In 2023, Marin Ballet has even more reason to dance — and everyone is invited to join.
On the weekend of March 24-26, Marin Ballet will celebrate its 60th anniversary with several special events. A celebration party and fundraiser will take place on Friday, March 24, at 6 p.m. at the ballet school, 100 Elm St., in San Rafael. During the celebration, guests will enjoy dinner by Insalata’s and luscious local wines. There will be dance-themed activities in each studio as well as live and silent auctions that offer unique experiences and gifts, plus birthday cake and dancing.
The 60th anniversary performances are presented on Sunday, March 26, at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Marin School of the Arts, 625 Arthur St., Novato. Audiences will enjoy new pieces and choreography by Amy London, Charlie Martin, Catherine Hader and Corinne Jonas. Performance Director Julia Adam has created a new work which includes the entire school.
Marin Ballet aims to raise $60,000 from these events to benefit its Laurie Klein Scholarship Fund, which provides tuition assistance to students in need. Tickets are available at marinballet.org/60th.
Our Mission
At Marin Ballet, we seek to develop confident, healthy and joyous students through exceptional ballet training, performances, mentorship and community engagement. While some of our alumni pursue professional dance careers, most apply their talents in fields as varied as medicine, teaching, business, engineering and the arts. Many have shared that the life skills learned at Marin Ballet play an important role in their successes.
Marin Ballet’s experienced teachers nurture students in an atmosphere of encouragement and fun. Dance training starts as young as 3 years old, when students explore movement through activities, songs and games. As students progress through each level, they develop exceptional classical ballet technique.
Summer programs introduce folk, jazz, African and contemporary instruction. Students perform at least twice a year — in Nutcracker and in our spring concerts. Daily dance classes also are provided for adults. For new students of all ages, the first class is always free. Visit the Marin Ballet website for more information.
Our Story
In 1963, Marin Ballet was founded as the Marin Civic Ballet Association by dance educator Leona Norman and a group of volunteers led by Max and Phyllis Thelen. The organization has grown from a single studio in Ms. Norman’s attic to a regionally important center for dance. In 1971, Marin Ballet was able to buy its current building at 100 Elm St., San Rafael, with the assistance of the Cowell Foundation. Nearly 15% of Marin Ballet students receive scholarships, ensuring that a diverse set of aspiring dancers have access to exceptional training. More than 750 Nutcracker tickets are donated annually to underserved students and their families.
Marin Ballet thanks its 60th anniversary sponsors, including the Heller Foundation, Bellam Self Storage, Earl Farnsworth Express, Haven O’Halloran Real Estate, Rotary Club of Central Marin, Old Republic Title Company, Il Davide, Gallagher Insurance, Vanguard Cleaning, Materra | Cunat Family Vineyards and West Wind Wines.
Marin Ballet website: www.marinballet.org
60th Anniversary events and ticket sales: www.marinballet.org/60th
