Summary: This week we are happy to welcome José Mateo, Founder & Artistic Director of the José Mateo Ballet Theatre. José holds a BA in Art History from Princeton University where he began his formal training in ballet and modern techniques. After a New York-based career as a dancer, Mateo moved to Boston where he worked as an administrator at Harvard University’s Fogg Art Museum and quickly gained a reputation as a teacher and choreographer. In 1985 he founded his own company and school. For over 30 years José Mateo Ballet Theatre’s highly acclaimed Company has presented repertory work representing Mateo’s artistic achievement in choreography. Mateo is also widely respected for his civic contribution as innovator of community programs that broaden the reach of ballet and make dance an effective community building force. Last week Mateo was awarded the esteemed Commonwealth Award for Achievement, the highest honor in arts, humanities, and sciences in the State of Massachusetts. Today we talk with him about his time at Princeton, the process of building a company and school from the ground up, and about receiving this distinguished award.<br>
