Ballet Vermont

For Vermonters who cherish the arts, or those looking to discover a new passion for dance, Ballet Vermont stands as a truly unique and integral part of the state's cultural landscape. More than just a dance school, Ballet Vermont is a visionary organization committed to making high-quality ballet accessible, inclusive, and joyful for communities across the Green Mountain State. Their innovative approach, particularly through the acclaimed "Farm to Ballet Project," beautifully bridges the worlds of art and agriculture, bringing classical dance out of traditional theaters and into the picturesque rural settings that define Vermont.

Ballet Vermont's journey began in 2015 as a passion project, born from the dream of Artistic Director Chatch Pregger and Executive Director Katie Decker. Their vision was to create ballet performances that celebrate Vermont's rich agricultural history and future, bringing the farm's ecosystem to life through the graceful art of dance. The result, the "Farm to Ballet Project," quickly garnered local and national attention, becoming a beloved summer tradition. These performances, held outdoors on working farms, eschew traditional staging, lights, and backdrops, instead utilizing the natural beauty of the pastoral setting, complete with animals and farm equipment, as their stage. Accompanied by a live string sextet, the ballet tells the story of a Vermont farming operation from spring to fall, offering a truly immersive and unforgettable cultural experience.

The success of the "Farm to Ballet Project" led to the formal creation of Ballet Vermont, evolving into Vermont's premier classical ballet company and a school for adult ballet dancers. Their mission is clear: "to provide high-quality, inclusive, and joyful ballet to the community." This commitment to inclusivity is a cornerstone of their philosophy, as they firmly believe in "health at every size" and that "all bodies are capable of being flexible and strong." They actively work to make it viable for professional dancers to pursue their careers within Vermont, hiring 20-30 ballet dancers annually for their shows, a mix of seasoned professionals and new hobbyists alike.

For aspiring dancers, Ballet Vermont emphasizes that "you can start ballet at any age," creating a welcoming environment for adults to begin or resume their ballet journey. They provide performance opportunities for those willing to commit to increasing their skill and technique through rigorous practice, with artistic directors casting in ways that highlight each person's best technique at their current level. This supportive yet challenging approach ensures that every dancer feels valued and motivated to grow.

Beyond the "Farm to Ballet Project," Ballet Vermont engages with the community through various artistic endeavors, fostering an appreciation for dance and supporting local initiatives. The "Farm to Ballet Project" itself serves as a fundraiser, honoring the work of local farmers and conservation organizations, having raised over $55,000 in its first three summer sessions alone. This unique blend of artistic excellence, community engagement, and dedication to Vermont's agricultural heritage truly sets Ballet Vermont apart as a vital and beloved institution for Vermonters.

Ballet Vermont is headquartered at 33 Commercial Dr, Waterbury, VT 05676, USA. Waterbury is a centrally located town in Vermont, making this address accessible to a wide range of residents across the state, particularly those in Central and Northern Vermont.

For those traveling by car, Commercial Drive in Waterbury is typically easy to navigate. Waterbury benefits from its position along major routes like I-89, which connects various parts of Vermont. This highway access makes commuting to the studio relatively straightforward from cities such as Montpelier, Burlington, Stowe, and Barre. Ample parking is generally available in commercial areas, which would be a convenience for students attending classes or visitors for performances or events.

While direct public transportation options to this specific address might vary, Waterbury's location within Vermont's broader transportation network ensures a reasonable commute for many. The emphasis on community engagement and performances often held in various locations across Vermont, like the "Farm to Ballet Project," further extends Ballet Vermont's reach and accessibility beyond its physical address, bringing dance directly to different corners of the state.

The studio's location within a commercial area provides a dedicated space for dance activities, contributing to a focused learning and rehearsal environment. Its central position in Vermont underscores Ballet Vermont's mission to serve the entire state's community with high-quality ballet.

