About The Company
Introduction to Cary Ballet Company
Founded with a passion for dance and a commitment to excellence, the Cary Ballet Company has, over the years, established itself as one of the premier ballet institutions in North Carolina. Our performances, characterized by their technical prowess and artistic brilliance, have captivated audiences locally and beyond.
History and Background: From our humble beginnings, we have grown exponentially in our repertoire and reach. Our seasons, punctuated with a mix of classical ballets and contemporary pieces, showcase the versatility and talent of our dancers, many of whom have gone on to grace international stages.
Community Outreach and Educational Initiatives: Beyond the stage, we are deeply committed to community engagement. Our outreach programs, aimed at introducing the joy of dance to underserved communities has had a tremendous impact on the lives of many. Additionally, our educational initiatives, ranging from school workshops to masterclasses for aspiring dancers, underscore our mission of making ballet accessible to all.
Our Mission
Cary Ballet Company is a 501(c)3 corporation that has served Triangle patrons and students for over 20 years. Our mission statement is to provide cultural and educational enriching programs with high-quality performances of classical ballets and contemporary premieres, and connect with underserved students and residents through our intentional outreach Plie All Day! program.
Core components to this mission:
To present the community the highest quality of dance that includes legendary ballets and new works by current choreographers
To educate and encourage our community to utilize and appreciate this art expression through customized student matinees, in school demonstrations, and free ballet classes to children that are economically disadvantaged.
To collaborate with other businesses to strengthen community relationships, support other business owners, and support community vitality.
To provide our company members with professional-level training, performing opportunities, master classes, audition experiences, collaborative arts events, and Artist in Residence programs.
Located just 20 minutes outside of Raleigh, Cary enjoys a vibrant arts community in which the Company is an outstanding leader. Founded in 1998, the Company has had an inspiring journey. Starting with a mini “Nutcracker” in studio, to becoming the resident ballet company of the Cary Arts Center in 2011. Since 2015, we offer seven performances of our full version of The Nutcracker, two narrated performances of The Nutcracker Suite and Spring Works which features contemporary, new & classical pieces.
Under the artistic direction of Mariaelena Ruiz, the Company is experiencing tremendous growth with its continued exceptional training, community outreach and education programming, in addition to the impressive elevation of our production values. Guest choreographers such as Francisco Gella, Justin Allen, Duncan Cooper and Maria Konrad stimulate and challenge our dancers to explore different expressions of their art form making for a well educated and balanced dancer.
Cary Ballet Company offers the Cary community a wide range of benefits. We offer diverse, cultural offerings to our vibrant arts community, as well as opportunities to connect intimately with our under served residents. With your help, we can continue to inspire the young and old, be a loyal ally in our community, and keep the art of dance, not only alive and kicking, but thriving.
Our Vision & Values
The Cary Ballet Company will provide the highest level of training and performing opportunities for its members, while offering our state, cultural, and educational experiences which will illuminate and perpetuate the inherent beauty of ballet.