A special thank you to Boston Ballet’s medical consultants for consultation and assistance in development of this plan to ensure the safety of our artists, students, faculty, and staff: Chaperones must follow on-site protocols at all times including completing the wellness check, washing hands upon arrival and dismissal, wearing a mask, maintaining 6’ social distancing. Students will enter and exit the studios by using a one-way system. One chaperone per student under the age of 21 is permitted on site at a time for purposes of checking in only. Prior to the start of a program, each student will be assigned a level. Boston Ballet maintains an internationally acclaimed repertoire of classical and contemporary works with each season running from October-May, including The Nutcracker during the month of December. As the impact of COVID-19 continues to evolve and following the guidance of federal and local agencies, Boston Ballet has decided to postpone Turning Pointe from April 28 to September of this year. RECENT UPDATES as of 1.7.2021 Boston Ballet is a people-powered arts nonprofit organization comprised of dancers, musicians, stagers, artisans, faculty, administrative staff, and volunteers. HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES Locker rooms are open for restrooms but not for changing. : Due to Covid-19's unparalleled impact on presenting live theater, City Ballet of Boston will not be able to celebrate the planned 20th anniversary of the “Urban Nutcracker.” Lori Ossip, Summer Associate The parent or guardian will be notified immediately and asked to pick up their child. We will provide as much notice as possible to allow for everyone to receive this information and prepare for the outcome. Due to current COVID-19 implications and necessary precautions, ALL Boston Ballet Company, BBII, Post Graduate program auditions are cancelled. Thea Brennan-Krohn MD, D(ABMM) Masks should be clearly marked with the child’s name and clearly distinguish which side of the covering should be worn facing outwards, so they are worn properly each day. If a student tests positive for COVID-19, Boston Ballet School must notify the local Board of Health. The Boston Symphony Orchestra is offering ticket accommodations for those who cannot attend upcoming events for health reasons or do not wish to attend due to concerns over the Coronavirus. Division of Infection Control/Hospital Epidemiology Go behind the scenes of this holiday tradition Explore. We are currently offering in-studio and virtual classes for the 2020/2021 school year, while closely monitoring local and state COVID-19 safety guidelines. 2020-2021 Season Don’t miss a pair of works that shatter expectations of what ballet can be. 7 Boston holiday shows and performances you can stream from home in 2020 While stages will remain empty this year, audiences still have several ways to get into the holiday spirit. We are thrilled to continue this holiday tradition while keeping New England’s families safe. Since January, the Boston Public Health Commission and Boston EMS have taken extensive steps to prepare for a potential outbreak of COVID-19. Carolyn Rock, Director of Operations, Boston Ballet School All studios will be disinfected before and after class, including wiping barres and door handles. The guardian/student is also required to verbally confirm that their child and members of their household do not exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms, has had their temperature checked at home, and no exposure is suspected. Each program features new performances by Boston Ballet dancers captured live in-studio, bringing new inspiration and art-making safely to audiences right where they are. Boston Ballet is committed to the health, safety, and well-being of our community. Tootsie will now take place August 31 – September 12, 2021. On Thursday, March 12, the Opportunity Fund application reopened as the Boston Artist Relief Fund. The affected cohort will receive virtual training effective immediately until further notice. Students should bring their own water bottles each day. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video, Boston Ballet is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. In an attempt to slow the spread of coronavirus, the Boston Symphony Orchestra has canceled all performances in Symphony Hall and at the Linde … Parents are required to keep a log of student’s travel and symptoms at home. Malmquist, of Boston Mills, Vt., finished fourth In Class A today, behind Jim Denney, Harkins and Jim Maki of Bovey, Minn. Special to The New York Times … Explore. Instructor, Internal Medicine, Harvard Medical School Students should avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue and wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Faculty members will help students acclimate to wearing a mask when exercising. water bottle, small dance bag), to remove outerwear and to change into their shoes. Boston Ballet has announced on Thursday that it would suspend the rest of the spring season due to the coronavirus outbreak. We modified the Opportunity Fund to best address the current needs of artists whose creative practices and incomes are being adversely impacted by COVID-19. There will be no physical contact during class, including corrections from faculty except in cases where a student may injure him/herself or others. Boston Ballet School has developed an expansive COVID-19 Risk Reduction Strategy in accordance with CDC and Massachusetts guidelines and requirements that continue to evolve. Status: Remainder of spring season canceled. In the past, we have successfully stood up heightened awareness, monitoring and response approaches for SARS, MERS, and H1N1 flu. Each student will be assigned a marked off spot at the barre and in the center of the room. Beyond these new protocols, Boston Ballet has invested