José Mateo Ballet Theatre’s YouthWorks is a unique performing group of talented students, selected by audition, that presents public performances. Instituted in 1994, the goal of YouthWorks is to bring ballet to diverse, under-served audiences and provide pre-professional students with extensive performance experience. Comprised of students ages 14-18 from JMBT’s Young Dancers Program, this talented ensemble travels to communities and venues which traditionally are without access to ballet performances. The group presents original works created by critically acclaimed choreographer José Mateo. All of Mateo’s works are performed en pointe, requiring a high degree of technical proficiency on the part of the performers.
Students must attend all three YouthWorks classes each week (on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday).