Facts
Mission: To bring joy to the Maine community through inspiring dance education and performance.
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Founded:
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Performing Arts School – 1920
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Ballet Company – 1986
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Merged into a single organization in 2006
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Status: Nonprofit 501(c)(3)
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Annual Operating Budget: $1.5 million
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Assets: $2.5 million
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Administrative Staff: 6 full-time, 35+ part-time, including teachers and assistant teachers
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Volunteers: Maine State Ballet volunteers provide invaluable support in all aspects of production and operations.
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Performance Venues:
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Lopez Theater (in-house)
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Westbrook Performing Arts Center
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Merrill Auditorium (Portland)
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Operations:
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The school operates year-round, serving over 450 students annually.
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The ballet company presents 30+ performances each year, drawing over 15,000 attendees.
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Offers instruction in ballet, jazz, tap, and musical theater for students ages 3 to adult.
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Provides performance, workshop, and recital opportunities.
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Supports dancers through scholarships and paid opportunities for adult dancers, encouraging them to stay in Maine.
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Community Involvement:
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Collaborations with local organizations, including the Portland Symphony Orchestra, Opera Maine, and Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital.
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Scholarships for students with financial need, recently expanded through a new endowment fund.
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Donation of hundreds of free performance tickets annually to organizations such as the Center for Grieving Children and Boys & Girls Clubs.