The Annapolis Economic Development Corporation (“AEDC”) announces the recent relocation and expansion of the Ballet Theatre of Maryland (BTM) to the City of Annapolis and the vibrant local arts community.
The Ballet Theatre of Maryland, the only professional ballet theater in the State of Maryland, has studio spaces now located at 1981 Moreland Parkway with approximately 5,500 square feet of state-of-the-art dance studio and office space.
“The Annapolis Economic Development Corporation is happy that the Ballet Theatre of Maryland chose the City of Annapolis for its expansion. I am happy to have the addition of this talented group of dancers to our already outstanding arts community. The exceptional “quality of life” businesses such as the BTM bring to Annapolis is just one of the many reasons other businesses and residents choose to locate in the City.”, stated Lara Fritts, President and CEO of the Annapolis Economic Development Corporation.
The Merritt Development Company contributed in-kind services to build out the space, which was secured with the help of Adam Cole from ABTech. Adam Cole serves as the Treasurer for the Theater’s Board and is the owner and CEO of ABTech, an Annapolis-based VOIP and unified communications services firm. The project investment totaled nearly $70,000 and the new location features two sprung-floor studios, locker rooms with showers, a lobby, and offices.
The professional company includes 35 dancers and BTM’s school of dance houses over 400 students with a faculty of 8-10 professionally qualified teachers. Upcoming performances include Aladdin in October; The Nutcracker in December; an evening of one act stories in February featuring the Scarlet Letter and Stravinsky’s Firebird; and a mixed bill featuring Annapolis Anthologies: Reflections on Grace in celebrating Annapolitan pioneer Grace Clark’s 100th Birthday plus new works by choreographers Dianna Cuatto and Meagan Helman in April.
“I am so grateful to the generosity of the Merritt Development Company and the Annapolis community for making it possible for us to grow and expand into our new facility, for providing our dancers with a real “home” and business in Annapolis where we can – through the business of dance – contribute more quality back to our community.”, stated Dianna Cuatto, Artistic Director for the Ballet Theatre of Maryland since 2003.
The Ballet Theatre of Maryland will be hosting a wine tasting in July. The grand opening and ribbon cutting will be in September and we look forward to the Annapolis community supporting this special event. Please contact Janis Rotner for more information or visit the company web site at http://www.balletmaryland.org.
