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José Mateo Ballet Theatre
4.7 ★★★★★ 120 Google reviews · Ballet school in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Ballet hub in a historic Gothic Revival church with classes for all ages, plus performances.
Plan your first class
- Free trial / first class new students can usually try a class free or at a discount — call ahead or check their schedule to book your first one
- Ages classes for ages 3–18 — check the schedule for the right level for your dancer
- Adult classes classes for grown-ups, including absolute beginners — it's never too late to start at the barre
- Pointe pointe and pre-pointe work for dancers who are ready — the pre-pointe strengthening comes first
- Pre-professional a serious, conservatory-style track for committed students aiming high
- Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
- Summer intensive holiday and summer intensive programs — these fill early, so ask about dates and auditions
- Today see hours ·
- Phone (617) 945-1944
- Website & schedule ballettheatre.org — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The programs they offer
“Started ballet as an adult and really like the instructors there.”
“Started ballet as an adult and really like the instructors there.”
“Wonderful ballet school for children and adults, with additional offerings of other dance classes corresponding to diverse cultures.”
“Creative Dance and Pre-Ballet teacher is amazing and great with young children.”
What families & students say
“Rachel was a wonderful teacher - joyful, supportive, patient and appropriately instructive.”
“We are very impressed with the studio, the teachers and their ability to teach actual technique to such young students.”
“The environment is friendly, helpful, and extremely welcoming; it is an overwhelmingly positive community.”
“The self-discipline she learned at JMBT has strengthened her academics and self-confidence in all aspects of her life.”
“Also, organizers of the annual Dance for World Community event, highlighting international dance styles through performances and classes open to the public.”
“Started ballet as an adult and really like the instructors there.”
From the reviews
Great establishment to enroll your kids in or to just take open class. Mary Thompson and Batina are highly recommended for professional level dancers. The space is one of a kind and Jaw dropping. Everyone is welcomed there!
I am a teacher who has always loved to dance.The part that I admire the most about Jose and the entire Jose Mateo Dance Theatre is that it is a true manifestation of the dream of inclusivity , diversity, and talent.
Jose Mateo Ballet provides a great program for little ones in their Creative Dance I classes. My 3 year old's introduction to ballet was in a beautiful setting within an old church. She loved being able to see some of the older children in their ballet classes.
If you are looking for a ballet school that provides a solid ballet education and a great community, and speaks to your conscience, look no further! My daughter has been taking ballet classes at JMBT since she was in the 2nd grade, and we cannot be happier with the philosophy of the school/organization, as well as the…
Adult ballet at José Mateo Ballet Theatre
José Mateo Ballet Theatre runs classes for grown-ups — confirmed on their own site. If you've never taken ballet, or you're coming back to it after years away, this is for you — and a good studio genuinely welcomes a nervous first-timer. A few things worth asking before you go. First, which class to start in — look for one labeled "absolute beginner" or "adult beginner" rather than an open or "all levels" class, so you learn the fundamentals at the right pace. Second, drop-in or term — many adult programs let you pay per class to try it, then move to a term or monthly package once you're hooked. Third, what to wear — comfortable clothes you can move in, plus socks or bare feet, are plenty for a first class; you won't need a leotard or ballet shoes to walk in the door. It's never too late for first position.
Your first ballet class at José Mateo Ballet Theatre
Nervous about walking into your first class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects beginners, whether your dancer is five or you're returning at fifty. Here's what to know. What to wear: comfortable clothes you can move in, with socks or bare feet; a leotard and tights are nice if you have them, but not required, and pointe shoes are years down the road — never day one. What to expect: class usually starts at the barre with slow, simple movements to warm up, then moves to the center — follow along, copy the teacher, and don't worry about getting it "right" the first time. Arrive early: come 10–15 minutes ahead to change, find a spot, and let the teacher know it's a first class so they can keep an eye out. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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