Founded in 1980, Portland Ballet is Maine’s professional ballet company, and is the only professional ballet company in the state. Under the artistic direction of Nell Shipman, Portland Ballet has become one of the leading ballet companies in the northeast. Not only does the company present classical and neo-classical story ballets, but also offers contemporary works, and attracts professionals from across the country and internationally. Portland Ballet strives to bring the joy of dance to the entire community and regularly participates in outreach programs, collaborating with other local arts institutions. They reach over 1,500 local students and residents of retirement communities and disability support homes each year through their community performances. As a company, they are committed to training and supporting the next generation of dancers in an environment that is safe, empowering and equitable, and condemns all acts of racism, hatred and violence.