Boston's Best Places To See Ballet

Visitors and residents of Boston can enjoy all manners of entertainment because there are theaters and galleries around every corner. One of the draws of some Boston theaters are the various ballet companies that perform in them. Whether one prefers classic pieces or contemporary ballet, it is not hard to find amazing shows in amazing venues. In fact, were it not for the talent in Boston, the theatres themselves would be enough of a draw.

Boston Ballet Company
The Boston Opera House
539 Washington St
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 259-3400
19157244793
See schedule of events here

Boston Ballet is the premiere company for Boston and its venue is a restored turn-of-the-century movie theater with elegance written all over it. The Boston Opera House is currently the official and primary home of the Boston Ballet. Dancers perform their classical ballet shows, which are typically performed alongside a full orchestra for the perfect culmination of artistic skills. There is also a touring company that performs the same productions as in Boston, but abroad.

Cutler Majestic Theatre
219 Tremont St
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 824-8400
www.artsemerson.org
See a schedule of events here.

Yet another historic theater in Boston, the Cutler Majestic is even older than the Boston Opera House. It opened in 1903 and the architecture only serves to enhance the ballet performances at the venue. The Cutler Majestic does not have regular ballet performances like the Boston Opera House. However, it does have ballet sporadically and performed by different dancers and companies. Check the schedule to see which twinkling toes will make their way to the stage next.

Related: Best Family Theater Around Boston

Coolidge Corner Theatre
290 Harvard St
Brookline, MA 02446
(617) 734-2501
www.coolidge.org
See a schedule of events here.

The Coolidge Corner Theatre is no traditional place to see ballet. This is not stage ballet. It is ballet on the silver screen. That's right, the Coolidge Corner Theatre is a movie theater, but unlike other movie theatres in that its "now showing" list has old, new and unheard-of films showing at any given time. With its "Raising the Barre" program, many of these films are actually recordings of the best ballet companies on the planet.

Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre
The Sanctuary Theatre
400 Harvard St and 1151 Massachusetts Ave (Building has dual street fronts)
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 354-7467
www.ballettheatre.org 
See a schedule of events here.

The Jose Mateo Ballet Company is a 20-member company choreographed by the group's eponymous leader. The group formerly performed at the Cutler Majestic. However, performances have since switched to a rather unique venue. The Sanctuary Theatre is actually located at the Old Cambridge Baptist Church and worship still takes place in the 19th century Gothic-Revival structure. The talented company practices and performs in the building no matter the day, though prayer occurs on Sundays as well.

Strand Theatre
543 Columbia Road
Dorchester, MA 02125
(617) 635-1403
www.strandboston.com
See a schedule of events here.

The Strand Theatre plays host to numerous forms of entertainment including ballet, film and music. It is a very community-oriented venue, offering showings of films for free and hosting local artists. Even some of the ballet performances are free. Make sure to check out the lineup to get in on that deal. The dance company to see at the Strand is the very talented Boston Ballet, always putting on a display of amazing talent.

Related: Boston Ballet Plays With Fire: Interview With Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen

Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.