Pre-Professional Youth Experience
In 1990, dance students from California DanceArts (At that time called Dance Now Academy) formed a small performing arts troupe, calling themselves the Dance Street Performers. With the idea of sharing their love of dance with the community, these energetic young dancers began to perform in a variety of community-based venues such as street fairs, community theatres, community projects promoting the program "Drug Free L.A.", Earth Day celebrations, community school events, the American Legion, area chambers of commerce, Los Angeles city events and special events at Six Flags Magic Mountain, to name a few.
In 1999, the company incorporated as a California non-profit organization and began to work on a variety of theatrical projects, and established themselves as a theatrical dance company. The group's signature ballet, performed each December with a cast of 65 young dancers, is "The Snow Queen: Ballet Redefined", showcasing the dramatic choreography of Erin Holt and performed to the beautiful original musical score composed by Randall Michael Tobin.
Auditions for this ballet are conducted each September and are open city-wide to dancers of all ages, thereby providing a professional experience for young, talented dancers. The company has been fortunate to establish Glendale Community College as its current home for performance of the ballet. Now in its 7th season, The Snow Queen has become a community favorite for the holidays by offering the public a pleasant alternative to the numerous Nutcracker productions and at affordable rates.
Additionally, in 1999 and 2000, the company created and performed its original production entitled "Voices of the Future" which represents a production of pieces relating to moral and ethical issues confronting the youth of today including drug abuse, street crime and terrorism, the value of family, friendship, patriotism, education, work ethic and religious tolerance.
The messages communicated through both choreography and the spoken word have been performed "Up Close and Personal", in intimate theaters located in the company?s home of La Canada and in Santa Monica. This show remains a favorite of the company whose wish list includes the funds to tour the show to high schools, with the hope of bringing the show's powerful, inspirational messages to other youth.
Also featured in the company's repertory are "Street Car Named Desire", choreographed by Diane Winter-Long, and "LifeTimes", created in the Spring of 2003.
Currently, the company is introducing itself by its new name, California Theatrical Youth Ballet (ctyballet). Ctyballet provides a professional and magical experience for its audiences with innovative, original productions. The company features pre-professional company members attending the California DanceArts- Professional Training Program designed to fulfill the artistic needs of serious dancers who desire oportunities to perform at the hightest caliber. Together, the training program and ctyballet realistically duplicates the experiences of a professianal dance company. Ctyballet members are hand picked by audition. The astounding talents of the remarkable dancers are often accompanied by accomplished professional alumni and guest artists. The choreography and music is stunning, embelished by beautiful costumes, sets and lighting design. Whether performing on a grand stage or in their own intimate studio theatre, the entire company delivers a passionate, moving experience for their audiences.
Ctyballet provides a magical experience for many of the communities talented dancers of all ages who are invited to participate in the company's productions along side its members. The company has plans to increase the number of productions it offers each year with a series of ballets for children.
Ctyballet operates entirely upon the support of community business, private patrons and ticket sales. Consider supporting the California Theatrical Youth Ballet today and the young dance artists of our community by becoming a sponsor.
