The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce proudly co‑hosted a landmark ribbon‑cutting ceremony on February 5 celebrating the Eastern Shore Ballet Theatre’s (ESBT) first permanent, year‑round home: the ESBT Arts Center, located at 301 Tilghman Road in Salisbury.
This milestone—35 years in the making—marks a transformative moment for the arts on the Eastern Shore. The new facility, which opened in August 2025, provides dedicated rehearsal and production space for Delmarva’s oldest pre‑professional ballet company. As a nonprofit organization committed to cultivating dance education and arts appreciation across the region, ESBT now has a permanent home that will strengthen its mission and expand its community impact.
Board Vice President Leslie Belloso welcomed guests and opened her remarks by honoring ESBT founder Betty Webster, who was in attendance. “ESBT was created to foster a deep appreciation for ballet, showcase local talent through full‑length productions, and promote choreography rooted in classical music and theater,” Belloso shared.
She also highlighted the leadership of Executive Director Christina Ennis, Artistic Director Elena Manakova, the dedicated volunteer board, and the dancers and families who bring the company’s ambitious productions to life. ESBT stages major works such as The Nutcracker, Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, and soon a brand‑new Little Mermaid. The company also welcomes dancers from any studio through open auditions held twice a year.
Belloso offered special thanks to supporters including the Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council, the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, and the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce for helping the organization grow and strengthen its ties to the business community.
Jake Day, Secretary of Housing & Community Development, presented citations from his department as well as on behalf of Governor Wes Moore, recognizing ESBT’s longstanding contributions to the arts and celebrating this exciting new chapter.
Attendees enjoyed light fare and entered to win door prizes, including Vernon Powell and Starbucks gift cards and tickets to the upcoming production of The Little Mermaid, among others.
For more information, tickets or donations to the ESBT, visit www.esbt.org
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- Milestone ribbon cutting celebration for the Eastern Shore Ballet Theatre
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- The amazing volunteers and ESBT Board of Directors welcomed all guests to their ribbon cutting.
