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Marblehead School of Ballet and North Shore Civic Ballet Open Poetry Contest. Poets of All Ages Invited to Apply Now Through April 5.

Summary: The Marblehead School of Ballet and the North Shore Civic Ballet invite poets to submit their poems about dance in celebration of National Poetry Month in April and the school’s spring performance on April 26.

(Marblehead, Massachusetts; March 8, 2025) – The Marblehead School of Ballet (MSB) and the North Shore Civic Ballet (NSCB) invite poets to submit their work to the school and ballet company’s annual poetry contest in celebration of National Poetry Month in April and the school’s in-studio concert, Spring Spotlight: An In-Studio Performance, on April 26. Submissions of poems are accepted now through April 5. 

"The Marblehead School of Ballet and the North Shore Civic Ballet take pride in joining other organizations across the country in celebrating National Poetry Month in April and spotlighting the importance of dance in our society. We want to introduce more people of all ages -- children, tweens, teenagers, adults, and seniors -- to the wonders and benefits of dance and poetry through the school's spring in-studio performance," said Paula K. Shiff, Director of the Marblehead School of Ballet.

Dance Poetry Contest

Marblehead School of Ballet’s current and former students and the general public are invited to submit a poem with the theme, Steps to My Soul: How Dance Transforms Me. Contestants should submit a poem with their first and last name, a photo of themself, their age, and contact information. Submit entries to msb@havetodance.com.

The contest’s winners will read their poems and receive prizes on Saturday, April 26 at a special program, Spring Spotlight: An In-Studio Performance. The program will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the school, located at 115 Pleasant Street in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Three prizes will be awarded: first prize - a $100 gift certificate to the Marblehead School of Ballet and a MSB mug, second prize - a $50 gift certificate to the Marblehead School of Ballet and a MSB mug, and third prize - one class at the Marblehead School of Ballet and a MSB mug.

For information about the poetry contest, the Marblehead School of Ballet, or the North Shore Civic Ballet, call 781-631-6262, send an e-mail to msb@havetodance.com or visit the school's website or the ballet company’s website.

About Marblehead School of Ballet

The Marblehead School of Ballet, founded in 1971 by Paula K. Shiff, has earned a wide reputation for the excellence of its training and integrity of purpose. Classical ballet forms the core of teaching with particular emphasis on correct alignment and development of strength and agility. The sheer pleasure of dance and music is always central to the classroom experience.

The basic graded program for children includes classes in ballet technique with advanced work in repertoire and pointe. The school also offers a modern dance department, classes for young children in creative movement and classes in improvisation and technique for the older student. A full range of adult classes is offered. 

For further information about the Marblehead School of Ballet, call 781-631-6262, send an e-mail or visit the school's website.  Follow MSB on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) @MSB_ballet.

About North Shore Civic Ballet Company

 The North Shore Civic Ballet (NSCB), a not-for-profit dance company based at the Marblehead School of Ballet, has provided performances and arts education to the Greater Boston community for 51 years. Artistic Director Paula K. Shiff and Associate Director Florence C. Whipple founded the company in 1974.

The NSCB is home to an ever-changing group of talented dancers made up of both seasoned professionals and aspiring young dancers. For several years, Ivan Korn, resident choreographer, has created a range of work for the ballet company. For further information about the North Shore Civic Ballet, call 781-631-6262, send an e-mail or visit the organization's website.  

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