Global Dance Festival turned 21 this year, unveiling a new look. This year marked my 10th year in attendance, allowing me to witness the myriad of changes the festival has undergone. From Red Rocks to Mile High Stadium and now to the National Western Complex, Global Dance strives to deliver a festival that Denver deserves. Each location had its own quirks, and this year was no exception.
The Lineup
As I have mentioned before, I will never criticize a festival lineup in the Denver scene. It is nearly impossible to navigate given the number of top-tier venues the city holds. Between the Red Rocks show radius clauses and the constant bookings of small clubs with big talent, Denver is left with slim pickings of available artists. Throughout my weekend, I was in awe of the sets being delivered. From The Chainsmokers’ heavy mainstage set to Aramis’ house vibes at the local stage, there were amazing performances all weekend long.
Talent and name recognition do not always go hand in hand, and I believe that has long been the case with Global Dance Festival. The 2014 edition had acts like Illenium B2B Said the Sky and Odesza playing a stage at the top of Red Rocks, away from the main stage, while 2021 saw John Summit playing the smallest house stage midday.
Music festivals are not always about top-tier billings stealing the show; I have found many of my favorites playing to 20 or so people before the sun finds its way behind the horizon. I always encourage those who complain about a lineup to truly listen to its artists. While this year may have fewer big names, there was talent and dancing feet at every stage all weekend.
The Stages
Global Dance has always excelled in one major aspect: production. In the spaces given, Global never fails to deliver a top-notch viewing experience at almost every stage, and this year was no different. From the multi-layered stage projecting crystal-clear visuals to the crowd and the massive number of lasers igniting the sky, the production was superb in nearly every aspect. The lasers intertwined with the metal framework holding up the rodeo stage of the National Western Complex, creating an almost confetti-like appearance above the crowd.
The Northern Lights Stage, located in the lower level of the complex, was a favorite of mine all weekend. From the back of the stage, it appeared as a miniature Decadence setup, lined with pillars decorated with LEDs focusing on a center stage with a video board at the end.
Some of the highest-energy sets could be found here all weekend, despite the scorching conditions this stage presented to the crowd. Both Mport and Brondo delivered aggressive performances to sweaty attendees. Mosh pits and rowing chains sprouted repeatedly as the bass acts navigated the weekend. If you were up front, you were having some of the most fun the event had to offer.
The locals were finally able to call a real stage home this year. One of my favorite choices the festival made this summer was replacing the silent disco with real speakers. This stage saw its fair share of traffic over the weekend, as those seeking an escape from the intense heat inside the building found solace at the aptly named Oasis Stage. With local artists such as Chocolate Drop, NJoy and Paws performing, there was nonstop talent entertaining the crowd.
The Vendors
There was no shortage of snacks, food, drinks or rave gear across the venue. Each walkway between stages provided access to a variety of vendor choices, ranging from typical bars to Narcan safety booths to the most popular vendors selling fans. It can be hit or miss when planning your eight-hour festival around a meal, but Global Dance always delivers some of the best options the city has to offer. I found myself devouring gyros and chicken fingers to keep my energy up and my feet moving.
Overall Thoughts
Global Dance is an event I look forward to every year. It has helped me discover some of my favorite artists and see friends perform in ways I never thought possible.
The option to have elevated bowl seating around the main stage was a lifesaver. My 30-year-old knees appreciated the opportunity to sit down without missing a set. More than anything, I loved that locals had the chance to be showcased on a stage that was a collective draw with its location. I am excited to see the direction of Global Dance events and what the New Year will bring us via Decadence Colorado.
