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, of 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 developing healthy, well-rounded individuals. We have a positive, nurturing, and non-competitive environment where students can build 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 to provide equal dance opportunities for all youth in Lexington and surrounding counties, particularly emphasizing outreach to disadvantaged or marginalized youth. We will create an atmosphere of positivity and diversity among staff and students, focusing on pre-professional ballet training that minimizes competitive culture. Our success will depend on the focused leadership of a fully invested board of directors (formed from parents, community leaders, and student alums) 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 are generally a source of well-being. Dancers will benefit from this art discipline by improving their:
- Self-esteem and self-respect
- Respect for peers and teachers
- Ability to concentrate, focus, and engage with intentionality
- Ability to resolve problems
- Memorization skills
- Adaptability
- Discipline and stamina
- Creativity and imagination
At BYB, dancers of all ages will be taught to interact and respect themselves, 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 essential 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 adhere to BYB Rules & Policies
- Be inclusive, accepting, and respectful
- Give 110% effort
- Focus their energies on themselves instead of comparing themselves to other dancers. (Doing so avoids a competitive environment)
- Understanding that each dancer is a different human with different abilities, strengths, and weaknesses
- Maintain the required level of commitment
- Avoid negative comments about other people
- Please respect each other and their personal belongings
- Attend class regularly and be on time
- Communicate with teachers or administrators when there is a problem
Our
CommunityThe goal is for our dancers and their families to become one big, happy family called the BYB Family. It is essential that every child feels welcomed, included, and accepted, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or gender identification. We also make dance accessible to all youth through our Tuition Assistant Program (TAP). Bluegrass Youth Ballet works with any student who wants to learn how to dance. The TAP application is available by contacting our Administrative Director.
Our
FacilityOur facility has the community in mind. Conveniently located on Southland Dr, BYB boasts five studios equipped with sprung floors, marley, barres, mirrors, fans, security cameras, and a sound system. In addition to our dance studios, BYB has a boutique for all uniform needs, a kitchen, a sewing and costume room, an art/storage room, a washer and dryer, four bathrooms, a drinking fountain, offices, and a large hallway for the waiting area. 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 parents can see their children in classes, and younger dancers can watch the older dancers, which is often a big inspiration for how dreams begin in young minds! NO DREAM IS TOO BIG!