Boston Ballet School to open Newton Studio

Boston Ballet School is starting the school year with the grand opening and all-day open house of its new studio on Wednesday, September 6, 2017, located at 153 Needham Street in Newton, Massachusetts.

“Boston Ballet School is vital to the development and training of the next generation of dancers for national and international audiences. More than 20 percent of Boston Ballet’s professional dancers trained in our school,” said Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen. “I am proud that our new studio is a vibrant learning space for the surrounding communities and reflects the exceptional dance education we provide.”

Designed by global architecture firm Gensler, the 26,550-square-foot facility features seven studios (two more than the previous location), expanded common areas for families, increased locker room space for students, a physical therapy room, family restrooms, and dedicated areas for studying and stretching. Boston Ballet School leadership partnered with Gensler and solicited input from more than 400 constituents to inform the design.  

“The design team expertly addressed the growing needs of the community served by the studio while reflecting the high-quality dance education offered by Boston Ballet School,” said Jeanne M. Nutt, managing director and principal of Gensler and member of Boston Ballet’s Board of Overseers. “Students of all ages, faculty and families alike will enjoy the warm design of the new Newton Studio for years to come.”

The new studio focuses on Boston Ballet School’s commitment to inclusiveness by implementing universal design principles—a philosophy that promotes accessibility and goes well beyond ADA compliance to be welcoming to all. The School serves a diverse population of students ages 2 to adult with a variety of programming: the Children’s Program, Classical Ballet Program, Adult Dance Program, Summer Dance Program and Adaptive Dance (a program that serves individuals with disabilities).

“We are pleased to open a forward-thinking studio that reflects the high-quality dance education offered by Boston Ballet School,” said School Director Margaret Tracey. “A warm, welcoming space is fundamental to the development of a young dancer’s talent, creativity and focus. I am proud that this new facility reflects these values and fully supports our students.”

Boston Ballet achieved its fundraising goal of $3 million, ensuring that the new studio’s vision would be fully realized. The “Campaign for Newton” was led by Campaign Chair and lead donors Pixley and Kenneth Schiciano.

“Boston Ballet School has been serving the Newton community for more than 30 years,” said Meredith (Max) Hodges, executive director of Boston Ballet. “With this relocation and expansion we will be able to further invest in the arts education of our surrounding communities by offering more programming and improved facilities for new and existing students of all ages and abilities.”

The grand opening is an all-day (9 a.m. – 9 p.m.) open house that is free to the public. It will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, performances by Boston Ballet II, free classes for adults and children, tours, raffles, ballet bun tutorials and faculty meet and greets.

Boston Ballet School’s Newton Studio is one of three locations that also include Boston’s South End and North Shore’s Marblehead. Boston Ballet School classes begin September 7 at all locations. 

For more information about Boston Ballet School’s new Newton Studio or to register for classes, visit bostonballet.org/school or call 617-456-6333.

Photo: Boston Ballet Trustee and “Campaign for Newton” Chair E. Pixley Schiciano (holding shovel) with project supporters and partners, and Boston Ballet leadership. Photo by Meghan Moore.