In furtherance and support of our mission we are committed to providing the following programs and services:
College of Adaptive Arts
The relationship between Los Gatos Ballet and College of the Adaptive Arts began in October of 2018. Christine Zillman, Outreach Director of Los Gatos Ballet, became familiar with CAA and its programs through social media. She reached out to the director of the school, Janet Heathcote, to put together a master class in service of our community outreach, which was the beginning of an enriching relationship.
Ms Zillman continued to nurture the relationship with the belief that “ballet is for everyone to enjoy and experience”. She cultivated a collaboration with CAA, who were featured in performances of LGB’s Nutcracker from 2019 – 2023. The collaboration has continued to be supported, having the CAA community observe the magic of Nutcracker from the audience in 2024 as invited guests at dress rehearsal.
The Transformational Power of Dance…
When Amy was little, probably 8 or 9, I signed her two little sisters up for a local ballet class for 2-3 year olds. Amy asked me in her sweet little 2 or 3 word sentences (or maybe just 1 at that time) if she could join them. I asked the studio if there was some way we could include her in ballet, offering to do private lessons if nothing else, but the answer was no. The way that we were told we didn’t belong there hurt enough that I didn’t try again or try anywhere else in the ballet world. I cannot even describe the feeling that I had suddenly recalling this experience watching her dance her heart out at this last year’s Nutcracker and in class with her fellow ballet students. Can she do everything that is taught? No, of course not. However, she dances with joy and love and thankfulness to be part of the dance community in a way that perhaps only those who have been left behind can feel. Just ask the man next to her when she took her bow at December’s Nutcracker. She bowed with so much enthusiasm, the look on his face when she pulled him down with her was priceless. True love and dedication. That, our sweet Amy has. Thank you for being a place in which Amy has found the Joy of Dancing.
With sincere gratitude,
Patti Hancock (aka Amy’s mom)
San Jose Youth Symphony
Los Gatos Ballet began its collaboration with San Jose Youth Symphony in 2014, showcasing youth and professional talent through the production of the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker. The masterful leadership of Yair Samet conducting SJYS, combined with the beauty and power of dance, provided an evening of pure delight that served the community for five years.