A local program that supports boys and young men in ballet is expanding its programming for 2024.
Baltimore Ballet Boys announced major program developments with added programs designed to address the unique needs of young male dancers.
“In the wake of the challenges faced by young male dancers, Baltimore Ballet Boys has continuously strived to offer support other than dance instruction,” reads the press release announcing the new programming. “With a focus on holistic development, the program aims to foster not only exceptional dancers but also resilient and well-rounded individuals.”
The program began in 2020, focusing on providing opportunities for male dancers in Baltimore City aged 7 through 24. The expansion will provide a comprehensive wellness initiative for those dancers.
Baltimore Ballet Boys is not a dance school or dance troupe. It’s a community collective that encourages boys and young men to explore and pursue ballet training with extracurricular support services, funding, and educational activities. Their mission is “to promote ballet as an athletic and artistic outlet, as well as a viable career opportunity.” The collective envisions generations of young men in Baltimore who are “willing, free, and inspired to embrace ballet as an art form and opportunity.”
The new offerings include Life Skills Training in Partnership with Artists U, Integrated Wellness, and internships.
Life Skills Training reflects how Baltimore Ballet Boys recognizes the importance of giving young dancers skills to navigate the professional world of dance. Through Artists U, participants will receive advice about financial literacy, career planning, and the challenges a career in the arts can present.
The integrated wellness component will help dancers prioritize their physical and mental well-being. Baltimore Ballet Boys is dedicated to providing its participants with access to resources that facilitate this. The integrated wellness program will instruct students on joint protection, restorative yoga, help with emotional management, the benefits of meditation, and other critical components of a dancer’s self-care routine.
Internships provide participants with real-world experience of the inner workings of the artistic world. They’ll gain valuable insights into the business and behind-the-scenes aspect of the arts world to help round out their holistic education, thereby giving them a more comprehensive understanding of the dance profession.
“Our expanded programming for 2024 reflects our ongoing commitment to the holistic development of our young dancers,” said Venesa Day, Founder and Executive Director of Baltimore Ballet Boys, in a statement. “We believe that by providing resources and support in partnership with dance instruction, we can empower our participants to thrive both on and off the stage.”
For more information about Baltimore Ballet Boys and how to support their mission, visit this link, or follow @baltimoreballetboys on social media.
The Estelle Dennis Dance Scholarship for Young Men has been offered for almost 20 years. Their next audition is April 7th at Peabody.