The Baltimore Ballet Boys 2024 Program Year

Dear friends and supporters,

Ballet is a breathtaking art form that teaches invaluable mental and physical discipline. The sad truth is that there are very few young boys who get to experience the benefits of ballet or continue their journey beyond the age of 10 or 11 for various reasons, including social and cultural misconceptions. However, those who do press on are often rewarded with college scholarships and professional dance opportunities.

The passionate team at Baltimore Ballet Boys has witnessed firsthand how ballet can positively transform the lives of young men in our beloved city. We are reaching out to you, our community, for support in our mission to empower young male dancers and inspire more boys and young men to embrace the world of ballet.

We are not a dance company and do not offer dance training. Instead, Baltimore Ballet Boys offers male ballet dancers an intentionally designed program that equips them with essential life skills, integrated wellness strategies, and invaluable internships, all tailored to help them succeed both on and off the stage.

Since we began our program in 2020 (at the height of the pandemic), we've achieved remarkable milestones, including our special projects. "Peace In Motion: Baltimore Ballet Boys," our debut project in August 2021, showcased striking photographs of eight male dancers gracefully posing in various locations throughout the city. We also collaborated with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to create a captivating short film interpretation of "The Firebird."

You can see both projects on our website: www.baltimoreballetboys.com

Of the 8 Baltimore Ballet Boys who participated in our projects:

o 100% of them have graduated, or are on course to graduate high school – some doing so while pursuing professional dance careers in other states and taking distance learning to complete their junior and senior years.

o Three are currently dancing professionally.

o One is currently in college and pursuing acting.

o One has completed a two-year degree and will attend the prestigious Pratt Institute in the spring.

o One is a golden glove boxer who has successfully competed in the junior Olympics.

o One is a world class electronic musician.

Here's what we do:

Life Skills Training in partnership with Artist U: We teach our dancers how to make a living as artists, budget wisely, and navigate the unique challenges they may face on their artistic journey.

Integrated Wellness: We focus on safeguarding their physical and mental well-being, offering guidance on joint protection, restorative yoga practices, and emotional management, all of which are crucial for artists. We also introduce them to the benefits of meditation.

Internships: We provide them with eye-opening internships that offer a different perspective on the business of art, giving them insights into the artistic industry's inner workings.

We don't stop there! We also support parents in navigating the ballet world and conduct outreach activities to familiarize families with ballet's potential benefits for their sons.

We need your help to continue our important work. By supporting us, you are directly impacting the lives of young male dancers and making ballet accessible to more boys and young men in Baltimore. Your generosity enables us to offer scholarships and stipends, providing essential financial support to our dedicated dancers. All donations are tax deductible and will go directly towards Baltimore Ballet Boys 2024 programming.

Your contribution will make a real difference in the lives of our dancers, giving them the opportunities and guidance they need to shine in the world of ballet. Help us continue our mission, inspire the next generation of male dancers, and celebrate the magic of ballet with us.

Join us in nurturing talent, transforming lives, and sharing the beauty of ballet in Baltimore. Your support means the world to us.