show is a collaboration with the Colorado Model Railroad Museum, 680 10th St. in downtown Greeley. It follows the conductor of a magic train, played by actor and former school board member Tannis Bator, along a series of stops represented by dances performed and choreographed by members of the dance collective. Sosa, 46 and the owner of the collective, choreographed a few herself, along with her other instructors that include famed artist Armando Silva. Silva, in fact, was the one who suggested the collective reach out to other creative groups in Greeley. 

“I was honored they chose us,” said Michelle Kempema, executive director of the museum. “We are actually known for out-of-the-box thinking. Our mission statement is what we are, but our vision statement involves working with the community and to use what we do as an avenue for creativity.” 

The museum helped with creative ideas and allowed them to use resources such as a conductor’s uniform worn by two generations on the Burlington Route and a train whistle. 

Sosa co-founded the collective 14 years ago to give adults a place to practice the art of dance. The company put on a showcase every April and a Christmas show, but the focus was on the art form, not performances or competitions. 

“It’s a totally different aesthetic than most studios,” Sosa said of her adults. “It’s a good workout and is about honoring the art form, but you can’t pound on them like they are competition kids.” 

There are no official age restrictions, and she does have dance teams stop in or younger dancers auditioning for gigs such as the Denver Broncos. But most of the relaxed and yet serious vibe attracts adults who still love the art form and technique but don’t want to be around dozens of young girls in tutus or sparkly dresses. She’s operated out of the Greeley Warehouse in Downtown Greeley for four years after some elbow grease and renovations. 

“It gives us a nice niche without stepping on any toes,” Sosa said. 

But with this show, the collective does want to shine a bit, and her members have responded well to it. She will collaborate with a different creative partner every year from now on. 

“They want to do this every season now,” she said, “so I’ll be digging into my creative hat quite a bit.” 

To go

“Off The Tracks” takes place at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 14, in the Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., Greeley. Go to ucstars.com for tickets.