BalletRox is a non-profit dance education organization
BalletRox was founded in 1992 to expose Boston youth to dance and opportunities for mastery and performance, to which they would not otherwise have access, giving them discipline and a supportive community to succeed in life. Our programs are based on the premise that participation in dance not only provides dance training, but also contributes to students' social and emotional development and helps develop valuable life skills necessary for success. BalletRox programs include in-school, arts integrated programs and an affordable and accessible community dance program.
Keywords: Dance, arts education, affordable dance classes, children, youth, non-profit
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
BalletRox, a 501c3 non-profit, was founded in 1992.
What is your primary product or service?
BalletRox is a dance education organization providing dance instruction in Boston Public Schools, and at our BalletRox Dane!, a Community Dance Program located at Spontaneous Celebrations in Jamaica Plain. Dance classes are accessible and affordable to all; fees are sliding scale, based on income.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
BalletRox was founded by Anthony Williams. Mr. Wiiliams was raised in the Bromely-Heath Housing Project in the Jamaica Plain where he struggled to stay out of trouble. He eventually found his refuge in dance, or rather, dance found him! He was offered a scholarship to Boston Ballet and eventually became the first African-American male dancer in Boston�s premier Ballet Company. He went on to have a successful ballet career with major companies in New York and Canada, returning home to his roots in Boston to fulfill his dreams and to pay forward to a younger generation, the opportunities given to him. Those dreams have become the mission which carries BalletRox forward.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
There are numerous dance schools available to those students whose families can afford the tuition. BalletRox offers scholarships to students who have talent, enthusiasm, commitment and financial need in order to makes dance education available to those who otherwise could not afford it. BalletRox also brings dance into the classrooms as part of the structured school day to those students who might never know what structured dance is.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
BalletRox teaches at several different Boston Public Schools each year and in our studio space at 45 Danforth St., (Spontaneous Celebrations Community Center) in Jamaica Plain.
Provide detailed directions to your location
BalletRox is easily accessible, 1 block from the Stony Brook T Station.
What type of payments do you accept?
All
Which areas do you service?
BalletRox serves all of Boston with particular emphasis on Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, Dorchester, Mission Hill areas.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
BalletRox is 501c3 non profit managed by a Board of Directors.
What are your hours of operation?
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
If BalletRox can change the life of even one young person, through the power of dance and the breaking down of racial and socio-economic boundaries, we will consider ourselves successful.
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