School of San Jose Cleveland Ballet
Reserve Your Place at the Barre
San Jose Cleveland Ballet's mission is to bring world-class dance progrms to the Silicon Valley - dance that is theatrically produced in a manner that fully honors the vision of the artists, contributes to the cultural and educational needs of the community, and is made accessible to as wide an audience as possible.
School of San Jose Cleveland Ballet
In keeping with the mission of the Company, the School of San Jose Cleveland Ballet strives to be a nationally renowned professional training ground for serious students working toward a professional career in classical ballet. It offers ballet classes for nonprofessional students of all ages. All students receive quality instruction in technique and body alignment in an environment that builds a sense of assurance and self-esteem.
The objective of the Ballet School is to enhance the reputation of San Jose Cleveland Ballet and position it as a prominent American teaching institution. As the School develops, its programs will be expanded to include in-depth study of the profession, including college accreditation.
The Building
The historic structure that was destined to become the School of San Jose Cleveland Ballet was built in 1926 by the Knights of Columbus. Considered the most elaborate lodge facility west of the Mississippi, the building boasted a ground floor pool, separate basketball and regulation handball courts flanked by spectator galleries, a gymnasium, a dining room to accommodate 1,000 guests, and a fourth floor ballroom with a small elevated stage.
All of these features make the structure perfect for the Company and the School. In 1994, San Jose Cleveland Ballet secured a lon-term lease on the building, which Artistic Director Dennis Nahat had been eyeing for several years. When renovations are completed, the School of San Jose Cleveland Ballet will include four large studios, school administrative offices, dressings rooms, and a parents lounge.
Our Future
The Ballet School opened on September 9, 1996 and has already become an important part of the success of San Jose Cleveland Ballet. Over the long-term, the Ballet School will enhance the artistic development of the Company, provide an on-going presence in the community, and help expand the community's appreciation and support of dance. Dancers trained at the Ballet School will become the lifeblod of San Jose Cleveland Ballet and other renowned companies.
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