Business Details
Your Premier Ballet Experience in Raleigh
Carolina Ballet is a premier ballet company dedicated to presenting classical and contemporary dance performances that inspire and engage audiences. Founded with a commitment to artistic excellence, we blend tradition with innovation through our diverse repertoire and educational initiatives. Our company fosters a deep appreciation for ballet through professional performances, community outreach, and training programs for aspiring dancers. With a focus on technical precision and emotional storytelling, we collaborate with renowned artists and educators to elevate the art form. Our summer intensive program provides rigorous training for students, preparing them for professional careers while nurturing a lifelong passion for dance.We prioritize accessibility, offering inclusive programs and special events that connect audiences with the magic of live performance. Through partnerships with local institutions and sponsors, we strengthen cultural enrichment in Raleigh and beyond. Our leadership team brings decades of experience from prestigious companies, ensuring a legacy of excellence. By combining world-class artistry with educational outreach, we aim to make ballet a transformative experience for all.
Services
Ballet Performances
Summer Intensive Programs
Educational Workshops
Community Outreach
Ticket Subscriptions
Dancer Training
Guest Artist Collaborations
Online Auditions
Parent Portal Access
Special Event Hosting
Highlights and features
- We offer world-class ballet performances and educational programs.
- Our summer intensive trains aspiring dancers with professional faculty.
- Committed to community engagement and accessibility in the arts.
- Experienced artistic directors and guest faculty from renowned ballet companies.
- Access to exclusive events and behind-the-scenes experiences for members.
Services
Ballet Performances
Carolina Ballet presents classical and contemporary ballet performances featuring professional dancers and guest artists. Our productions combine intricate choreography, live music, and elaborate costumes to create immersive storytelling experiences. Each season showcases diverse works from renowned composers and choreographers, appealing to audiences of all ages.
Summer Intensive Programs
Our summer intensive offers rigorous ballet training for students aged 9-22, taught by faculty from top-tier companies. The curriculum includes daily technique classes, pointe work, variations, and rehearsals with opportunities to perform alongside professionals. Participants also attend lectures on dance health and injury prevention.
Educational Workshops
We provide educational programs for schools and community groups, including workshops on ballet history, technique demonstrations, and interactive storytelling through dance. These sessions aim to foster appreciation for the arts while offering hands-on learning experiences led by company members.
Community Outreach
Carolina Ballet engages the community through free performances, open rehearsals, and partnerships with local organizations. Our initiatives focus on making ballet accessible to underserved populations and promoting cultural enrichment through collaborative projects with schools and civic groups.
Ticket Subscriptions
Subscribers gain priority access to best-available seats for all performances, exclusive member events, and discounted ticket prices. Subscription packages include benefits like behind-the-scenes tours, meet-and-greets with dancers, and early access to special programming announcements.
People
Zalman Raffael
Artistic Director/CEO
Zalman Raffael leads Carolina Ballet as Artistic Director and CEO, bringing decades of experience from prestigious companies. He oversees creative direction, choreography, and faculty development while mentoring emerging talent through educational programs.
Margaret Severin-Hansen
Director of Summer Intensive
Margaret Severin-Hansen directs the summer intensive program, designing curricula that blend technical training with performance opportunities. Her expertise in ballet pedagogy ensures students receive comprehensive instruction aligned with professional standards.
Michael Vernon
Guest Faculty
Michael Vernon, a former principal dancer and award-winning choreographer, contributes master classes and artistic guidance. His guest faculty role enhances the program's reputation by connecting students with industry leaders from institutions like Indiana University.
Questions
What performances does Carolina Ballet offer?
We present a diverse season including classical works like The Nutcracker and contemporary pieces, performed at venues such as Fletcher Opera Theater and Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.
Are there educational programs for young dancers?
Yes! Our summer intensive trains students aged 9-22 with daily classes, rehearsals, and performance opportunities alongside professional company members.
What is the summer intensive like?
The program includes ballet technique, pointe work, variations, and rehearsals with guest artists. Participants perform in final showcases and attend educational seminars on dance health.
How do I purchase tickets for performances?
Tickets are available through our website or by contacting the Box Office directly at 919-719-0900 for seasonal productions and special events.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Robert Bishop
Dec 19, 2019
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Always a great time. Fletcher theater is very nice, without a bad seat in the house. We have been to some really fun and exciting shows, and have seen some amazing performances by the company. The quality of the shows is impressive considering the smallness of Raleigh's market.
Eric San Jos
Sep 21, 2019
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Easy to see right off of Atlantic Avenue servicing Raleigh and the adjoining areas of North Carolina. Plenty of parking and a wheelchair accessible entrance. Clean facilities. Public Restrooms. Teaching staff if Top Notch. Summer program is available. Performances and Fletcher Opera House was amazing. We will definitely be going back.
Ally G.
Sep 15, 2019
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Don't bother! The selections were lovely but the execution was.... lacking. There were not one, but two collisions between dancers the night that I attended, and overall technique was a bit wobbly/out-of-step. Intermissions and pauses were frequent and long: something that I appreciate in a lovely venue to stroll around, but this is not that, and it felt like there was as much waiting around as there was dancing. Definitely not "world-class" as another review ambitiously describes it.
Perry Ricardo
Aug 11, 2019
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The Carolina Ballet is a cultural treasure for the Triangle. The ballet productions and the company are a true delight. The size and sophistication of Carolina Ballet are surprising for a smaller metro area like Raleigh, and we are very fortunate to have ballet of this high quality in our community. The quality of the productions is superb and I urge you to support them. We have been season subscribers for several years and it is a highlight of our fine arts entertainment in Raleigh.
