The Marblehead School of Ballet (MSB) opens the new year with special programming this winter, featuring three unique programs and workshops spanning classical ballet, romantic Rumba-Tango dance, and dynamic African movement styles. All programming takes place at MSB, located at 115 Pleasant Street in Marblehead, Massachusetts.
Ballet on the Big Screen: La Fille Mal Gardée
The MSB invites dance enthusiasts to attend its first Ballet on the Big Screen series film in 2026 — a special screening of ‘La Fille Mal Gardée’ (The Wayward Daughter). Rehearsals and performance by the Royal Ballet will be shown on Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:15 p.m. This charming comic ballet choreographed by Frederick Asthon tells the story of Lise, a lively village girl who outwits her mother, Widow Simone, to marry her true love, the poor farmer Colas, instead of the wealthy but foolish Alain. The performance celebrates love triumphing over social status, featuring delightful folk dances, pantomime, and iconic scenes, including clog and maypole dances.
Tickets for this ballet screening are $10, with reservations required. Interested participants can register online at https://marbleheadschoolofballet.com/classes/schedule/ to secure their spot for this enchanting afternoon of dance.
2026 Spring Dance Adventure. Dreaming: A Rumba-Tango Fusion.
The Marblehead School of Ballet presents a unique seven-lesson workshop titled ‘Dreaming: Rumba-Tango Fusion’ for adult dance students. This innovative program offers participants the opportunity to experience an original, romantic rumba-tango choreography created on them that expresses confidence, playfulness, and dreaminess themes. The workshop will run on select Thursdays, starting on January 22 and continuing monthly on February 5 and 26, March 5 and 19, and April 2 and 16, with class times set from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.
The workshop culminates in an optional performance, presented free to the public, on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the school’s large studio. Participants will have the chance to showcase their newly learned choreography, demonstrating the art of rumba-tango fusion and the journey of their dance exploration. Pre-registration is required to attend the workshop. Contact the school by phone at (781) 631-6262 or by email at msb@havetodance.com to register.
AfroBeats Workshop with Victoria Adinkra
The MSB welcomes instructor Victoria Adinkra for an electrifying AfroBeats dance workshop, celebrating movement, culture, and community, on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. This high-energy class explores popular styles from across the African continent, highlighting choreography and foundational steps from Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa. Participants begin with a dynamic warm-up to build rhythm and confidence, followed by guided instruction through signature moves, cultural context, and technique. The class culminates in a fun, approachable choreography sequence that incorporates today’s most popular Afrobeats trends. The class is open to participants of all dance levels, ages ten to adult.
Adinkra, a vibrant Boston-based creative, dancer, and community advocate, made a notable impact in the Afrobeats dance scene. As a former Co-Executive Director of Afrobeats Dance Boston, she brought her choreography and performances to life across New England, including exciting halftime shows for the Celtics and lively cultural festivals in Ghana such as Afro Future. She passionately believes in using dance as a tool for empowerment, cultural pride, and shared joy. Through her engaging workshops and collaborations, Adinkra makes movement accessible, healing, and culturally meaningful.
The fee to attend this immersive experience of AfroBeats dance is $35. Register for the class online, https://marbleheadschoolofballet.com/classes/schedule/ .
About Marblehead School of Ballet
The Marblehead School of Ballet, founded in 1971 by Paula K. Shiff, has earned a wide reputation for the excellence of its training and integrity of purpose. Classical ballet forms the core of teaching with particular emphasis on correct alignment and development of strength and agility. The sheer pleasure of dance and music is always central to the classroom experience.
The basic graded program for children includes classes in ballet technique with advanced work in repertoire and pointe. The school also offers a modern dance department, classes for young children in creative movement and classes in improvisation and technique for the older student. A full range of adult classes is offered.
The MSB is home to the North Shore Civic Ballet Company (NSCB). The NSCB gives concert performances and a variety of educational programs for schools; all are suitable for different age groups and levels of development.
For further information about the Marblehead School of Ballet and the North Shore Civic Ballet, call 781-631-6262, send an e-mail to msb@havetodance.com or visit www.marbleheadschoolofballet.com and http://marbleheadschoolofballet.com/ballet/the-company/. Follow the MSB and the NSCB on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSB_ballet.
