FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

What is special about the Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company?

The Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company's mission is to train, inspire and nurture young dancers toward artistic excellence, to perform works by both choreographic masters and emerging choreographers, and to bring the art of dance, through outreach efforts, to new multi-generational audiences.

PYBC is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization founded in 1990, as the performing part of PYB School. It comprised of the Senior Company, Junior Company, apprentices and trainees.

How old do you have to be to join the company?

Anyone from any school can audition. Audition Junior Company members must be ages 6 & up and training twice a week Advancement to Senior Company is based upon training at least 3X a week, ability, class level, age and strength. Participation is voluntary.

How do you become a member?

Auditions are held in mid- September of each year. This year, the auditions for NEW members are on Sunday September 18, 2011 for Junior Company, Senior Company. new, prospective members. should come to this audition class. A parent or guardian/representative must attend a mandatory meeting while the dancer is audition. There is a $25.00 audition fee for the class if you are a new member. If you child cannot attend this audition, you may fill out an application form to be considered. If you are already a Company member and renewing your membership, there is a $15.00 charge if the forms are completed by the audition day. High School program dancers must attend a Saturday morning, September 17, audition at 11:00AM if interested in performing in George Balanchine 's " Snowflakes" this year.

What are the benefits of being a Company member?

The benefits of joining the company include many performing opportunities, the distinction of being affiliated with a nationally renowned company, priority casting in all productions, first considerations on trips and classes with famous guest teachers and an exclusive Company T-Shirt or classic leotard embroidered with the PYBC emblem. Other perks include opportunities to take classes and perform works by world famous choreographers, the annual Halloween Party, Spring swimming picnic, 10% discount in The Ballet Shop and scholarship considerations. Apprentices and trainees have the same benefits as company members and are invited to attend most classes, and seminars. The Senior Company may also participate in the Regional Dance America/Northeast Festival, and all Company members are invited first to all organized educational trips to New York City, perform at Disneyworld and have the opportunity to tour around the world performing in the Tanzsommer Festival in Innsbruck, Austria, Germany, and tour Venice Italy.

Who should join?

Any dancer, who loves to perform and is willing to make the commitment to study at least 2 x a week for junior company and 3x a week for senior company, may audition.

Are there any special fees for company members?

Company members pay a small annual membership fee. Junior Company: Trainee $65.00; Apprentice $75.00; Jr. Co. $85.00. Senior Company: Trainee $95.00; Apprentice $105.00; Senior Co. $115.00. These fees go toward the operating expense of the Company.