Boston Ballet School Receives Expansion And Relocation

Boston Ballet announces the expansion and relocation of the Boston Ballet School Newton Studio to 153 Needham Street in Newton. The new studio will be located within a new building complex called Newton Nexus. The current location at 863 Washington Street will remain fully operational for the 2016-2017 school year, with plans to move to the new space in Summer 2017.

For more than 30 years, Boston Ballet School has served a broad constituency in Newton through the Children's Program, Classical Ballet Program, Adult Program, and Summer Dance Program, as well as Adaptive Dance, a program that serves individuals with disabilities ages two through adult.

The new location will allow for expanded programming with a total of seven studios-two more than the current space-responding to increased demand in the Western suburbs. The facility will be a forward-thinking, inclusive venue that advances the mission of the organization and aims to better serve the Newton community with more space, parking, accessibility, and amenities.

"We heard the needs of our students and families and are pleased to have the opportunity to respond with a new facility that will be both welcoming and professional. It is important to us to address the holistic experience for our students and families-from studio space and locker rooms to lounge areas and dedicated physical therapy space," said Margaret Tracey, Director of Boston Ballet School. "The new space will reflect the high quality ballet education we offer at Boston Ballet School. This is an exciting move for us as we look forward to serving the Newton-area community for many years to come."

The Newton Studio relocation was initially triggered by Mark Investments' purchase of Boston Ballet's existing site on Washington Street in January 2016. Boston Ballet explored the option to expand and improve on the existing space. In partnership with world-class architecture firm Gensler, feedback and input were collected from more than 400 constituent voices to inform the search for a new home for the Newton Studio. A fundraising campaign will make the move fully possible. To date, the "Campaign for Newton"-led by Campaign Chair and lead donors Pixley and Kenneth Schiciano-has raised $2.0 million towards the $2.5-3.0 million campaign goal.

The relocation will situate Boston Ballet School within a brand-new building complex called Newton Nexus, which is being transformed into a vibrant retail destination area by local development firm Crosspoint Associates. The new location aims to provide a multitude of benefits for Boston Ballet School and Adaptive Dance families including the following: expanded and improved space responding to program demand and customer feedback; triple the amount of available parking; better neighboring amenities with shopping options and restaurants; a more central location in the Western Suburbs; and architectural design that will reflect the Ballet's commitment to inclusion and accessibility.

Boston Ballet School and Adaptive Dance families may address questions regarding the relocation of the Newton Studio toschool@bostonballet.org. This year's Newton Open House, which is free and open to the public, will take place at the current studio location, 863 Washington Street in Newton, on Tuesday, September 6, 2016, 4:45-6:30 pm. Boston Ballet School classes at the current Newton location begin Thursday, September 8 and Adaptive Dance classes begin Saturday, September 17. To join "Campaign for Newton," constituents may contact the Boston Ballet Development Office at campaignfornewton@bostonballet.org or 617.456.6329.

About Boston Ballet

Since 1963, Boston Ballet's internationally acclaimed performances of classical, neo-classical, and contemporary ballets, combined with a dedication to world class dance education and community initiative programs, have made the institution a leader in its field, with a 53-year history of promoting excellence and access to dance.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen and Executive Director Max Hodges, the Company maintains a diverse repertoire, ranging from full-length ballets to new works by some of today's finest choreographers. Boston Ballet's Second Company, Boston Ballet II, is comprised of dancers who gain experience by performing with the Company and independently, presenting special programs to audiences throughout the Northeast.

Boston Ballet School, the official school of Boston Ballet, has a long-standing dedication to providing exceptional dance education and ballet training to students across three studios in Boston, Newton, and the North Shore. Led by Director Margaret Tracey, the School reaches more than 5,000 students (toddler to adult) each year through its four core programs: Children's Program, Classical Ballet Program, Adult Dance Program, and Pre-Professional Program.

Boston Ballet's Department of Education and Community Initiatives (ECI) provides programming, events, and activities that connect the community to dance. ECI reaches more than 4,000 individuals in Boston, North Shore, and the surrounding communities each year through Citydance, ECI on Location, Adaptive Dance, and other community programs.

For more information, please visit bostonballet.org.

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