San José’s New Ballet’s School and Studio Company provide educational and performance opportunities for serious young dancers interested in pursuing a career in ballet. Founded by local dancer, choreographer, and ballet teacher Dalia Rawson in 2016, the institution has gained a reputation for excellence in training and for exceptional ballet productions. Now students and instructors can work toward those goals in a facility with five spacious studios in the historic Corinthian Ballroom building at 196 North 3rd Street, an iconic marble-columned building in downtown San José.
The new building features two student lounges, dressing rooms, and five newly constructed dance studios. A “Grand Re-Opening” event on Saturday, Feb. 29, will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony presided over by District 3 Councilmember Raul Peralez at 12 noon, with a brief performance preview in the Mohr Studio to follow, featuring the New Ballet Studio Company and other local dance groups including Calpulli Tonalehqueh (an Aztec Dance Group), Los Lupeños Juvenil, the San Jose State University Dance Department, and others. Treats, face painting, photos with costumed characters, and special enrollment discounts will follow, along with the chance to take a look at New Ballet's new home.
Founder Rawson talked about the new facility:
We are thrilled to share this inspiring new space with our dancers, families, and community. Even more exciting, after learning that our previous home was to be sold, we strategically raised funds for this move over a period of two years, so we were able to make the move along with all of its required renovations without resorting to emergency fundraising or going into debt. At a time when the arts are struggling to remain in downtown San Jose with the difficult and dramatic rental landscape, it is only appropriate to celebrate the ballet's success!”