For more than 25 years, dancers, teachers, performers, parents and supporters alike have spent hour upon hour sharing in the flourishing of the Boulder Ballet and the community that has since evolved. And while the familiar sight of ballet dancers gracing the windows above Tom's Tavern is now a thing of the past, the rich history within the corner building on 11th and Pearl streets stands firm in the memories of all involved.

Anyone who climbed the steep, old stairs leading to the Boulder Ballet, 1045 Pearl St., climbed them for the last time Jan. 26. The company held an open house for anyone wanting to bid a fond farewell before the Ballet moves to a new rehearsal space at The Dairy Center for the Arts on Feb. 1.

Although the ownership and titles of the dance space varied over the years, the spirit has remained constant. Those involved with the company believe that without the support of landlord Tom Eldridge, the Ballet couldn't have survived at its particular location for so long. The former city councilmember and owner of Tom's Tavern, who passed away in May 2007, is said to have been the backbone behind the Ballet.

"For some reason he loved us, took care of us and practically gave us this place," says Boulder Ballet teacher Kristen Demaree. "He used to say this was his secret charity of sorts. Without Tom, we couldn't have stayed. He was our guardian angel down there."

For Kristen's mother Barbara Demaree, who has been teaching and choreographing at the Pearl Street location since 1970, leaving this space is bittersweet.

"I'm almost embarrassed to say, but I'm not emotional about this," she says. "It's the end of this phase, but I'm still involved in the continuation."

Barbara, a trained dancer and teacher from London's Royal Academy and Bush Davies Ballet School, moved to Boulder in 1969 to take classes from Larry Boyette at what used to be called the Ballet Arts Studio. One year later, she and Boyette co-founded the Boulder Ballet School. In 1982, Boyette passed the company over to Demaree, and she then founded the Boulder Ballet.

According to Barbara, her British background has always been a part of her traditional instruction, as that is still her main teaching style. Although she is now retired, Barbara is on the board of directors and still teaches.

"Barbara is very inspirational," says Ana Claire, who is now director of Boulder Ballet along with husband Peter Davison. "Tom Eldridge gave us this space and it all started with Larry Boyette. Barbara's husband and my father helped make it happen as well - and without the help of these four men, none of this would have ever happened."

Within this small space is an unused shower that's been a longtime storage closet, a bathroom door with a broken lock and a rehearsal room with only the floor, bars and mirror. And for many of these dancers, who have invested many years of effort and growth, the memories will stay forever.

"We're really going to miss what others typically wouldn't miss," laughs dancer and local chiropractor Mary Ann Testarmata. "I'm going to miss always looking for a flat space on the uneven floor, the smell of grilling burgers coming through the open windows during the summer - because we never had air conditioning - and the occasional flies that would land on my arm to see what soap I used that day."

On the other hand, Barbara won't be missing its small flaws.