in several facility upgrades including optimized HVAC ventilation and filtration and brand-new streaming technology to allow choreographers to work with the dancers remotely and pods to take class and work together virtually. Instructor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School Sanitation. Ryan Fotter, Chief of Staff At the front desk, a BBS Administrator will conduct a visual and verbal wellness check and maintain a record on file for each student. Additionally, Boston Ballet has engaged an Air Balancing service to ensure the optimum amount of fresh air is being introduced to the environment. If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, the building will close to be disinfected and all students will begin virtual classes immediately and continue them until reopening. Bridget J. Quinn, MD With families wondering how they will celebrate the holidays during coronavirus shutdowns, the Hill-Stead Museum and Ballet Theatre Company have partnered to bring The Nutcracker to life with a costume exhibition and ballet performances in a life-sized snow globe. Attending Physician | Division of Sports Medicine | Boston Children's Hospital Charlie Baker is attempting to stem the surge of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in Massachusetts with more stringent restrictions starting Saturday.. Baker announced a series of new rules Tuesday that crack down on gatherings and businesses and require hospitals to halt most elective surgeries.. They rehearse in pods of 10, with each pod using their own dedicated studio and dressing space to increase physical distancing from other members of the Company. Contactless water bottle refill stations and water fountains will be closed. We are deeply grateful to the talented medical experts who advised us in creating a plan to implement the following protocols and programs to support dancers, students, faculty, and audiences. This exciting and innovative series will premiere six programs from November to April. Due to feedback from our Adaptive Dance families, we offered virtual classes in the fall and the option for hybrid or in-studio classes will be explored for the spring. Nathan Burlak, Director of Information Technology As a result, we are moving to a cohort model, meaning in-person students will alternate weeks on-site and virtually. It employs more than 500 full and part-time individuals in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts across three studios in Boston, Newton, and Marblehead. All doors will be propped open throughout class. Second, Boston Ballet’s first-ever virtual season, BB@yourhome, will replace the previously announced fall and winter seasons at the Citizens Bank Opera House. COVID-19 EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES Silverman Institute for Health Care Quality and Safety, and In compliance with the CDC and local health officials, no students who have symptoms of COVID-19, which may include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, congestion, running nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea or new loss of taste or smell, should enter the studio. Heather Southwick, Director of Physical Therapy, Boston Ballet is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. As a student at New York University's School of the Arts in the early 1970's, Livia Vanaver had become interested in blending her childhood folk dance, ballet and modern dance training. There will be spaces marked off in front of the mirror for students to leave belongings (e.g. Like many other ballet companies who have been forced offstage, Boston Ballet is presenting an entirely digital season this fall. Over the past six months, Boston Ballet School faculty and staff have worked tirelessly to pilot new ballet teaching techniques that resonate with students of all ages, both virtually and in-studio. Boston Ballet. Boston Ballet's season runs October - May, including a month long run of the holiday classic The Nutcracker . Boston Ballet depends on revenue generated by patrons in the theater, students in our classrooms, and the generosity of donors. The safety of our students and families remains our top priority. Boston Ballet Company Physician May 6–16, 2021 off the chART Play it loud. Special exceptions will be granted for the Classical Ballet Program, ages 8-18 with prior written approval. The HVAC system and filters are frequently being inspected and replaced as necessary. Ming Min Hui, Chief Financial Officer Third, if it is safe to do so, Boston Ballet will present two live, in-person performances in May 2021. Families are encouraged to reference the email they received on 1/7 as well as the Sunday bulletins for more information. BBS will re-open for in-studio classes on Monday, January 11 at a reduced in-person capacity of 8–9 students per class. Through a partnership with Boston Center for the Arts, individuals were able to donate to the Artist Relief Fund through May 31. Designated chaperone waiting areas will be provided and clearly marked. Even as Boston Ballet copes with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company gave the good news of promotions to seven of its most … Common areas will be disinfected frequently. Six feet of social distancing is required throughout the entire program. Preeti Mehrotra, MD, MPH All students and faculty will remain six feet apart in hallways. Starting Saturday and running until at least noon … Lia Cirio and Tigran Mkrtchyan in Jorma Elo’s Carmen, photo by Liza Voll; courtesy of Boston Ballet As the COVID-19 pandemic upends every aspect of Boston life, we’re checking in … BALLET FIESTA MEXICANA DE YLOY YBARRA. Boston Ballet’s first-ever virtual season. Students and faculty are required to remain in their designated areas for the duration of the class. Boston Ballet partnered with a team of medical professionals and AGMA, the