Gem City Ballet

For residents across Ohio, particularly those in the Dayton and Cincinnati metropolitan areas, the Gem City Ballet stands as a distinguished institution in the world of classical dance. Located in Springboro, this non-profit pre-professional ballet company is a beacon for aspiring dancers, dedicated to providing rigorous training and invaluable performance opportunities. It's more than just a place to learn ballet steps; it's a vibrant community where young artists are meticulously prepared for the joys and rigors of a potential professional dance career.

Established in 1992 by Barbara Pontecorvo, a former ballerina with the Dayton Ballet, Gem City Ballet has a rich history of nurturing talent and contributing significantly to the regional arts scene. Its formation was driven by three core purposes: to educate young dancers in the intricate art of ballet performance, to make high-quality ballet accessible to a wider audience, and to offer choreographers, both new and experienced, a platform to create innovative works. This multi-faceted mission underscores Gem City Ballet's profound impact on the cultural landscape of Ohio.

What truly sets Gem City Ballet apart is its commitment to producing exceptional young artists. Over its more than two-decade history, the company has proudly seen numerous dancers advance to professional careers with esteemed national companies, including Ballet Memphis, BalletMet Columbus, Cincinnati Ballet, and Dayton Ballet, among many others. This impressive track record speaks volumes about the caliber of training and dedication found within its walls.

Gem City Ballet is conveniently located at 20 Commercial Way, Springboro, OH 45066, USA. This easily accessible location in Springboro makes it a prime destination for dedicated dance students and their families from across the Miami Valley and beyond. Springboro's position in the greater Dayton area allows for straightforward commutes from various surrounding cities and townships in Southwest Ohio. Being situated on Commercial Way provides clear directions and ample parking, which is a significant convenience for students attending regular rehearsals, especially given the intensive training schedule for pre-professional dancers. The ease of access helps ensure that serious dance students can consistently attend classes and rehearsals, which is crucial for their artistic development.

• Pre-Professional Ballet Training: Offers comprehensive and rigorous ballet education designed to prepare serious young dancers for professional careers. Admission to the company is by audition only and is open to qualified dancers aged 12 and older from all area ballet schools.
• Extensive Rehearsal Schedule: Company members typically rehearse five days a week, demonstrating the intensive nature of the training.
• Multiple Repertory Seasons Annually: Produces three main repertory seasons each year, providing consistent performance opportunities for its dancers.
• Additional Performances: Participates in many smaller performances throughout the year, further enhancing stage experience.
• Collaboration with Local Arts Organizations: Has a long history of collaborative performances with renowned local arts groups, including:
  • Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra
  • Bach Society of Dayton
  • Dayton Opera
  • Dayton Philharmonic
  • Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
  • Sorg and Whitewater Opera Companies
  • Air Force Band
• Performance of George Balanchine's Works: Honored to be permitted to perform iconic works by the American master, George Balanchine, such as Serenade, Who Cares?, Concerto Barocco, and Valse Fantasie.
• Commissioning New Works: Actively commissions new ballets from exciting young choreographers, fostering innovation in the art form.
• DancingUnlimited Program: A unique and inclusive program for children with physical disabilities, allowing them to engage with ballet in an adapted and supportive environment, often involving both the GCB dancers and physical therapists. This program is typically offered for free to participants.

• Proven Track Record of Professional Placements: Gem City Ballet has successfully launched the careers of over two dozen dancers into professional companies across the United States, showcasing its effectiveness in professional preparation.
• High-Quality Ballet Performances: Known for making quality ballet performances available to a wider audience, including regular performances at the prestigious Victoria Theatre in Dayton.
• Focus on Education and Rigor: Core to its mission is educating young dancers in both the joys and demanding discipline of ballet performance.
• Non-Profit and Volunteer-Driven: Operates as a non-profit, completely volunteer company, underscoring its community-focused mission and dedication to the arts beyond commercial gain.
• Artistic Direction by Barbara Pontecorvo: Founded and directed by Barbara Pontecorvo, whose extensive performing career and leadership provide expert guidance and a high standard of classical ballet training.
• Opportunities for Choreographers: Provides a valuable opportunity for both new and experienced choreographers to create and showcase new ballet works.
• Repertoire of Master Works: Performs significant pieces from the classical ballet repertoire, including those by George Balanchine, giving dancers exposure to iconic choreography.
• Community Engagement through Collaborations: Its extensive collaborations with local orchestras, opera companies, and dance companies enrich the cultural fabric of the Dayton region and provide diverse performance experiences for its dancers.
• Inclusive DancingUnlimited Program: This unique program highlights the company's dedication to making ballet accessible to all, including children with physical disabilities, demonstrating a commitment to broader community service.

Address: 20 Commercial Way, Springboro, OH 45066, USA

Phone: (937) 550-9245

Mobile Phone: +1 937-550-9245

For residents of Ohio, particularly those in the Miami Valley region, Gem City Ballet represents an unparalleled local asset for classical ballet education and appreciation. Its location in Springboro makes high-caliber training and performances readily accessible, saving families the need to travel to distant major cities for such specialized artistic development.

Gem City Ballet's suitability for locals stems from its deep commitment to both nurturing young talent and enriching the community's cultural life. Parents of aspiring dancers will find a rigorous, disciplined, yet supportive environment where their children can truly flourish, under the guidance of experienced professionals like Barbara Pontecorvo. The proven success of its alumni, many of whom have gone on to professional dance careers, stands as a testament to the effectiveness of its pre-professional program.

Beyond training, Gem City Ballet consistently brings high-quality ballet performances to local audiences, often collaborating with other esteemed Ohio arts organizations. This provides valuable entertainment and cultural enrichment right here in our backyard, making world-class ballet accessible to everyone. Furthermore, its unique "DancingUnlimited" program underscores a heartwarming commitment to inclusivity, allowing children with physical disabilities to experience the joy of movement, reinforcing its role as a truly community-minded organization.

In choosing Gem City Ballet, locals are not just enrolling in a dance program or attending a performance; they are supporting a non-profit institution that plays a vital role in developing the next generation of ballet artists and in sustaining a vibrant arts culture in Ohio. It's a local gem that truly delivers on its promise of excellence and community engagement.

Gem City Ballet

20 Commercial Way, Springboro, OH 45066, USA