Carolina Ballet to host Free Children’s Classes at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
Community classes will be held in Kennedy Theatre beginning in October
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CAROLINA BALLET TO HOST FREE CHILDREN’S CLASSES AT MARTIN MARIETTA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Community classes will be held in Kennedy Theatre beginning in October
RALEIGH, N.C. – As an ongoing commitment to make ballet and the performing arts accessible to everyone in our community, the Carolina Ballet has partnered with the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts to host five free children’s classes.
“We’re proud to be breaking down barriers and inviting young people from all backgrounds to experience the beauty and discipline of ballet. These free classes are more than an introduction to dance, they’re an invitation to imagine, to create, and to belong. In providing these opportunities, we are cultivating future artists, audiences, and visionaries who will carry the performing arts forward for generations to come,” said Carolina Ballet Artistic Director and CEO, Zalman Raffael.
The classes, “Ballet 4 All”, are tailored for ages ranging from 6 to 18 and will be one-hour long. No prior ballet experience is necessary. Children should wear clothing in which they’re able to easily move around in. They may bring ballet shoes if they own them, otherwise they should bring socks.
After the conclusion of the classes, students are invited to stay and attend the open dress rehearsal of the coinciding Carolina Ballet production, when applicable.
“Every child deserves the chance to explore the arts, and through this partnership with the Carolina Ballet, we are thrilled to make ballet accessible to all. These free classes give young people, many experiencing the performing arts for the first time, the opportunity to build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong connection to the arts,” said Martin Marietta Center General Manager, Michelle Bradley.
Dates of Classes:
- 10/15/25 6pm-7pm (Seven Deadly Sins)
- 11/19/25 6pm-7pm (La Valse)
- 12/12/25 10:30am-11:30am (The Nutcracker)
- 1/14/26 6pm-7pm
- 2/4/26 6pm-7pm (Carmen Suite)
Location of Classes:
Kennedy Theatre at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
2 E. South Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
How to Register:
To register please click here. Space is limited to 30 students per class. For any questions regarding the classes, please contact Joshua Dwight at jdwight@carolinaballet.com.
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About Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
The Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts is the premier location for cultural arts and entertainment in Raleigh. The center is comprised of four unique venues, Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, Meymandi Concert Hall, A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater, and Kennedy Theatre. The Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts plays host to national tours, performers, and is also home to four resident companies: Carolina Ballet, NC Opera, NC Symphony, and PineCone. Hosting over 600 events each year and welcoming over 400,000 guests, the Martin Marietta Center is a cultural focal point in downtown Raleigh.
About Carolina Ballet
Carolina Ballet, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, is one of the premier arts organizations in the state and has been recognized nationally for its artistic excellence. Founded in 1998, the company performs nearly 80 times each year for more than 60,000 people across the Triangle region and beyond. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Zalman Raffael, Carolina Ballet presents both classical ballets and innovative new works, while remaining dedicated to inspiring, educating, and enriching the lives of people of all ages through its performances and community engagement programs.
Venue Press Contact:
Sarah McAlister
919.996.8719
sarah.mcalister@raleighnc.gov