The State Ballet of Rhode Island is the state's first established classical ballet company in residence. Its mission is to create, present, preserve and extend the great repertoire of classical dancing to the widest possible audience, while providing exciting performances and educational programming of the highest quality. Since its premiere performance in November of 1960 at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium, SBRI has sustained itself in a wide variety of venues. Also, SBRI is the state's first ballet company to offer Cultural Enrichment Programs to community schools. The Explore Ballet Workshop is designed to offer an on-site ballet curriculum including demonstrations and short performances. The Field Trip to the ballet gives students an opportunity to attend the ballet at the theater.