ABOUT US
The Mendocino Ballet received its status as a non-profit corporation in 1985 to provide the highest quality professional dance instruction and performance opportunities in Mendocino County.
With Classical Ballet as the foundation for all dance forms, we offer a safe, non-competitive learning environment, limited class sizes for individual instruction, and an age-appropriate curriculum for dancers of all ages and levels.
Our studios provide family friendly waiting areas for those who want to watch their children dance. Dance builds self-esteem, increases strength, flexibility, grace and balance as it teaches children to respect their bodies and their dreams.
While only a very small percentage of students go on to enjoy a career as a professional ballet dancer, all students are exposed to proper training and the positive influence of the dance arts. It is our belief that everybody can dance and benefit from the joy of movement. Simply put, we provide the most comprehensive, professional dance program in the area with an emphasis on a positive learning experience for YOU and YOUR child!
CURRENT LEADERSHIP
Trudy McCreanor, former professional dancer and Founder/Director of Colorado West Ballet & Performing Arts Center, was hired in July of 2001 as the new Artistic Director of the Mendocino Ballet where she designed and incorporated a dance education program with Classical Ballet as the foundation for the dance art forms. She brings years of professional experience as a dancer, instructor and artistic and executive directors of dance programs and companies from around the country. Her focus is on offering a high quality, professional dance program and performance opportunities for students in our recreational program as well as dancers in the Art of Classical Ballet Program.
CONTINUING STUDY & PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Dancers trained under the tutelage of Artistic Director, Trudy McCreanor, have been accepted to study and/or perform with programs or companies such as the San Francisco Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Alonzo King LINES Contemporary Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, Houston Ballet, the University of Utah, the Julliard School, the School of American Ballet (New York City Ballet), American Ballet Theater, Ballet Met, "The Rock" School of the Pennsylvania Ballet, Ballet West, Aspen/Santa Fe Ballet, Festival Ballet, Colorado Ballet, David Taylor Dance Theater, Kim Robards Dance, NYU-Dance Program, Vail International Summer Dance, Pacific Northwest Ballet, to name a few.
MENDOCINO BALLET COMPANY
The area's ONLY dance company with performance opportunities for the serious dancer featuring classical and contemporary ballet as well as children's story ballets. "The Nutcracker" is performed each December in Fort Bragg and Ukiah and showcases local children and adult performers alongside members of the Mendocino Ballet Company. An active Outreach Program with performances in the Spring, introduces dance history and the many health benefits of dance movement to the community and schools. Past performances include "Peter and the Wolf", "Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs", "Alice In Wonderland", "The Fantastic Toyshop", "Cinderella", "Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes", "Sleeping Beauty","Pas de Quatre", and many more.
MENDOCINO BALLET SCHOOL
By offering a comprehensive, professional classical ballet program with an emphasis on the numerous and eclectic styles of ballet, our students are introduced to the Cecchetti, RAD, and Vagonova methods. The young child is introduced to dance movement through a Creative Dance/Pre-ballet program where the emphasis is on building a strong foundation and a love of dance while exploring their creativity and having FUN! Classes in other dance styles such as contemporary, jazz, tap and modern dance, are also offered to give the student a well-rounded dance education.
"Mendocino Ballet offers a part in my daughter's life I could never fulfill. She grows more and more each year because of the way she feels when she dances."
Eva Marie E.