Connecticut Concert Ballet Inc. was founded in 1973 as a training school for classical ballet and has been providing quality dance training ever since.  In January of 1985 CCB was incorporated as a non-profit organization and is currently the only non-profit dance school and performing organization in Manchester and Windsor.

Connecticut Concert Ballet is a unique dance school and offers a style and quality of training that cannot be found at traditional “recital dance schools”.  CCB accepts students ages 3 to adult into the school.  All students receive the highest quality training from professional faculty members that have extensive experience both as teachers and professional dancers.  Currently, the school has over 200 students.

In addition to its role as a dance school, CCB is also a unique performing organization, bringing professional quality ballet and dance productions to audiences from all over Connecticut.  All ballet students are invited to perform in the productions.  Connecticut Concert Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker is enjoyed by thousands of audience members each year.

Connecticut Concert Ballet has been under the direction of Wendy Fish-Lawrence and David Lawrence since 1997.  Drawing upon their varied professional experience, Wendy and David bring dynamic leadership, enthusiasm and a nurturing teaching style to the school.  As the schools Artistic Directors, Wendy and David are very committed to CCB’s professional approach to training.  Unlike most schools, rehearsals for the productions are held outside of the students’ regular class time.   They feel very strongly that “proper dance training is about much more than practicing a routine for a recital every week, it is about learning a technique and building upon that technique each week so that you become the best dancer you can be!”  Wendy and David also believe strongly in creating a family atmosphere where students can grow and improve in a supportive environment. 

As a non-profit organization Connecticut Concert Ballet strives to keep tuition as low as possible and does not charge additional fees to students throughout the year such as costume purchases, audition fees or performance fees.  A large number of scholarships are provided to students who otherwise would not be able to afford classes.  To offset operation expenses, CCB relies on a large network of volunteers, from parents of our students to members of the community.  Volunteers help sew costumes, organize fundraisers, help with building improvements and assist in all aspects of CCB’s large-scale performances.  Connecticut Concert Ballet also seeks grants and donations to help fund projects and performances. 

Connecticut Concert Ballet is very proud of its relationship with the local community.  One of the school’s main focuses is community outreach and CCB regularly performs in local schools and community events.  They also strive to make lasting connections with other local arts institutions.  CCB regularly collaborates with the Manchester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale in performances of The Nutcracker at Bailey Auditorium and often brings in local guest artists to teach workshops, choreograph pieces and perform with the students.  Wendy Fish-Lawrence and David Lawrence are both dedicated to promoting the art of ballet throughout Connecticut.  In June of 2004 Wendy was inducted into the Manchester Arts Hall of Fame in recognition of her dedication and service to arts in the Manchester community.