José Mateo Ballet Theatre offers one of the area’s most robust programs of classes for adults of all ages and levels of experience or ability. From the 10-class Introduction to Ballet courses for the curious and adventurous novice to the daily offerings of drop-in classes for the seasoned dancer, there are classes every Monday through Saturday for all individuals who value the apparent and hidden benefits of ballet.
Ballet has come a long way from its early roots in Renaissance France and Italy. It has evolved as an art form practiced around the world and its rich and enduring tradition continues to grow in importance and intrigue in the 21st-century. It is also an excellent fitness program and one of the most effective self-awareness practices around.
Ballet can help you discover the dancer that is within us all. Classes at José Mateo Ballet Theatre allow students to make the experience as challenging as they choose, all the while providing valuable lessons about who we are as individuals, how we keep fit and how we can develop better self-control for a more balanced outlook on our lives.
José Mateo Ballet Theatre is a friendly, inclusive and welcoming community that dismisses the pretentiousness and elitism so commonly associated with ballet. Expect to make friends and share in this wonderful practice that continues to inspire contemporary global culture in new and surprising ways.
INTRODUCTION TO BALLET CLASSES
The 5-week, 10-class Introduction to Ballet courses are designed for beginners with little to no experience, students with some experience who are not yet ready to take open classes, or dancers returning to the art form after a few years away, ages 18 and up. Pre-registration and full enrollment is required.
The courses give students an overview of the art form and cover all the fundamental elements that comprise the movement vocabulary of classical ballet and how these basics can be best applied by the individual student. Students progressively learn how these elements are used to build steps, phrases and eventually longer choreographed sequences (combinations) that are the basis of the dances of traditional theatrical presentations.
Class size is limited.
SCHEDULE
LEVEL I
Monday and Wednesday, 6:30–8:00pm | Instructors: Betty Ann Platt & Maria Rogler
Summer Session
August 21, 2023 – September 25, 2023
Fall Session I
October 2, 2023 – November 1, 2023
Fall Session II
November 6, 2023 – December 6, 2023
Winter Session I
January 8, 2024 – February 7, 2024
Winter Session II
February 12, 2024 – March 13, 2024
Spring Session I
March 18, 2024 – April 17, 2024
Spring Session II
April 22, 2024 – May 22, 2024
Note: Due to the Holiday, there will be no classes held Monday, September 4, 2023
LEVEL II
Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30–8:00pm | Instructor: Betty Ann Platt
Summer Session
August 22, 2023 – September 21, 2023
Fall Session I
October 3, 2023 – November 2, 2023
Fall Session II
November 7, 2023 – December 7, 2023
Winter Session I
January 9, 2024 – February 8, 2024
Winter Session II
February 13, 2024 – March 14, 2024
Spring Session I
March 19, 2024 – April 18, 2024
Spring Session II
April 23, 2024 – May 23, 2024
TUITION
$175 per session
ENROLL
Please click below to complete an Enrollment Application!
OPEN CLASSES
These drop in classes are for dancers already experienced in ballet with knowledge of fundamental ballet vocabulary and steps. Levels range from Elementary through Intermediate/Advanced at varying times throughout the week. Students coming out of the Introductory program are recommended to start with the Elementary level and move at their own pace through the Open Class levels.
SCHEDULE
MONDAY
Morning Intermediate/Advanced | 10:30AM–12:00PM | Alisa Korkhin
Evening Elementary | 6:15PM–7:45PM | Libby Bullinger
Evening Intermediate | 7:15PM–8:45PM | Alisa Korkhin
TUESDAY
*Morning Elementary | 9:00AM–10:30AM | Boris Richir
Morning Intermediate/Advanced | 10:30AM–12:00PM | Boris Richir
Evening Elementary | 6:15PM–7:45PM | Maria Rogler
Evening Intermediate | 6:15PM–7:45PM | Adam Miller
WEDNESDAY
Morning Intermediate/Advanced | 10:30AM–12:00PM | Bettina Indaco
Evening Elementary | 6:15PM–7:45PM | Libby Bullinger
Evening Intermediate | 7:15PM–8:45PM | Alisa Korkhin
THURSDAY
*Morning Elementary | 9:00AM–10:30AM | Boris Richir
Morning Intermediate/Advanced | 10:30AM–12:00PM | Boris Richir
Evening Elementary | 6:15PM–7:45PM | Maria Rogler
Evening Intermediate | 6:15PM–7:45PM | Adam Miller
FRIDAY
Morning Intermediate/Advanced | 10:30AM–12:00PM | Boris Richir
Evening Elementary/Intermediate | 6:15PM–7:45PM | Michael Pontius
SATURDAY
Morning Intermediate | 11:00AM–12:30PM | Bettina Indaco
No student will be admitted into an Open Class later than 15 minutes after the start of the class.
Teacher substitutions and class cancellations will be indicated on Mindbody.
CLASS RATES
Single Class | $17
10 Class Card | $150
Valid for 6 weeks.
Student 10 Class Card | $125
With current valid school ID. Valid for 6 months.
SIGN-UP FOR CLASSES
Students must pre-register for all classes through Mindbody.
To sign-up for classes, click here. If you have an existing Mindbody account, you will be able to log in. If you do not have an account, you will be able to create one. Once you are logged in, click the “CLASSES” tab, and then click “Sign Up Now” next to the class you wish to attend.
Click here for a tutorial on setting up your Mindbody account, purchasing class cards, and signing up for classes.
Student 10-Class Cards must be purchased in-person at our studios. Once purchased, the card will appear in your account and you will be able to pre-register for classes online.
Expired classes can be revalidated with the payment of a $2 fee per class. To revalidate expired classes, please call, email, or visit us in-person.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DRESS CODE
The only traditional ballet attire required of our adult students are ballet slippers. Otherwise students may wear what is easy to move in and makes them feel most at ease: traditional leotards and tights or typical work out clothing such as leggings and tank tops. Whatever you wear we do ask that it be form-fitted, stretchy and allow for freedom of movement while allowing the teacher to see your silhouette. Longer hair should be pulled back away from the face.
HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS
We have prepared our space to receive you in as practical and safe a way as possible. We are taking steps to improve ventilation, sanitation, and circulation.
As a reminder, we ask students to respect the following protocols:
— Face coverings are not required, although students may choose to wear them if they wish.
— Students are encouraged to maintain basic hygiene, including hand washing as necessary.
— In order to minimize gathering, we ask that students arrive dressed for class.
— If you are sick or experiencing symptoms, we encourage you to consider staying home.
LOCATION
All classes are held at José Mateo Ballet Theatre’s Cambridge studios in the Old Cambridge Baptist Church located at 400 Harvard Street in Harvard Square. You may enter the building through Studio Entrance on the northeast side of the building. Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building after 3:45pm on weekdays and all day on Saturday. Cars parked in the lot must have a valid parking pass, which can be purchased at the reception desk for $5, displayed in the windshield. Metered parking is available in the streets surrounding the building.
STUDIO CLOSINGS
The studios are closed to all classes on the following public holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Eve.
In inclement weather, JMBT does its best to offer regularly scheduled classes unless a State of Emergency is declared. In that instance, information will be updated on the website and emailed to students who have signed up for announcements.
Questions? Please email registration@ballettheatre.org or call 617-945-1944.