Ben Needham-Wood

Ben Needham-Wood, Artistic Director for the Boulder Ballet, is an EMMY Award-winning choreographer, filmmaker, and dance educator. Ben graduated magna cum laude from the College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati, OH. He then went on to enjoy a 12-year performance career dancing primarily with the Louisville Ballet in Kentucky and Smuin Contemporary Ballet in San Francisco, CA. As a performer Ben was featured in works by Garrett Ammon, George Balanchine, Marc Brew, Val Caniparoli, Alejandro Cerrudo, Ma Cong, Adam Hougland, James Kudelka, Jiri Kylian, Trey McIntyre, Matthew Neenan, Robert North, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Gina Patterson, Helen Pickett, Penny Saunders, Amy Seiwert, Michael Smuin, Stanton Welch, Bruce Wood, and Lila York, among others. Ben was honored to receive two Isadora Duncan Dance Award nominations and a favorable review from the New York Times.

Ben’s choreographic career began while still performing. His creations have been presented nationally by professional companies, TV networks, commercial airlines, and internationally through film festivals and galas. In 2018, Ben and his long-time collaborator, Weston Krukow, co-created the dance film BaseBallet: Into the Game, which was awarded 4 regional EMMY Awards. This feature was preceded by the short film, BaseBallet, which was also recognized with a regional EMMY Award and was later exhibited at the National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Ben was the first appointed Artistic Fellow of Amy Seiwert’s Imagery in 2018. Two years later he founded his own company, Redirecting Dance, in order to produce works that amplify critical social issues and inspire empathy. Through his company Ben has closely studied the impacts of movement on mental health. This research continues to inform his work as a choreographer and leader in the performing arts.

Ben was appointed Artistic Director of Boulder Ballet in 2022. Under his direction the company has curated more than ten world premiere ballets and commissioned works by celebrated choreographers Val Caniparoli, Caili Quan, Brandon Ragland, Andrea Schermoly, Amy Seiwert, Twyla Tharp, and Christopher Wheeldon. In 2023 the company was honored to receive a “What’s Your Peace Award” from Mental Health Colorado in recognition of the positive impact Boulder Ballet is having on the life of Coloradans.