Mendocino Ballet

Mendocino Ballet is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality professional dance instruction and performance opportunities within Mendocino County, California. Established as a non-profit corporation in 1985, Mendocino Ballet has been fostering the art of dance with a particular emphasis on Classical Ballet, which serves as the cornerstone for all dance forms taught at the institution. Located at 205 South State Street in Ukiah, California, the Mendocino Ballet offers a variety of dance styles including Classical Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Pre-Ballet, Modern, and Contemporary Dance. The organization is committed to creating a safe and non-competitive learning environment with limited class sizes to ensure individual instruction. It provides an age-appropriate curriculum designed to accommodate dancers of all ages and levels. The Mendocino Ballet is renowned for its family-friendly studios, which feature waiting areas where families can watch their children dance. The philosophy of the organization is that dance not only builds self-esteem, strength, flexibility, grace, and balance but also teaches children to respect their bodies and their dreams. While recognizing that only a small percentage of students may pursue a professional career in ballet, Mendocino Ballet ensures that all students receive proper training and are positively influenced by the dance arts. Under the current leadership of Trudy McCreanor, who was appointed as Artistic Director in July 2001, the Mendocino Ballet has flourished. McCreanor, a former professional dancer and the Founder/Director of Colorado West Ballet & Performing Arts Center, has extensive experience as a dancer, instructor, and director. She has been instrumental in designing and incorporating a comprehensive dance education program with Classical Ballet as its foundation. Mendocino Ballet's students have had the opportunity to continue their study and perform with prestigious programs and companies, including the San Francisco Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Alonzo King LINES Contemporary Ballet, and many others. The Mendocino Ballet Company is the area's only dance company that offers performance opportunities for the serious dancer. It features classical and contemporary ballet performances as well as children's story ballets. The company's annual performance of "The Nutcracker" is a local highlight, featuring local children and adult performers along with members of the Mendocino Ballet Company. The organization also runs an active Outreach Program that introduces dance history and the health benefits of dance movement to the community and schools. Past outreach performances have included "Peter and the Wolf," "Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs," "Alice In Wonderland," and others. The Mendocino Ballet School is an integral part of the organization, offering a comprehensive classical ballet program that introduces students to various methods such as Cecchetti, RAD, and Vagonova. The school also provides classes in contemporary, jazz, tap, and modern dance to ensure a well-rounded dance education. Mendocino Ballet's impact on the community is reflected in the testimonials of parents and students, with one parent, Eva Marie E., expressing how the organization has played an irreplaceable role in her daughter's life, contributing to her personal growth through dance. For more information or to contact Mendocino Ballet, individuals can visit their location at 205 South State Street, Ukiah, California, or call 707-463-2290.