New Haven Ballet

Dance is a performing art and performances are important to our students’ training as well as to the community. Performances feature students from NHB School and NHB community programs, and the NHB Company of advanced students. Nutcracker performances also include professional dancers from leading ballet companies performing as guest artists.

DanceAIR provides 16 weeks of in-school dance education to young students in low-income New Haven neighborhoods, reaching children who are enthusiastic about dance and music but have limited ability to experience the performing arts first-hand or to participate in ballet training. DanceAIR culminates in a free community performance, and full-year scholarships to NHB School are awarded to interested and promising students from each school. DanceAIR reaches approximately 75 second-graders at six public elementary schools every spring. Approximately 55% of students at participating schools qualify for free/reduced meals; 92% are students of color.

Shared Ability pairs youth and young adults with physical and/or mental disabilities (including autism, Down Syndrome, and cerebral palsy) with intermediate/advanced NHB School students for nine weeks of dance workshops followed by a performance at the Shubert Theater. The program provides opportunities for artists with and without disabilities to express themselves and explore new ways of moving.

The NHB Company features advanced students and pre-professional dancers from NHB School. It performs throughout the year including in NHB’s Nutcracker and spring performances at the Shubert Theater, school lecture demonstrations, and at community festivals such as the International Festival of Arts & Ideas. With semi-professional and advanced student dancers, and professional dancers performing as guest artists, NHB is New Haven’s resident ballet company.