Prancing with the Stars

The popular TV sensation, Dancing with the Stars is about professional dancers and amateurs learning dance routines for a series of judges. Whether you like that reality show or not, you might try galloping over to An Evening of Dancing Horses at the National Western Stock Show with The Denver Brass on January 21 and 22 at 7:30 PM. Use promo code: DENVERBRASS at NationalWestern.com or call 303-295-2979, for a $19 ticket.

The difference between Dancing with the Stars and An Evening of Dancing Horses is that Dancing Horses has lots of professionals – the riders, the horses and The Denver Brass - no amateurs. Once again, The Denver Brass has found a way to showcase the talents of its musicians by becoming part of one of the West’s most popular events, the National Western Stock Show in An Evening of Dancing Horses.

The Denver Brass has been wearing boots, jeans, wide brim hats and big belt buckles since 2008 while providing music for some of the world’s finest horses and riders. From the precise art of dressage to death defying bareback gymnastics to heart stopping reigning, An Evening of Dancing Horses becomes even more enthralling when the music is added.

Adding music isn’t just about playing anything in the Brass’ repertoire and letting the horses do their thing. Here’s the poop (not literally although, there is some of that, what with the horses and all). It is a yearlong process of communicating with the riders about length of routine, tempos, styles, dynamics and moods. On the Brass side, the effort is led by Associate Director of the Denver Brass, Becky Wilson.

Becky must learn about all the characteristics of each routine from the riders themselves and she often studies video of the horses performing, too. Then, the task of finding pieces that work well for the horses as well as putting together a musical presentation that stands on its own, for the audience and musicians alike – no small task. Once the music is chosen and the show is shaped, the whole thing is turned over to world renowned rodeo announcer and cowboy poet, Dr. Lynn Phillips in conjunction with Denver Brass conductor, Warren Deck.

 A three-hour rehearsal, 9:00PM till midnight, the night before the show puts it altogether and it is up to Warren to rhythmically become one with rider and horse as he leads the powerhouse brass ensemble through the show. For the Brass, it’s a killer! Non-stop music for an hour and a half with a short intermission is not easy on the face and those lips do get saddle sore!

So, that’s the inside scoop. It is an equestrian delight and family-friendly show from start to finish. There is a great showcase for the young riders of the Westernaires and some humorous routines as well. Those horses can do incredible things and watching how riders connect with their horses is always an amazing sight and thanks to the Denver Brass, an amazing sound as well!