They say that mountains can move between four and seven millimeters yearly due to rain, wind, tectonic plate movement, or as the Earth’s crust shifts. What if humans could also move mountains? It’s just not what you may think.
Mountain Movers, owned and operated by Angela Delsanter, started in 2009 after a friend suggested that she start a local dance business so people would not have to drive down the hill for dance classes. Delsanter amassed some debt due to chemotherapy and radiation treatment, and the extra income could help pay off the medical bills.
Delsanter shared, “This seemed like a good companion to my career. I had no idea it would grow and become what it is today. Over time, we added costumes, performances, and recitals. We grew from six dancers to nearly 45 before Covid.”
As with many companies, the pandemic forced Mountain Movers to cancel plans, including their 2020 spring show. Then, after restarting in autumn, only about half the students came back. They maintained classes for the remainder of 2021 with fewer students and fully masked. It was a very emotional time for Delsanter and her dancers. “It was actually a pretty special year for us to prevail. The Spring recital was at Chipeta Park and I will always remember that experience with fond memories.”
Mountain Movers are on a steady climb to pre-pandemic status. Although the economic impact on families has influenced budget cuts in general, no dancer is ever turned away from dance because of a lack of resources. Something can always be worked out.
With a mix of jazz, tap, ballet barre, and creative movement, anyone interested in dancing or learning to dance can find something to enjoy at Mountain Movers. A consistent schedule, various performance opportunities, and low- cost options for families make it easy for anyone to participate. Delsanter also works hard to make sure her offerings do not conflict with others in the community.
Delsanter’s favorite part is choreographing new dances and meeting new students who have never danced. She also loves inspiring young artists to express their visions in class. “Teaching a child their first cartwheel is also pretty cool. It has been a genuine privilege to have inspired a generation of dancers here in Nederland. I am so proud of where this program is and of all my students. It brings so much joy to my life,” says Delsanter.
Delsanter received a BFA in dance from Ohio University in 1995 and has danced professionally in Boulder for 25 years with Frequent Flyers Productions. Though she is semi-retired due to injuries, she teaches aerial dance summer camps and performs as a stilt dancer in Colorado.
Perhaps, Mountain Movers can’t truly move mountains, but covering the Nederland and Gilpin region has definitely had a positive impact on this part of the Rocky Mountains.
You can find Mountain Movers at the Nederland Community Center, 750 Highway 72 North, Nederland, Colorado, 80466. They can be reached by phone at 720-683-9525. To learn more about Mountain Movers or inquire about classes, check them out on social media: https://www.facebook.com/ profile.php?id=100070618280290 or on Instagram @mountainmoversdance.
Sponsored by the town of Nederland, with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
