Young Dancers Program Dorchester

For Cambridge, click here.

CLASS SCHEDULES / CALENDAR / TUITION / NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS / DRESS CODE / AUDITION / ENROLL

José Mateo Ballet Theatre’s Young Dancers Program is based on the philosophy that every student has the right to a quality ballet education. The Young Dancers Program, offering ballet training for children ages 3 to 18, has an unsurpassed reputation throughout New England for its excellent, humanistic approach to ballet education.

The Young Dancers Program offers an innovative, challenging curriculum. Individualized instruction in ballet technique, conditioning, and repertory will be given with the caring attention that is the hallmark of JMBT’s school. The Young Dancers Program distinguishes itself from other ballet programs by offering: customized, personal ballet instruction and mentoring; innovative ballet training methods that give young dancers the versatility required by today’s diverse dance world; dedicated, experienced faculty; and an impressive record of training students for professional ballet and dance careers.

CLASS SCHEDULES

Please note that class schedules are subject to change based on enrollment.

Levels IV-VI and YouthWorks are offered only in Cambridge.

CALENDAR

2026-2027 Calendar

All dates are subject to change.

TUITION

Tuition

Tuition can be paid in full upon registration or in nine installments throughout the school year.

NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships are available on a need-basis. The scholarship application is integrated into the enrollment application.

Eligibility Guidelines, Requirements, and Stipulations 2026-27

Typical families of four without special needs with a household income under $100,000 are recommended to apply.

Lori Manzelli Scholarship Fund 

José Mateo Ballet Theatre is grateful to donor Leah Moschella for her generous gift honoring her friend and former staff member, Lori Manzelli. This donation will fund five need-based scholarships in Dorchester this year.

Inspired by her own experience as a scholarship student, Leah created this fund to expand access to dance and give more young dancers the opportunity to experience its strength and empowerment.

Please direct any inquiries about the Scholarship Fund to registration@ballettheatre.org.

DRESS CODE

All students are required to adhere to the dress code.

Dress Code 2026-27

AUDITION

Students age 8 or older who were not previously enrolled in the 2025-26 Young Dancers Program will be asked to attend a placement class.

To schedule a placement class, please email us at registration@ballettheatre.org.

Questions about our Young Dancers Program? Read our FAQ and Terms & Conditions here.