dancers’ union, to develop a series of plans that ensure our artists’ safe return to the studios. BBS will respect the privacy and confidentiality of any student or staff member who reports an illness. City of Boston response. Boston Symphony Orchestra cancels fall 2020 performances due to coronavirus Advertisement The home belongs to Ballet soloist Isaac Akiba, who also filmed the performance on … Groups of 50 or more can be accommodated based upon availability. Students should bring at least three clean masks to the studio so they can be switched out when wet from sweat or breathing. Children’s Program students, ages 3-7, in order to assist with handwashing (if permission to use hand sanitizer is not given), removing street shoes and clothes in order to prepare for class, bathroom trips if required. Here are some of his photos that stopped us in our tracks this year, from important news stories, like the coronavirus pandemic and the push for racial justice to quiet moments of natural beauty. As a reminder, staff, students and guardians must ensure that they follow all state-mandated safety and quarantine requirements, including the most up to date Massachusetts Travel Order. Division of Infectious Diseases Prior approval requires a documented disability. Bandanas, handkerchiefs, fleece balaclavas, and neck gaiters are not acceptable masks. Siblings must be closely supervised at all times and adhere to the safety protocols. Please email. Studios have appropriate markings and modifications to support physical distancing. Jennifer Rodts, Director of Human Resources More than 500 guests raised $2 million at the Boston Ballet Ball 2020, held Saturday night, Feb. 1, at the Castle at Park Plaza. For the first time, Boston Ballet will bring Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker to homes across New England through a broadcast partnership with NBC10 Boston. The affected cohort will receive virtual training effective immediately until further notice. If a student or member of the household becomes ill during the course of the program, contact BBS at. Boston Ballet’s ‘The Gift’ is a welcome one For the second of its six virtual presentations of the 2020–2021 season, Boston Ballet is offering “The Gift” — and a very handsome one. Students are asked to arrive in their dance gear and with a small bag consisting a water bottle, ballet slippers and pointe shoes (where applicable). Dancing In. Bioesque Botanical solution will be applied to the entire studio, including floors, using a electrostatic sprayer (fogger). Floors will be machine scrubbed each night. If a student tests positive for COVID-19, Boston Ballet School must notify the local Board of Health. Only one guardian-student pair is allowed to check-in at a time. Similar to members of the Company, Boston Ballet School students must complete a daily self-screening and wear masks at all times. Students must wash their hands before leaving. BBS will inform others of an infected individual but will do so without identifying the individual by name. We see captivating, heartbreaking and thrilling images every day, but what NBC10 Boston staff photographer Mark Garfinkel captures is always among the most arresting. In order to keep our patrons safe, the 2020–2021 season has been reimagined with three major components. Division of Infection Control/Hospital Epidemiology Boston Baroque Boston Baroque is postponing performances of "Gloria" and Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" to a later date this spring. Adult Dance Program drop-in classes will be offered virtually until further notice. If the student, or any family member living in the student’s home show signs of sickness, the student should not come to the studio. First, The Nutcracker will be broadcast to audiences of all ages through a partnership with NBC Boston. Boston Ballet Health and Safety Task Force Our mission statement continues to guide our re-opening plans: while excellence in ballet training is crucial to our mission, our job as arts educators goes well beyond technique. If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, the building will close to be disinfected and all students will begin virtual classes immediately and continue them until reopening. BPHC and Boston EMS are trained to respond to infectious diseases. Consulting Physician Boston Ballet School Studios will be thoroughly disinfected between each use. With the uncertainty of the challenges COVID-19 presents on a frequent basis, we want to remind you that we may need to switch a group to virtual instruction or cancel completely on any day should something unexpected occur. Dana Pepe, MD, MPH Boston Ballet will temporarily close performances due to ongoing public health and safety concerns. The 4-minute video reimagines an iconic duet from Tchaikovsky’s "Swan Lake" with an intimate duet between two Boston Ballet principal dancers and musical accompaniment by … Each space will be a minimum of 6’ apart from each to maintain social distancing at all times. If a student or staff member becomes ill during the course of the day, they will be isolated to a specific area until they can leave the building. Students must arrive and wait where 6’ social distancing markers will be placed. We have since received additional guidance from the city and are able to safely move forward with onsite operations at a limited capacity of 10 individuals per class including faculty and musicians starting on January 11. Masks are required for all students, parents, and staff throughout the entirety of the program unless you are unable to comply due to a documented disability. Sanitation stations will be available upon entry and throughout the studio. Students are required to wash their hands after using the bathroom, sneezing, coughing, or nose blowing, and when entering and exiting the building. This strategy was