Carolina Youth Ballet
&
Ballet NC
a CYB affiliate
Our Story
Carolina Youth Ballet (CYB)
is dedicated to nurturing young artists through exceptional dance education, performance, and community engagement. We provide a supportive and inclusive environment where students develop discipline, creativity, and confidence while experiencing the transformative power of the arts. Through high-quality training and meaningful performance opportunities, CYB inspires the next generation of artists and engaged citizens.
Together
Both programs provide emerging artists with meaningful pre-professional and professional-level performance experiences that foster continued growth and stage development. Carolina Youth Ballet and Ballet North Carolina cultivate artistry, expand access to dance, and connect communities across the state through education, performance, and outreach.
![©AzulPhotography_01884[1] 2_edited.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/917887_f294a538c4b64c7a8ac917627b089b00~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_812,y_391,w_1359,h_1353/fill/w_377,h_329,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/%C2%A9AzulPhotography_01884%5B1%5D%202_edited.png)
Ballet North Carolina (BNC)
is an extension of CYB’s organization’s nonprofit mission, which advances excellence in classical ballet training while expanding performance opportunities across the state.
Ballet NC is a statewide professional touring company committed to enriching communities through accessible, high-quality ballet performance, education, and outreach. As a program of Carolina Youth Ballet, BNC brings the beauty and storytelling of classical ballet to diverse audiences, with a special focus on youth and underserved communities. Through performances, school programs, and community partnerships, BNC fosters a deeper appreciation for the arts across North Carolina.
History
CYB was organized in 2001 and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation through the efforts of Annette Hagopian, a locally acclaimed ballet teacher and Artistic Director of the Triangle Academy of Dance. Aware that most serious ballet students have few opportunities to demonstrate their skills in a public forum, or to gain needed experience prior to making decisions or commitments for possible dance related careers, she founded the Carolina Youth Ballet to make it possible for young dancers to have that experience, and for the public to enjoy and encourage their talents and goals.
