Dance Prism

- 1237 Main St, Concord, MA 01742

Dance Prism, based in Concord, MA, is not your typical dance studio. Instead of offering regular classes, this is a dedicated, professional touring ballet company with a unique mission: to make the beauty and discipline of classical ballet accessible and affordable for communities throughout New England. Since its founding in 1982 by Scott Ranagan and Mary Demaso, Dance Prism has been an inspiring and nurturing force in the greater Boston area, bringing full-length ballets to local theaters and community venues. This company is a non-profit performance organization that is not affiliated with any private ballet schools, which allows it to draw talent from a wide range of schools and companies, ensuring a broad and diverse cast for its productions. By focusing on performances rather than weekly classes, Dance Prism fills a vital niche in the local arts scene, providing high-quality, professional-level productions that are perfect for both seasoned ballet lovers and families experiencing dance for the first time.

The company’s commitment to its mission is clearly reflected in the glowing reviews from its audience. One reviewer calls Dance Prism a "Wonderful local dance company inspiring and nurturing young dancers of all ages" and praises its ability to "bring affordable, high quality ballets to communities in the greater Boston area." Another reviewer states that it is the "Best local classical ballet company," consistently providing shows that are "Always entertaining" and work for both "adults and children," all while remaining "affordable!" These reviews highlight two of Dance Prism’s most compelling features: the high artistic quality of its productions and its dedication to accessibility and affordability. The company understands that many families might be deterred by the high cost of attending a major city ballet performance, and it has successfully brought world-class productions right to their local communities. This focus on affordability and accessibility, combined with the professionalism of the dancers and the high artistic standard of the productions, is what makes Dance Prism so beloved by its local audience.

Dance Prism's repertoire is extensive and varied, offering something for every taste. Its most famous and celebrated production is its annual touring presentation of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, a holiday tradition for countless families across Massachusetts. Beyond this beloved classic, the company regularly performs a spectrum of ballets, including romantic narratives like Cinderella and Coppélia. Their repertoire also includes full-length versions of Petipa's masterpieces like Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. For those who enjoy something a little different, the company has also staged original interpretations of works such as Romeo and Juliet, as well as light-hearted family-oriented ballets like Peter Pan, The Little Mermaid, and King Arthur and the Magic of Merlin. Dance Prism also puts on mixed repertory programs that can include ballets like The Firebird and The Sorcerer's Apprentice. In addition to their performances, Dance Prism also offers workshops and lecture demonstrations for schools and other organizations, further cementing their role as an educational and cultural resource in the community. The company is composed of approximately 30 professional dancers and apprentices, who are supplemented by serious ballet students who audition annually for roles in larger productions, particularly The Nutcracker. The fact that the company never charges fees to these young dancers makes it a rare and invaluable opportunity for aspiring ballet artists to gain professional stage experience.

Dance Prism's productions are designed to be family-friendly, making them the perfect introduction to the world of ballet for children. The shows are captivating and engaging, often featuring special opportunities like meeting a Nutcracker character after the performance. The high quality of the choreography, music, and performance ensures that adults are just as entertained as the children, making it a wonderful outing for the entire family. The company's commitment to accessibility extends beyond just ticket prices. Their touring schedule brings their performances to venues across the region, from Worcester's Mechanics Hall to the Collins Center in Andover and the Jackson Arts Center in Fall River. This approach makes it possible for families throughout Massachusetts to enjoy professional-level ballet without having to travel into the heart of Boston. This regional focus is a key part of their identity and has helped them build a loyal and dedicated fan base over their decades of operation. The company is truly a gem in the New England arts scene, providing a high-quality cultural experience in a way that is accessible and welcoming to all.

Dance Prism's main office is located at 1237 Main St, Concord, MA 01742, USA. While this is their administrative and rehearsal studio location, their performances are held at various touring venues throughout Massachusetts. This distributed performance model is a core part of their mission to bring ballet to local communities. The rehearsal studio itself is easily accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance. These accessibility features demonstrate the company's commitment to making its facilities and auditions open to all. The central location in Concord is a convenient base of operations for a touring company that serves the entire New England region.

Dance Prism, as a non-profit performance organization, focuses primarily on putting on high-quality, professional ballets. Their core services are centered on performance and touring. A list of their services and offerings includes:

• Full-length classical ballet performances (e.g., The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake)
• Narrative ballets (e.g., Cinderella, Peter Pan, The Little Mermaid)
• Mixed repertory programs
• Auditions for aspiring ballet students to join the company for performances
• Workshops and lecture demonstrations for schools and other organizations
• Affordable family-friendly performances

Dance Prism is distinguished by several key features and highlights that set it apart from other dance organizations in Massachusetts.

• Professional Touring Company: Unlike many local dance schools, Dance Prism is a professional company that tours its productions throughout the region.
• Affordability: The company is dedicated to offering high-quality ballet at an accessible price point, making the arts available to a wider audience.
• Community Focus: Dance Prism brings its performances directly to communities in the Greater Boston area, eliminating the need for extensive travel to see a professional ballet.
• Nurturing Environment: The company provides a rare and valuable opportunity for serious ballet students to gain professional stage experience without any fees.
• Accessibility: The office and rehearsal space features a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance.

For more information on upcoming performances, auditions, or general inquiries, you can contact Dance Prism directly. The company is located at 1237 Main St, Concord, MA 01742, USA. You can reach them by phone at (978) 413-5880 or their mobile number +1 978-413-5880. Their website is also a great resource for their full touring schedule, ticket information, and audition details.

What is worth choosing Dance Prism? For residents of Massachusetts, Dance Prism offers a truly unique and valuable cultural experience. It is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to enjoy professional classical ballet without the high cost or inconvenience of a major city production. The company's mission to make ballet accessible is a significant benefit to the community, and their commitment to bringing their performances to a variety of local theaters means you can enjoy a world-class show in your own backyard. For parents of aspiring dancers, the opportunity for their child to audition and potentially perform with a professional company is an invaluable experience that simply can't be found at most local dance schools. The fact that this opportunity comes with no fees is a testament to the company's commitment to nurturing young talent. Beyond the stage, the reviews speak for themselves, highlighting the company's ability to inspire and entertain audiences of all ages. By supporting Dance Prism, you are not only treating yourself to a beautiful performance but also helping to sustain a vital arts organization that enriches the lives of countless people throughout New England. It is a win-win for both the audience and the arts community.

Dance Prism

1237 Main St, Concord, MA 01742, USA