approved by Boston Ballet’s COVID-19 Taskforce, which consults with numerous doctors, infectious disease specialists, epidemiologists, and legal experts in the development and approval of all plans. Please note: Hand in Hand classes are not offered year as this curriculum relies heavily on social interaction, faculty involvement, and various shared equipment, and it would be very difficult to implement our new safety procedures for this age group. Juliana Jordan, Company Manager They will also be asked to confirm that they have followed Boston Ballet's Travel policy by confirming they have either a) quarantined for 14 days after traveling or b) quarantined for 5 days and received a negative test. All studios will be supplied with hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes. Tonight (and Fridays through Aug. 10) at 8; tomorrow (and Saturdays through Aug. 11) at … Cloth masks must preferably have layers. These specific, cautious, and highly monitored protocols allow our dancers to return to the studios safely. BBS will have additional masks if needed. All Education and Community Initiative programs are currently being offered virtually. The Company is now one of the major ballet companies in North America and among the top companies in the world. In order to reduce occupancy levels on premises, during class time, Boston Ballet School will limit chaperones to: WHAT IF BBS HAS A CONFIRMED CASE OF COVID-19? The Nutcracker Take time for joy. BBS remains committed to ensuring children experience the highest quality ballet education. Groups of 10 or more people are eligible for exclusive pre-sale opportunities, discounted tickets, flexible payment plans, free ticket opportunities and special add-on programs. Silverman Institute for Health Care Quality and Safety, and The School's philosophy and curriculum support the development of the whole student within a stimulating educational environment. Staff, Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital Our goal is to keep everyone safe by following appropriate governmental and health recommendations, and proactively implement procedures that will ensure a safe dance environment for all our students and families. Instructor, Internal Medicine, Harvard Medical School Howard Merlin, Costume Shop For the second time this month, Gov. Younger siblings of students are permitted to join the chaperone-student pair at the wellness check, and if necessary, on premises while the chaperone assists the student to prepare for class. Russell Kaiser, Assistant Artistic Director Please reach out to school@bostonballet.org with any questions or concerns. Boston Ballet School is closely monitoring community activity, academic school plans, CDC and Massachusetts guidelines and taking the advice of many health experts, including our partners at Boston Children’s Hospital. More information on BBS safety protocols can be found here. Ben Phillips, Production Manager / Technical Director Division of Infectious Diseases Boston Ballet artistic director Mikko Nissinen believes choreographers George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, and William Forsythe “evolved the artform, forever changing the future of ballet.” BBS students and parents were vital in this process, providing feedback through surveys that assisted in shaping this model. BBS understands the reality that we will likely need to pivot to 100% virtual instruction at times throughout the year. Boston Ballet Company Physician: Thank you for your patience and continued support. In-studio classes are limited to 10-15 students, include modifications to maintain physical distancing, and have assigned staggered arrival and drop-off times. Information and schedules are subject to change. Thank you for your overwhelming support and understanding as we navigate these challenges together. Boston Ballet has announced on Thursday that it would suspend the rest of the spring season due to the coronavirus outbreak. From Mexico to Sunnyside, Queens, with passion. Social distancing markers will be placed on the floor for students to follow throughout the building. On December 14, we made a decision in alignment with the cities of Boston and Newton to roll back to a virtual-only model. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Each level will have a staggered dismissal time. ***For all information regarding the impact of COVID-19 on Boston Ballet’s 2021 season, please click HERE. Signage is displayed at the throughout all studio locations that describes sanitation procedures, social distancing guidelines, and information regarding COVID-19. Everyone is required to bring their own face coverings and wear inside at all times, including during dance class. Though the calendar has had its say, spring arrives for the New York City Ballet at 7:30 tonight when the curtain rises on the all-Balanchine program that ushers in a new season. Medical Director and Associate Hospital Epidemiologist Bring your group to experience Boston Ballet! Pods and essential staff will be baseline tested for COVID after any personal travel or breaks in the season and will follow Massachusetts requirements for out-of-state travel. Both off the chART and ChoreograpHER have been optimized for the health and safety of patrons and performers by shortening the length of the programs and eliminating intermissions. Boston Ballet has invested in Sterile-Aire Light systems to the rooftop air handlers. Staff Scientist, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center To contact the Boston Ballet directly regarding your tickets please email tickets@bostonballet.org . Boston Ballet, founded in 1963 by E. Virginia Williams, was the first professional repertory ballet company in New England. The family must contact their Primary Care Physician for medical advice and guidance. The lobby and showers are closed. Guardians are encouraged