José Mateo Ballet Theatre

400 Harvard St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

Address:	400 Harvard St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Phone:	+1 617-354-7467
Site:	ballettheatre.org
Rating:	4.6

Location

Photos 82

Reviews 18

scarlett schutzberg

This dance school has truly brought me a great experience for the nine years Ive been dancing here. I am currently a part of the young dancers program and each two hour class I learn more and more. The heavily exposed dance instructors there truly make your dancing experience amazing and teach all they know from their endless years of dancing. The company puts on truly amazing performances created with original choreography by Jose Mateo included their annual rendition of "The Nutcracker". Their production of "The Nutcracker" allows children of all ages and dance experiences to perform on stage with professional dancers giving them the exposure they need to partake in the dance world. The studios are equipped with sturdy barres and perfectly tuned pianos for an enjoyable class. With the studios placed in a church you are sure to look up to colorful and extravagant stained glass windows. Jose Mateo Ballet Theater is truly THE place to dance.

Delia Lo

The teachers are trying very hard, and I respect them very much for working under less than ideal circumstances. The great teachers are Molly, Janelle, Kendra. But some other teachers - you can tell that they dont want to be there, e.g. Patricia. Do your children a favor and if your resources allow, send them to a more serious school. The kids are not behaving in class because they are bored and not engaged. Theres no sound proof. The sound from one studio travels to the next. There are times when there are other people peeking into the studios distracting the students, but the teachers do no stop them. During performance season, the floor is extremely dirty. Some pianists play church like Baroque music which do not match the character of the exercises. Its not the teachers fault, but the place is not well managed.

Jodi At Private

My daughter enters her 4th year this Autumn with JMBT, started in their Creative Dance class. She loves to learn new dance steps, and very proudly shares after class and during parent observations. The class is well structured, and even at a young age each class has goals that they expect to achieve (I ask each year...). The instructors offer respect and in return the students give back that respect. Feedback is welcome, and staff offer quick turnaround time in responding to questions. There were changes in the administrative team in 2016-2017, so a few bumps along the way. I appreciated feedback from the Managing Director and Studio Manager over the course of the year, and offer up top ratings for the quality of the program and my daughters continued enjoyment in attending her dance class.

Heather Eliot

I have immensely enjoyed the adult open classes I have taken at JMBT over this past year – The teachers are all very attentive, the classes are appropriately challenging, and it is extremely helpful that they offer both morning and evening class times. The environment is friendly, helpful, and extremely welcoming; it is an overwhelmingly positive community. I was able to attend their Nutcracker, which had a refreshing new take on the ballet. Ive attended their other performances throughout the year which are done cabaret style in their own beautiful theatre; I adore the space, the choreography, and the music. I even took a non-dancer date to a show, and they really enjoyed it! This is an exceptional place, and it is definitely worth checking out!

Ileana Riveron

After dancing with Boston Ballet II for 2 years and then starting school at Harvard, being able to take open classes at Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre has been a true gift. The classes are excellent; the teachers construct them fabulously so that you feel worked and like youve been able to really move (plenty of center work as well as a thorough barre), but you also have lots of freedom. So if youre coming back from an injury or youve been trained in a different style than the teacher, you wont feel judged. The facilities are beautiful and the atmosphere is always positive and encouraging. Its obvious that the staff and the dancers at JMBT love what they do, and that passion is certainly contagious.

Delaney Waldron

Wonderful studio to take open class at! Instruction is strong and diverse as teachers often rotate day to day or season to season. The studios are absolutely gorgeous, reconverted church with high ceilings with stained glass windows additionally there is always live music for class which makes a difference in terms of the feel of the class. Prices are very reasonable and classes are offered on holiday breaks so it is great for dancers trying to stay in shape over the holidays as well. Cant say enough good things about José Mateo Ballet Theatre!

Rawchayl Sahadeo

My daughter started at Jose Mateo since she was 3 years old. We have participated for 3 years so far and plan to have our youngest child attend once she turns 3. My child receives excellent dance instruction in a small learning environment. I appreciate the small class size, and supportive personality of her lovely teachers. It is not highly competitive but rather focused on dance techniques and fun routines and exercises. She is learning how to work as a team and likes the other students. Thanks Jose Mateo. Keep up the good work!!

Mara Milner

After training at a performing arts high school and dancing professionally, I was uncertain how dance would fit into my life upon coming to college. Jose Mateo has perfectly filled any void I anticipated finding upon this transition. With a variety of open class times and a plethora of wonderful teachers, JM has allowed me to continue training at a very high level each day. Additionally, they offer a very manageable work study program, making classes even more affordable. I would highly recommend checking out this studio!

Patrice Polisar

Ive been taking adult Open Studio classes here for over 5 years and continue to marvel at the level of instruction, with live piano accompaniment, in the beautiful sanctuary setting---all within minutes of Harvard Square. Not only is Jose Mateo exceptional but surprisingly reasonable. I feel so fortunate to have it within my reach!

Erika Giannina Ramos Fano

My daughter is taking class there for 3 years and she love her teachers and she was part of the Nutcraker dancer, the community (parents) in there is great, and now my second child id going to star to taking class there. Thanks so much to Jose Mateo for create this wonderful school.

Amanda Ng Yann Chwen

great location, very central in harvard square and in a beautiful building. the place seems disorganised but my experience in class was great. live pianist. clear instruction with some corrections. the barres were rusty though.

Rose Martersteck

Despite not having danced ballet for about ten years, I had a great experience for my first class with this ballet school. Molly made everyone feel welcome in the class and Im looking forward to going more often.

Delci Banks

My daughter started off attending their summer intensive last year and fell in love with ballet. She continued during the school year and again this summer. The instructors are awesome. Thank you.

Christine Kahvejian

A wonderful school and inclusive community! They do a fantastic job at teaching technique all the while keeping the younger dancers interested and loving ballet.

sudarsna mukund

I love the open classes here! They have a wide range of classes for beginners to adults and the studio space is beautiful. Really welcoming environment!

Dacia Thompson

What a wonderful place to celebrate Ballet. An exceptional place for children to learn and feel included regardless of gender or race.

Liam Fitzpatrick

Great open classes, beautiful facilities, and friendly staff! There is something for everybody here, from beginner to professional.

Jenni Ting

I come here for weekly practices, great space and convenient location right next to Harvard campus!