Carolina Youth Ballet
Mission Statement
Carolina Youth Ballet (CYB) provides public performing opportunities for talented school age dancers, to educate the community about the training of young dancers and the creation and choreography of classical ballet, and the opportunity to see classical ballet at a reasonable cost.
CYB cultivates the discipline, technique, and grace required of world-class young dancers. CYB performances provide an opportunity for our community to enjoy exceptional ballet in a professional theater setting, performed by local youth and professional dancers at an affordable price.
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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.
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About the Company
The Company produces two major performances each year. CYB also delivers special event performances in the community, and lecture demonstrations at area schools. The young dancers, generally ranging in age from 12 to 18 years, will perform all the roles and choreography normally danced by professional ballet dancers. Because the choreography of the classical ballets presented by CYB sometimes requires experienced partnering, one or two professional male guest artists are invited to join the regular company members. In addition, professional dancers involved with the teaching and choreography of dances for the students will be asked to perform with CYB.