Peninsula Ballet Gets a New Home

In Conversation with Christine Leslie, current President of the Peninsula Ballet Theatre.  Christine has been with Peninsula Ballet Theatre since 1980 and has served in virtually all capacities.  First as a Dancer and then later as Seamstress, Office Manager, Fundraiser,  Executive Director, Board Member and sometimes still, all of the above.  PBT has recently consolidated all of its operations and moved into the former Circuit City building in San Mateo.

PAC: How long have you been looking for a space and why does this former retail location fit the bill?

CL: We had been looking for over two years and nothing was quite right.  Either the space was too small, too expensive, didn’t have enough parking or sprinklers, wasn’t zoned correctly or put us in a warehouse district.  When this came along, we knew we had to take a leap of faith and go for it.  The 320,000 sq. ft. space has everything we need for current and future needs and will house administration, wardrobe and sets, rehearsal and class space, gallery and retail space and scene shop production.  We signed a 10-year lease and are excited about the possibilities!

PAC: Two paths of classes begin on June 28, the pre-professional and the general.  What is the difference between the two?

CL: For the pre-professional program, students start as young as age 4 or 5 with pre-ballet classes.  As each level is achieved, the student moves on to a variety of other more advanced coursework covering strength coordination, agility, character, ethnic dances, pointe work and creative movement.  They will continue on this path through advanced pre-professional and professional classes.  The general track offers the same classes but generally the student takes fewer hours per week. Additionally we offer a variety of movement classes including Polynesian dance, Pilates, Gyrotonics, and Yoga.  Our future plans call for music rooms for voice and instrumental classes and music rehearsal space. 

PAC: The task of retrofitting the space and appointing it are quite tasking.  Is there anything you still have on your wish list?

CL:  Everything is on pace to create the rehearsal and office space, but we still need a variety of items to fully furnish the large space.  These items include:
PBT Wish List
All Donations are Tax Deductible! !!!
Used Equipment is Just Fine

  • Ballet Flooring
  • Building Signage
  • Children’s Tables (4) and Chairs (12)
  • Commercial Wardrobe Steamer
  • Cubbies for Dressing Rooms
  • VHS to DVD conversion
  • Gyrotonic and Pilates Equipment
  • Hangers with Metal Hooks for Costumes
  • IKEA Black Metal Stools
  • Janitorial Service
  • Lockers
  • Magnetic and Write-On/Wipe-Off Boards
  • Office Cubical Panels
  • Old bridesmaids and prom dresses make great costumes
  • Picture Framing and Matting
  • Reception Area Furniture (couches, chairs, tables, etc)
  • Rehearsal Pianos
  • Rehearsal Sound System
  • Retail Display Cases
  • Retail Grid Wall Accessories
  • Serger
  • Studio Mirrors
  • TVs with DVD and VHS players

 

PAC:  This new facility will house all of the “behind the scenes” details of the PBT.  Where will PBT perform?

CL:  PBT is a professional touring company and performs at a variety of locations throughout the Bay Area including the San Mateo Performing Arts Center, Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, and on the East Bay at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland and the Creative Arts Building in Pittsburgh. We understand that the historic Fox Theatre in Redwood City may soon be open again; this would be a wonderful venue for our repertoire programs.

PAC: Do you have plans to expand your touring capabilities?
CL:  We are always looking for additional venues that can accommodate a full orchestra.  We intend to stay mainly within Northern California and are considering venues in Yountville, Marin, Rohnert Park, Santa Cruz and Walnut Creek.   Through our Artistic Director’s many international contacts there is a possibility to perform in Mexico. 

PAC: What are your hopes for the future of PBT?

CL: We want PBT to become a regional arts center and one where students of all ages see us as “home”.  We want to fill this space with music, laughter, dance and art and have an environment with a nurturing, fun and artistic heart.

PAC:  Congratulations Christine to you and your staff for creating a professional environment where students can come to learn and rehearse in San Mateo County.   

CL:  Thank you.  We were fortunate to have an additional team of people who all came together to make this happen; Michael Berube our commercial real estate broker; Jeff and Larry Atkins owners of the property, W.L. Butler Construction,  Roger Hagman our Architect and Carol Schwartz, our legal advisor.

Peninsula Ballet Theatre prides itself on being the second oldest professional dance company in the Bay Area and is the largest employer of professional performing artists in San Mateo County.  The new center is located at 1880 S. Grant Street in San Mateo with easy access to Hwy. 92, 101, 280 and the Caltrain Hayward Park Station.  Opening hours will be from 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. daily.  More information can be found on their website at Peninsula Ballet Theatre.

Written By: Julie Fellers and Denise Delaney, PAC Board Members

Recent Press for PBT
San Mateo Daily Journal
http://www.smdailyjournal.com/article_preview.php?id=132305