• Professional Ballet Performances: Including the signature "Farm to Ballet Project," performed outdoors on Vermont farms with live music.
• Classical Ballet Instruction: High-quality classical ballet classes for adults of varying experience levels.
• Inclusive Approach to Dance: Emphasizing that "all bodies are capable of being flexible and strong" and welcoming dancers of all ages and backgrounds.
• Performance Opportunities: For committed dancers, allowing them to showcase their skills in Ballet Vermont productions.
• Dance Workshops and Master Classes: Opportunities to learn from experienced instructors and guest artists.
• Community Engagement: Through performances at various local events and partnerships.
• Support for Professional Dancers: Providing opportunities for Vermont-based professional ballet dancers and musicians to collaborate and perform.
• Youth Programs: While their core company is adult-focused, they may offer or collaborate on youth initiatives (detailed information would require direct inquiry).
• Original Choreography: Creation of Vermont-based original works of ballet.
• Fundraising through Art: "Farm to Ballet Project" performances serve as fundraisers for local farmers and conservation organizations.

• Unique "Farm to Ballet Project" that brings professional ballet performances to working farms across Vermont, integrating art with agriculture.
• A pioneering classical ballet company in Vermont dedicated to making ballet high-quality, inclusive, and joyful for the entire community.
• Strong belief in "health at every size" and "all bodies are capable of being flexible and strong," fostering a welcoming and non-traditional environment for ballet.
• Commitment to supporting professional dancers within Vermont, hiring 20-30 dancers annually for their shows.
• Emphasis on the idea that "you can start ballet at any age," encouraging adult learners.
• Artistic Director Chatch Pregger and Executive Director Katie Decker lead the vision and operations.
• Performances often feature live classical musicians, enhancing the artistic experience.
• Focus on original Vermont-based choreography, reflecting local stories and themes.
• Community-focused mission, using art to highlight social issues and support local farmers and conservation efforts.
• Provides a path for both seasoned professionals and new hobbyists to perform.
• Performances typically take place without traditional staging, utilizing natural outdoor settings.

Address: 33 Commercial Dr, Waterbury, VT 05676, USA

Phone: (802) 222-6894

Mobile Phone: +1 802-222-6894

For residents across Vermont, Ballet Vermont represents an exceptionally suitable and enriching local resource for engaging with the art of dance. Its innovative approach to ballet, particularly through the renowned "Farm to Ballet Project," makes classical dance uniquely accessible and relevant to the Green Mountain State's culture and landscape. By staging performances outdoors on working farms, Ballet Vermont not only brings art directly to local communities but also celebrates and supports the vital agricultural heritage that defines Vermont. This deeply localized and community-focused vision makes it an ideal fit for Vermonters seeking authentic cultural experiences.

Beyond its unique performance model, Ballet Vermont's suitability for locals lies in its inclusive philosophy. The company champions the belief that ballet is for "all bodies" and that "you can start ballet at any age." This welcoming stance removes barriers that might traditionally deter adults or those who don't fit a conventional ballet mold, encouraging a broader segment of the Vermont population to discover the joy and physical benefits of dance. For aspiring dancers, it provides a pathway to professional involvement within the state, offering opportunities for Vermont-based dancers and musicians to collaborate and perform, thereby enriching the local arts economy.

Furthermore, Ballet Vermont is not just about entertainment; it's about community engagement and social impact. The "Farm to Ballet Project" serves as a direct fundraiser for local farmers and conservation organizations, allowing Vermonters to enjoy a beautiful artistic event while simultaneously contributing to the sustainability of their local environment and economy. This blend of cultural enrichment, physical activity, and civic responsibility makes Ballet Vermont a truly valuable and multifaceted asset for any local resident.

In essence, Ballet Vermont offers a distinctive, high-quality, and deeply community-oriented dance experience. Its commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and celebrating Vermont's unique identity through art makes it an undeniably suitable and highly recommended choice for any Vermonter looking to connect with ballet in a meaningful and authentic way.

Ballet Vermont

33 Commercial Dr, Waterbury, VT 05676, USA