A Message to the Peninsula Lively Arts/Peninsula Ballet Theatre Community
Dear PLA & PBT Community,
By now, you may have seen the Board’s open letter announcing the decision to conclude operations of Peninsula Lively Arts and Peninsula Ballet Theatre at the end of this Spring season. This news is incredibly difficult, and we know it may come with a wide range of emotions and questions.
More than anything, we want you to know how grateful we are for this extraordinary community. The dancers, students, families, faculty, friends, and supporters who have filled these studios and theaters over the years are what made this organization so special. It has been an honor to create and grow alongside all of you.
Our focus now is on supporting our students and dancers, and finishing this season with the care and sense of community that has always defined PLA and PBT. Classes and performances will continue as scheduled through June 30, including the PSA June Showcase, La Bayadère & Other Dances on June 7. We are also planning a special, final company performance, The Last Dance, on June 20, and we look forward to sharing more details about that program very soon!
While this chapter is coming to a close, the spirit of this community does not end here. We care deeply about all of you and are committed to staying connected as we move forward.
Thank you for being part of this remarkable community and for everything you have given to it.
With appreciation,
Gregory Amato
Artistic Director
Chloé Watson
Director of Artistic Operations
FAQ
Why is Peninsula Lively Arts closing?
After a comprehensive evaluation of the organization’s long-term sustainability, the Board determined that PLA’s current operating model is no longer viable. Over many decades, PLA and Peninsula Ballet Theatre (PBT) relied primarily on tuition and ticket sales to support programming and operations, without developing the sustained philanthropic base typically required to support a nonprofit arts organization of this scale.
At the same time, the shopping plaza housing PLA’s studios is scheduled for redevelopment beginning in 2027. Leadership explored a range of options for remaining in the area, including identifying alternative locations and considering whether a smaller footprint could support core programs. However, given the realities of the Peninsula real estate market and the resources available to the organization, no path forward was identified that would allow PLA to continue operating responsibly.
Taken together, these circumstances led the Board to conclude that concluding operations at the end of the Spring 2026 season is the most responsible course forward.
When will PLA officially close?
PLA will conclude operations by June 30, 2026. PLA is doing everything possible to ensure classes, rehearsals, and scheduled performances will continue through the end of the Spring 2026 season, including one final student performance in June. Specific dates and additional details will be communicated directly to students and families.
Why can’t PLA move to another location?
PLA currently operates in approximately 34,000 square feet of specialized arts space that supports studios, rehearsals, performances, costumes, storage, and administrative functions. Comparable facilities with appropriate studio configuration are extremely limited on the Peninsula.
Relocation would require significant upfront capital for lease requirements, security deposits, build-out improvements, and moving costs, as well as long-term lease commitments. Leadership also evaluated whether a smaller facility could support the organization’s core studio programs, but even scaled-down options would require resources and commitments beyond what is feasible.
After reviewing multiple potential sites, none were identified that would allow PLA to continue operating sustainably.
What happens to currently enrolled students?
PLA is doing everything possible to ensure classes and performances scheduled for Spring 2026 proceed as planned. Families and adults will receive direct communication regarding timelines and any related administrative details.
Could this decision change?
No, the PLA Board voted on February 12, 2026 to formally dissolve the organization. After months of evaluation and exploration of possible alternatives, the Board determined that concluding operations on June 30, 2026, at the end of the Spring season, is the most responsible course forward, given the organization’s long-term sustainability challenges and facility realities.
Are you still accepting new students or tuition payments?
PLA is working to continue operating for currently enrolled students through the Spring 2026 season. The organization will not enroll students in new long-term programming that extends beyond the final operating season.
Where can students seek similar training?
We understand that students will want to plan for the future. While PLA cannot formally endorse or certify other programs, we encourage students to explore other arts and dance organizations on the Peninsula and ask about training standards, instructor credentials, and youth safety policies.
PLA will do its best to offer general guidance to students as they plan next steps.
What’s going to happen to the PLA organization and trademark?
PLA will complete the Spring 2026 season and then proceed with a formal wind-down and dissolution process, in accordance with California nonprofit regulations. The Board is committed to stewarding the organization’s legacy and concluding operations in an orderly and respectful manner. After the dissolution is complete, PLA and PBT will no longer exist.
Where will classes be held through the end of the season?
PLA is working to ensure that classes and programming continue at PLA’s current location through the end of the Spring 2026 season.
What will happen to the performing company?
The performing company has no further scheduled performances. PLA students will perform one last time on June 7, 2026. Company members and students will receive direct communication regarding final performances and transition planning.
What if we were to receive a major donation?
While additional funding could support short-term operations, the Board determined that the organization’s facility constraints and long-term sustainability challenges mean that a single donation would not resolve the structural issues facing PLA.
For these reasons, the Board concluded that winding down operations at the end of the season is the most responsible course.
Will the organization ever return?
No. PBT and PLA, as currently structured under its 501(c)(3) status, will be formally dissolved in accordance with California law on or before December 31, 2026.
How will updates be shared?
Updates will be shared directly with staff, families, faculty, students, and stakeholders via email and posted to the PLA website.
Media inquiries and public questions should be directed to:
Joe Arellano, Media Relations — joe@joearellano.com
Susan Condon, Board President — scondon@gcalaw.com
Debbie Chinn, Interim Executive Director — dchinn@peninsulalivelyarts.org
Adult workshop: The Emperor's Waltz
This 5-week workshop (April 2-30) is designed for beginner to intermediate adult students who wish to learn The Emperor's Waltz by Gregory Amato from Peninsula Ballet Theatre's repertoire. From 6:15-7:45 PM, students will participate in a technique class with Artistic Director Gregory Amato, followed by a 45-minute repertory class led by Gregory Amato and Chloé Watson. Chloé has had the pleasure of performing The Emperor’s Waltz with Peninsula Ballet Theatre and looks forward to sharing her knowledge and insights with workshop participants.
Make a Gift to Dance, to Creativity, and to a Hopeful Future!
When you give, and give generously, to Peninsula Lively Arts, you are having such an amazing impact not on individual lives, but on the collective power of young people to take on the big issues of this world and solve them with creativity, confidence, rigor and joy.