Registration Now Open for the Young Dancers Program
2015-16 School Year
The Young Dancers Program prepares children not only to become well-trained dancers, but also well rounded people. Read below to learn about Janelle Gilchrist, an alum of the school who went on to study dance at the University of Hartford. She now is a company and faculty member here and her full-circle experience is one of many alumni stories where growing up in the school has led to meaningful contributions to dance education.

CALLING ALL EARLY BIRDS!
Register your child(ren) for the Young Dancers Program for the 2015-16 school year by June 6 and waive the registration fee. 
Faculty and Company Member Janelle Gilchrist on her journey in dance and teaching 
Janelle Gilchrist, originally from Stoneham, MA, studied at Harriet  Hoctor Ballet School, Boston Ballet School, Jos? Mateo Ballet Theatre, Broadway Theater Project, Concord Academy, and Dance Theater of Harlem. She earned her BFA in Dance at the University of Hartford, CT.  Janelle has danced professionally with the Hartford Ballet, New Jersey Ballet and BalletRox in addition to performing with Legends in Concert, Celebrity Cruises, Anna Myer, David Parker and Island Moving Company. She has also held small roles in several major movie productions, including  27 Dresses  (20th Century Fox, 2008) and  What's your Number  (Contrafilms, 2011). Janelle joined Jos? Mateo Ballet Theatre's company and school faculty in 2012.

Jos? Mateo Ballet Theatre: How old were you when you first started taking classes at JMBT? 

Janelle Gilchrist: I was 8 years old.

 

JMBT: What are your memories of attending our Summer Programs?

JG: I attended the Summer Intensive program in high school. We performed a piece set to Shostakovich at Blackman Auditorium at Northeastern. The highlight of that show was my memory of shocking myself by doing 3 pirouettes on stage. That special moment was so exciting and exhilarating that it made me want to  continue to train so that I could have more moments like that on stage. 

 

JMBT: As a JMBT faculty member, what are the hallmarks of the teaching here? 

JG: I really enjoy teaching ballet here! Students are respectful and enjoy ballet.  I like to help them refine their technique and improve as dancers.  I also like working with the various accompanists we have for class.

 

JMBT: How does it feel to now be a company and faculty member in one of the schools where you grew up? 

JG: It feels great! I remember taking classes here as a child and teenager and thinking to myself "wow, it would be a dream to dance for this company."  After college,  I had travelled around and danced for other  companies for a few years and was looking for a more full time dancing job.  A friend told me Mr. Mateo was hiring.  I decided to audition not thinking that my dream to be in the company would come true, but it did!  I was hired right on the spot and have been here for the past 3 seasons.
Summer Program Enrollment Still Open!
THE SUMMER ELEMENTARY PROGRAM
June 29 - July 31  
Ages 3 - 12
No Audition Required

The Summer Elementary Program is a five-week session for children to explore the natural joys of dance and music. Caring instructors develop students' skills, positive self-esteem, and creativity in a fun, safe and inspiring environment. No audition is required to enroll in The Summer Elementary Program. Classes offered are Creative Dance I and II, Pre-Ballet I and II, and Ballet I. 

Register by downloading the  registration form and mailing it to Jos? Mateo Ballet Theatre, attention Liz Smith, 400 Harvard Street, Cambridge, MA 02138. Please direct any questions to Liz Smith at 617-354-7467. 
THE SUMMER INTENSIVE PROGRAM
June 29 - July 31
Ages 10 - 18 
In-class Auditions Now Available with Fee Waived!

Although the official audition tour has ended, all currently enrolled Young Dancers Program students are welcome to audition for the Summer Intensive during their normal classes with the audition fee waived. Contact Liz Smith at 617-354-7467 to set up an in-class audition. 

For 28 years, Jos? Mateo Ballet Theatre has helped hundreds of hard-working young dancers make critical breakthroughs in their technical achievement. Discover new potential and master unexpected levels of ability and artistic creativity in a welcoming environment with a staff of dedicated and highly qualified instructors. 

Design by Mario Avila Design.com, Performance Photography by Gary Sloan.