José Mateo Ballet Theatre’s YouthWorks is a unique performing group of talented students, selected by audition, that presents public performances. Instituted in 1994, the goal of YouthWorks is to bring ballet to diverse, under-served audiences and provide pre-professional students with extensive performance experience. Comprised of students ages 14-18 from JMBT’s Young Dancers Program, this talented ensemble travels to communities and venues which traditionally are without access to ballet performances. The group presents original works created by critically acclaimed choreographer José Mateo. All of Mateo’s works are performed en pointe, requiring a high degree of technical proficiency on the part of the performers.
… dancers from José Mateo Ballet Theatre’s YouthWorks positively sparkled.
The Boston Herald
Participation Requirements
Students must attend all three YouthWorks rehearsals each week. They must additionally be enrolled in the Young Dancers Program in Ballet Level V or VI/VII and attend class at least five days per week.
Before signing-up for the YouthWorks audition, please make sure to complete an enrollment application for the Young Dancers Program.
YDP Class Schedule & YouthWorks Rehearsal Schedule
All classes and rehearsals take place at JMBT Cambridge Studios in Harvard Square.
MONDAY | TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY | FRIDAY | SATURDAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ballet Level V/VI/VII 4:00-6:00PM | Ballet Level VI/VII 4:00-6:00PM | Ballet Level V/VI/VII 4:00-6:00PM | Ballet Level V/VI/VII 4:00-6:00PM | Ballet Level V/VI/VII (Variations) 4:00-6:00PM | Ballet Level V/VI/VII 12:30-2:00PM |
YW Rehearsal 6:00-7:00PM | YW Rehearsal 6:00-7:00PM | YW Rehearsal 2:00-3:30PM |
Tuition
YouthWorks tuition for 2025-26 is TBD.
Please note that this tuition is in addition to the Young Dancers Program tuition. Need-Based Scholarships are available.
Audition
Monday, September 22, 2025 | 6:00PM
Other Student Performance Opportunities
José Mateo Ballet Theatre’s Young Dancers Program students are given multiple performance opportunities both within and in addition to the regular program structure.
Young Dancers Program Year-End Demonstration
Students in Ballet Levels I through VI participate in a formal, choreographed demonstration of classwork in May of each year. These demonstrations take place in the beautiful Sanctuary Theatre of JMBT Cambridge Studios and are accompanied by live piano music.
Young Dancers Program Repertory Concert
Students in Ballet Levels III through VI may audition to participate in a performance choreographed especially for them by José Mateo. The concert takes place in May of each year.
The Nutcracker
Students ages 6 and above may audition in September for a role in José Mateo’s The Nutcracker, our annual holiday production presented in the historic Strand Theatre in Dorchester.
While students in Creative Dance and Pre Ballet are not eligible for the Year End Demonstration, Repertory Concert, or YouthWorks (and may not be old enough to participate in The Nutcracker), they will have to opportunity to present what they are learning to their parents during the three scheduled Parent Observation Weeks.
