YouthWorks

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 interested in Youthworks must be enrolled in the Young Dancers Program in Ballet Level V or VI. Please contact Mary Thompson, our Associate Director of Education and Performance, for further information at mthompson@ballettheatre.org.

YouthWorks Rehearsal Schedule

All classes and rehearsals take place at JMBT Cambridge Studios in Harvard Square.

Tuition

YouthWorks tuition for 2026-27 is TBD.
Please note that this tuition is in addition to the Young Dancers Program tuition. Need-Based Scholarships are available.

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.