Business Details
27 Years
experience
Your Premier Ballet Company in Lebanon, NH
Founded in 1999, City Center Ballet has become a cornerstone of artistic excellence and community engagement in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Our organization bridges local talent with international artistry, offering students rigorous classical ballet training and unparalleled performance opportunities alongside professional dancers. Through productions like Clara's Dream, a Nutcracker story, we bring communities together with storytelling that combines technical precision and emotional depth. Our faculty and leadership team, including Artistic Director Jennifer Henderson and founder Linda G. Copp, bring decades of combined experience in dance education and performance. We maintain strong partnerships with regional venues like the Lebanon Opera House and local businesses to ensure accessibility to the arts.Our commitment to quality is reflected in our annual seasons featuring diverse repertoires from classical masterpieces to contemporary adaptations. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we prioritize educational outreach and community enrichment through initiatives like Clara's Tea. Our administrative team combines artistic expertise with business acumen, ensuring sustainable growth while maintaining artistic integrity. We measure success through the personal growth of our dancers and the joy of our audiences, not just technical proficiency. With over 25 years of operation, we continue evolving while staying true to our mission of making ballet accessible to all.
Services
Ballet performances
Dance classes
Nutcracker productions
Clara's Tea events
Community outreach
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of professional ballet experience since 1999
- Our productions combine local students with international guest artists
- We provide professional-grade classical ballet training in New Hampshire
- Our company has presented 25+ annual performances since establishment
- We maintain partnerships with Lebanon Opera House and regional businesses
Services
Ballet Performances
City Center Ballet presents professional-grade productions featuring classical ballet repertoire. Our annual performances showcase local middle and high school dancers performing alongside international guest artists. The company has produced over 25 major productions since 1999, including signature works like Clara's Dream, a Nutcracker story, and full-length ballets such as Cinderella and The Sleeping Beauty.
Dance Education
We offer classical ballet training for students of all levels in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Our programs prepare dancers for professional standards through technique classes and performance opportunities. The school maintains connections with regional dance institutions and provides training that has launched students into professional careers while emphasizing accessibility for local communities.
Community Events
The company organizes special events that combine arts appreciation with community engagement. Clara's Tea, held in conjunction with major productions, offers pre-performance dining experiences with cast interactions. These events support local food suppliers and provide unique cultural experiences that enrich the Lebanon community through arts-based social gatherings.
People
Jennifer Henderson
Artistic Director
Artistic Director Jennifer Henderson has trained with renowned institutions since 1984. She choreographed signature productions including Clara's Dream and Cinderella. With teaching experience since 2003, she brings creative vision to all company performances.
Linda G. Copp
Founder
Founder Linda Copp established Lebanon Ballet School over 30 years ago. A former soloist with Connecticut Valley Regional Ballet Company, she has directed City Center Ballet since its 1999 founding. Her expertise shapes the company's educational mission and artistic direction.
Marc Cohen
Treasurer
Marc Cohen serves as company treasurer and computer consultant. A founding member since 1999, he manages financial operations while supporting the artistic vision through technical expertise and administrative oversight.
Tom Drinane
Board Member
Tom Drinane joined the board after his daughters' participation in company productions. With two decades of community involvement, he advocates for preserving dance opportunities that benefit both performers and audiences in the Lebanon region.
Louise Jones
Board Member
Louise Jones contributes social work expertise to the board. An adult ballet student since joining the Lebanon Ballet School, she connects the company's wellness benefits with community needs while supporting organizational development.
Questions
What type of performances does City Center Ballet present?
We produce classical ballets like The Nutcracker and original adaptations such as Clara's Dream. Our repertoire includes full-length productions and mixed programs featuring both traditional and contemporary works.
How can I support City Center Ballet?
Support options include tax-deductible donations, attending performances, participating in Clara's Tea events, or volunteering. Corporate sponsorships are also available through our Playbill advertising program.
Do you offer dance classes for local students?
Yes, we provide classical ballet training for middle and high school students in Lebanon, NH. Our programs prepare dancers for professional standards while emphasizing community accessibility and artistic development.
Where are performances held?
Mainstage productions occur at the Lebanon Opera House. Special events like Clara's Tea take place at the Lebanon Ballet School, located on the Mall in Downtown Lebanon, NH.
How are international artists involved?
We bring professional guest artists to collaborate with local dancers in principal roles. This unique approach provides mentorship opportunities for students while maintaining high artistic standards in our productions.