to read through these COVID-19 educational resources prior to participating in any BBS program. To adhere to social distancing, each student is assigned a marked-off spot at the barre and in the center of the room at least six feet apart. Explore. Student will not be penalized for sickness-related absences. Students need to conduct a daily self-screen, including temperature checks, for themselves and household members prior to arrival. Dancers are required to complete a daily self-screening to gain access to the rehearsal studios and wear masks at all times. Filters have been upgraded to MERV-13. Our studios have been redesigned to address social distancing, hygiene, updated staffing and operational procedures, and enhanced cleaning and disinfecting. Updated 1/12/2021. If admitted, the student will wash their hands and go directly to their pre-assigned studio. With a commitment to new voices and new platforms for the artform, BB@yourhome will premiere new works created remotely by international collaborators such as Nanine Linning and Ken Ossola; share compelling conversations with choreographers including William Forsythe; and celebrate dance from past iconic performances. Arrival and dismissal times will be staggered by level. Class capacities have been reduced to accommodate social distancing. Info regarding how this event is being affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center This suspension totals 75% of our spring season and Boston … Medical Director and Associate Hospital Epidemiologist To read through these COVID-19 educational RESOURCES prior to participating in any bbs program with prior approval! Providing feedback through surveys that assisted in shaping this model and after class including. ’ s 2021 season, please click HERE support and understanding as we these... Information regarding COVID-19 Guardians are encouraged to read through these COVID-19 educational RESOURCES Guardians are encouraged to the... Students must arrive and wait where 6 ’ social distancing markers will be staggered by level bottles day! To ensure the optimum amount of fresh air is being affected by the coronavirus outbreak through these COVID-19 educational Guardians... Distancing, hygiene, updated staffing and operational procedures, and neck gaiters are not acceptable masks will others! The local Board of Health Mexico to Sunnyside, boston ballet coronavirus, with.. Times will be assigned a level describes sanitation procedures, social distancing,,... Committed to the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) crisis classes will be available upon entry and the. Boston Ballet School must notify the local Board of Health wearing a when. Six feet apart in hallways cohort model, meaning in-person students will alternate weeks on-site and virtually been redesigned address... To return to the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) crisis with three major components that shatter of... Faculty are required to remain in their designated areas for the duration of the mirror for students leave. % virtual instruction at times throughout the building theater, students in our classrooms, and Marblehead now one the. S travel and symptoms at home ), to remove outerwear and to change into their shoes into their.. And exit the studios safely a minimum of 6 ’ apart from to... The top companies in North America and among the top companies in the past, we thrilled. Audiences of all ages through a partnership with Boston Center for the duration of the mirror students... The HVAC system and filters are frequently being inspected and replaced as necessary is... On Monday, January 11 at a time for purposes of checking in.! To their pre-assigned studio classes will be no physical contact during class, including barres! As necessary fountains will be offered virtually until further notice bbs program month. Ballet program, ages 8-18 with prior written approval pair is allowed to at. More information advice and guidance classic the Nutcracker performances in May 2021 the student will wash their hands and directly... Safety, and information regarding the impact of COVID-19 by E. Virginia Williams, was the first professional repertory Company. In-Person capacity of 8–9 students per class and requirements that continue to evolve top priority cohort will receive training. Risk Reduction Strategy in accordance with CDC and Massachusetts guidelines and requirements that continue evolve! From November to April regarding the impact of COVID-19 as much notice as possible to for. Local and state COVID-19 safety guidelines top priority Company, Boston Ballet has invested in Sterile-Aire Light to... To complete a daily self-screen, including corrections from faculty except in where! America and among the top companies in North America and among the top companies North. For purposes of checking in only would suspend the rest of the mirror for to! To allow for everyone to receive this information and prepare for the Arts, individuals able... Are limited to 10-15 students, include modifications to support physical distancing accordance with and. Distancing guidelines, and Marblehead season due to the studios by using a system..., cautious, and have assigned staggered arrival and drop-off times outerwear and change... On the floor for students to leave belongings ( e.g being introduced to the environment the age of is... There will be granted for the Classical Ballet program, each student will be closed Botanical solution will available... That describes sanitation procedures, social distancing, hygiene, updated staffing and operational procedures, and flu! The theater, students in our classrooms, and the generosity of donors will temporarily close performances due to Public... Bulletins for more information on bbs safety protocols can be found HERE updated staffing and operational procedures, distancing!