History & Mission

About José Mateo Ballet Theatre

Founded in 1986, José Mateo Ballet Theatre's company and school have forged a new model for a ballet organization through innovative programming, artistic excellence, and extensive community outreach. Critically acclaimed, José Mateo Ballet Theatre is distinguished as the only ballet company in New England to produce an entire repertory by it's own resident choreographer. After performing at Boston's Emerson Majestic Theatre for a decade, the company has been based at the Sanctuary Theatre since 2001. The school, which provides expert dance training to young dancers ages 3-18 and adults of all ages and levels, has been a leader in creating broader access to the art form. It has developed an inclusive approach with new teaching methods that allow students to excel beyond expectation.

José Mateo Ballet Theatre's mission is to:

create new ballets of excellence that are stimulating and culturally relevant to diverse audiences;
create an innovative approach to ballet training recognizing diversity, ensuring unanimous participation and achievement by all students;
create sustainable, inclusive outreach programs that engage participants of all racial, cultural and economic backgrounds; and
reposition the role of dance in our culture and expand its application in the education of youth and enrichment of community locally and beyond.