South Shore Ballet Theatre raises the barre for students at home during pandemic
The world of ballet, already unique unto its own, is trademarked by custom shoes and costumes, leveled education, rigorous standards and exceptional achievement. So how does a ballet school alter its education protocol to accommodate revered students through a socially distant pandemic crisis?
Upon learning of the Governor’s stay at home recommendation for Massachusetts, South Shore Ballet Theatre (SSBT) jumped right in to create solutions, navigating technology and originating access to livestream classes. This initiative has assured its students that they can continue learning at each established level, offering a wide variety of programming online. Ballet dancers of all ages, those seeking home education refuge from other Covid-19 closed facilities, and even the general public, are now able to participate or take trial classes in an effective dance education alternative from home.
“Our commitment to the health and welfare of our community is a responsibility that guides our actions, more so in this time of uncertainty. I’m so grateful to ensure that our local students and teachers are supported, and able to continue learning in the art form they love,” shares Artistic Director Marthavan McKeon, SSBT’s founder.
“The process is now pretty streamlined – anyone can easily access the programs just by visiting our website calendar, clicking the link of the class they’d like to join, and our new online process will help guide them through,” she shares. Classes for all types of ballet are available, even beginner classes for all ages, including adults to try out this revered dance form at home.
South Shore Ballet Theatre, a pre-professional ballet school with world class faculty founded in 2008, recently moved to its new studios in Hingham. The faculty and staff have ensured access to its programs online quickly, with recorded series and live stream options available for SSBT students and those new to the school. A few facets make it exceptionally easy for the general public to participate:
First drop-in class is free, then just $20 per class on-demand or livestream
A full series of video classes for beginner and advanced adult students
Stretch/strengthening videos created for entire families of all ages
Two levels of contemporary classes available to drop-in on-demand
SSBT’s students are often recognized for high achievement in dance. This year, students participated in the Youth America Grand Prix competition, with two students placing in the top 12 of award winners, and two others placing in the top 24. Top 12 achievers are awarded full scholarships from many of the top international ballet schools, including the Paris Opera and Royal Ballet.
South Shore Ballet Theatre is a pre-professional ballet school with world class faculty, training tomorrow’s dancers today! SSBT follows American Ballet Theatre’s (ABT®) National Training Curriculum, a breakthrough eight-level program that combines high quality artistic training with the basics of dancer health and child development. The National Training Curriculum consists of a comprehensive set of age-appropriate, outcome-based guidelines to provide the highest quality ballet training to dance students of all ages and skill levels.
For more information about South Shore Ballet Theatre, its programs, tuition and performances, visit southshoreballettheatre.com, email ballet@southshoreballettheatre.com, call 781-312-7224, or follow South Shore Ballet Theatre on most major social media platforms.
