Our Classes
The Pittsburgh Youth Ballet School offers professional instruction and performance experience from beginner to professional. The Pittsburgh Youth Ballet School guides young dancers through the world of ballet from pre-school levels to professional levels in a positive, nurturing environment. Our faculty of outstanding teachers appreciates the opportunity to share the excitement, challenge and beauty of dance. We are committed to the belief that ballet improves confidence, concentration, coordination, memorization and discipline. The creativity, grace and love of dance will enhance your child's life forever.
Ballet
Pre-School Dance
Ages 2 to 5 - A fun introduction to dance designed to stimulate creativity and imagination while encouraging a love of dance. Along with teaching pre-ballet technique, the class will focus on rhythm, basic motor skills, coordination activities and creative movement. Performing opportunities for ages 3 and up.
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Ballet - Beginning Levels
Children are taught the fundamentals and language of ballet in an atmosphere of encouragement, discipline and warmth. Emphasis is on correct body placement and developing a love of dance. All students are offered the opportunity to perform in many PYB Company productions.
Ballet - Primary Division Levels I - IV
Classical ballet training is continued in the tradition of the Russian School following the Vaganova Method. This program offers excellent training for the serious student as well as those interested in developing an appreciation of the art. All students are offered the opportunity to perform in many PYB Company productions.
Ballet - Pre-Professional Division Levels V - VIII
Instruction at this level concentrates on perfecting previous skills, speed of execution, cleanliness of line, extension, stamina, complicated batterie, multiple pirouettes and preparation on a professional level.
High School Program Level VIII
The High School Program Curriculum includes classes and seminars to prepare dancers for a professional career. Senior PYB Company members receive high school credit for their participation.
Classes include Classical Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Modern, Pas de Deux, Character, Jazz and Pilates conditioning exercises, as well as rehearsals and seminars on Nutrition, Dance History and Injury Prevention.
Pittsburgh Youth Ballet's highly acclaimed High School Early Dismissal program, featured in Dance Magazine, provides dancers intensive ballet study without sacrificing academic excellence.
Pointe
Training on pointe begins only after a strong, comprehensive basic technique has been achieved and the feet, back and legs are sufficiently strong. Pointe is taught after two or three years preparation in intermediate ballet classes, concurrent registration in ballet and permission of the instructor are required.
Modern
This course is based on the Martha Graham technique and encourages expression and freedom of movement.
Jazz
Luigi style jazz and dance for the theater are taught. Previous and/or concurrent ballet training is recommended. (Ages 8 to Adult)
Tap
Traditional techniques are taught with a new approach using elements of ballet, jazz and modern dance. Previous or concurrent ballet training is recommended. (Ages 3 to Adult)
Musical Theater
This course is an introduction to basic acting and theater dance using Broadway Theater repertoire. Concurrent registration in ballet is recommended.