Business Details
34 Years
experience
Premier Youth Ballet Company in Acton, MA
Commonwealth Ballet is a pre-professional youth ballet company founded in 1992 by Kathryn Anderson and Chip Morris. Based in Acton, Massachusetts, we provide young dancers with high-level performance opportunities in productions like The Nutcracker, original story ballets, and mixed repertory programs. Our mission emphasizes artistic excellence, community engagement, and educational development through ballet. With over 80 productions to date, we maintain strong ties to the Boston/Metro West region while fostering a supportive environment of peers, mentors, and guest artists.Our alumni have achieved success in professional dance and diverse fields, reflecting our commitment to holistic growth. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely on community support to sustain our programs. Our partnership with Acton School of Ballet provides a physical home and shared artistic vision. We prioritize technical mastery, creative expression, and accessibility through initiatives like free library readings and discounted ticket programs. This dedication to quality and community makes us a cultural cornerstone in the region.
Services
The Nutcracker
Nutcracker Readings
Sugar Plum Tea
Spring Repertoire
Company Auditions
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer high-level performance opportunities for young dancers
- Our strong community ties enhance local arts engagement
- Dancers receive mentorship from experienced professionals
- Alumni have excelled in professional dance careers
- We maintain close partnerships with Acton School of Ballet
Services
The Nutcracker
Our flagship holiday production features professional-quality ballet performances with guest artists. Audiences experience Clara's magical journey through dance, music, and elaborate sets. This annual tradition showcases our dancers' technical mastery while creating memorable experiences for Boston-area families.
Nutcracker Readings
Free community events where dancers bring the Nutcracker story to life in local libraries. These interactive readings introduce children to ballet through live demonstrations and character appearances. Attendees receive exclusive ticket discounts for our mainstage performances.
Sugar Plum Tea
Afternoon gatherings featuring crafts, treats, and dancing with Nutcracker characters. These family-friendly events include meet-and-greets with performers and photo opportunities. Held annually at Acton School of Ballet before holiday performances.
Spring Repertoire
Contemporary and classical ballet programs showcasing diverse choreography. Performances include original works and traditional pieces performed by our pre-professional dancers. Highlights technical versatility and artistic innovation in modern ballet presentation.
Company Auditions
Annual auditions for young dancers seeking professional training and performance opportunities. Open to students aged 8-18 with varying experience levels. Provides pathway to join our pre-professional company and participate in mainstage productions.
People
Walter G. Chip Morris
President
Co-founder and former Artistic Director, Walter has led Commonwealth Ballet since 1992. His vision combines artistic excellence with community engagement, shaping the company's growth into a regional cultural institution.
Melenie Diarbekirian
Artistic Director
Current Artistic Director guiding choreography and performance quality. Brings extensive professional dance experience to training Commonwealth Ballet's pre-professional company and shaping seasonal repertoires.
Lindsay Moncrieff
Board Member
Acton School of Ballet owner and artistic director. Provides educational leadership while maintaining the school's partnership with Commonwealth Ballet as their physical home and training base.
Questions
How can I purchase Nutcracker tickets?
Tickets are available through our website or by calling (978) 263-7794. Season subscriptions and single tickets offer flexible options for all performances.
What are Nutcracker Readings?
Free library events where dancers perform excerpts and read the story. Held locally before holiday performances, with exclusive ticket discounts for attendees.
Are there family-friendly events?
Yes! Sugar Plum Tea parties include crafts, treats, and character meet-and-greets. Perfect for families with young children attending their first ballet experience.
How can dancers join the company?
Annual auditions evaluate technical skill and stage presence. Open to ages 8-18, with training opportunities for various experience levels through our pre-professional program.
What community programs do you offer?
We provide free library readings, discounted tickets for educational outreach, and collaborate with local schools. Our mission emphasizes making ballet accessible to diverse audiences.
