Jose Mateo’s Ballet Theatre

Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre is a professional ballet company and school in Harvard Square, described as Greater Boston’s second largest. The company presents original ballets by founder and artistic director Jose Mateo alongside new interpretations of classics. Its home is the historic Old Cambridge Baptist Church, where performances take place in the renovated Sanctuary Theatre, and fall and spring new works concerts feature cabaret-style seating with drinks during the show.

Founded in 1986, the organization set out to challenge the exclusion and elitism long associated with ballet training and to build a more inclusive approach. Its Young Dancers Program offers year-round classical training for ages 3 to 18 at campuses in Cambridge and Dorchester, with limited class sizes and personal mentoring. Adults can take drop-in open classes at any level, including an introduction to ballet course, and a five-week summer program is offered.

What to Know

• Mateo’s annual production of The Nutcracker is in its 38th season.
• YouthWorks, a performing group of students ages 14 to 18 chosen by audition, has brought ballet to under-served audiences since 1994.
• Free trial classes for young dancers ages 3 to 10 are offered at open houses three times a year.
• Its Dance for World Community initiative partners with local groups to strengthen communities through dance.