Our
ProgramBluegrass Youth Ballet (BYB) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization in Lexington, KY. We are for and about the students. Our dancers are provided with many performance opportunities in which they are the focus. With our high-quality dance education program, students can pursue a professional career in dance at BYB. However, we recognize that not all students are dancing with a professional career in mind. For this reason, we believe in the development of healthy, well-rounded individuals, and we encourage our students to explore interests outside of the studio. We have a positive, nurturing, and non-competitive environment where students can build their self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-respect. These characteristics nurture excellence, as students carry them into other areas of their lives.
Mission and
VisionBluegrass Youth Ballet engages and inspires youth by providing access to the art of dance throughout our community.
Our vision is to have enhanced recognition, awareness, and the accompanying financial support from businesses, community partners, and schools in order to provide equal access to dance opportunities for all youth in Lexington and surrounding counties, with a special emphasis on outreach to disadvantaged or marginalized youth. We will create an atmosphere of positivity and diversity among staff and students, with a focus on pre-professional ballet training that minimizes competitive culture. Our success will be dependent on the focused leadership of a fully invested board of directors (formed from parents, community leaders, and student alumni) aligned with an artistic director dedicated to creating innovative dance experiences, and a professional administrative director. Together with a dedicated staff, all share a common vision and goal, delivered collaboratively and consistently with enthusiasm and efficiency.
Core
ValuesWe are a safe place that creates community through discipline, quality instruction & impactful performances…where youth inspires youth and, everyone has access.
Dance is an art discipline that, by itself, will educate students in a variety of ways. Bluegrass Youth Ballet believes that the arts in general are a source of well-being. Dancers will benefit from this art discipline by improving their:
- Self-esteem and self-respect
- Ability to concentrate
- Ability to resolve problems
- Memorization skills
At BYB, dancers of all ages will be taught to interact and respect themselves, as well as other dancers, and their instructors. These are skills that are essential for life!
Dancers have a better understanding of their bodies, and they will gain better stamina, body control, and muscle tone. Dance increases coordination and improves musicality. Dance is an art, but dancers are also athletes!
The
StudentsWe have expectations of our students inside and outside of the studio. Our staff supports the student’s growth in dance and as they grow into young adults. Dance assists them in learning these important life skills and will continue to support them in other activities outside of our program. Expectations of our students include:
- Conduct themselves with their best behavior and manners and to adhere to BYB Rules & Policies
- Give 110% effort
- Focus their energies on themselves instead of comparing themselves to other dancers. (Doing so avoids a competitive environment)
- Maintain the required level of commitment
- Avoid negative comments about other people
- Respect each other’s person and personal belongings
- Attend class regularly and to be on time
Our
CommunityOur dancers and their families become one, big, happy family. We also make dance accessible to all youth, regardless of their socioeconomic status, through our Tuition Assistant Program (TAP). Bluegrass Youth Ballet works with any student who has the desire to learn how to dance. The TAP application is available by contacting our Administrative Director.
Our facility has the community in mind. It has three studios, a playroom, a kitchen, a boutique, a sewing room, two music studios, and large hallways and waiting areas. Many parents of students have become involved with BYB in some way, whether it is helping us with the construction of costumes, sets, and props, organizing special events, or helping out with facility maintenance. BYB takes pride in having this type of atmosphere for both students, and their families. All studios have viewing windows so that parents can see their children in classes, and so that younger dancers can watch the older dancers. This is often a big inspiration, and how dreams begin in young minds…NO DREAM IS TOO BIG!