Peninsula Ballet Theatre

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.

“I think it’s wonderful; it’s very colorful and lifelike and it definitely has a magical feel to it,”
Read the full Article in the Contra Costa Times about our 2009 Nutcracker

“But the price of the ticket was worth it just to hear a live orchestra in East County playing such lively, hummable music.”
Dave Roberts, Brentwood Press
Orchestra brings ‘Nutcracker’ to life, 12/21/07

“Now, the nonprofit Peninsula Ballet Theatre is bringing Carlos Carvajal’s critically acclaimed production of the beloved ballet to the venerable theater for the first time.”
Judith Prieve, Contra Costa Times
‘Nutcracker’ makes return 12/07/07

Press

March 2018

Residents weigh in on housing proposal "Several dancers with the Peninsula Ballet Theatre joined the organization’s ballet mistress Nina Baratova-Amato in advocating for the nonprofit to be included in the development’s plans."

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New development puts longtime dance theatre’s future in jeopardy

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December 2017

Dance: Moving 'Nutcracker' 200 years into a hip-hop future

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The Hip-Hop Cinderella Experience

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November 2017

Peninsula Ballet Theatre dancers perform hip-hop version of 'The Nutcracker'

ABC Channel 7 News and Video

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June 2017

PBT Announces New Artistic Director

August 2015

November 2014

July 2013 – Kristine Elliott

Dec. 2012 Nutcracker

Aug. 2012 Youth Theatre Conservatory

Dec. 2011 Nutcracker

Nov. 2011 Nutcracker

Sept. 2011 Art Exhibition

Apr. 2011 Peter Pan

Dec. 2011 Art Exhibition

Dec. 2010 Nutcracker

Apr. 2010

May 2010

Dec. 2009 Nutcracker

More Press…

Residents weigh in on housing proposal
"Several dancers with the Peninsula Ballet Theatre joined the organization’s ballet mistress Nina Baratova-Amato in advocating for the nonprofit to be included in the development’s plans."