About CCYB
California Contemporary Youth Ballet
Youth Ballet Company Division
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Formally operating under the name, California Theatrical Youth Ballet, the company had to change its name when the formation of a professional company, California Contemporary Ballet (CCBallet) was established in February 2008. In an effort to encourage young dancers in their pursuits toward a career in dance, CCBallet continues to establish a youth division within its organization. Founded by Aerin Holt, who continues to serve as the Artistic Director and choreographer, the youth company dancers benefit from the direction of Lynn Pittenger, former ballerina of New York City Ballet, along with other guest directors and choreographers. The youth company provides its members with challenging original choreography as well as traditional classic and contemporary works to aid in their education and advancement of their skills on their journey to a professional career.
California Contemporary Youth Ballet (CCYBallet) provides an artistic training ground for young dancers with choreography for community-based performances and concerts. Partnered with California DanceArts, young CCYBallet dancers attend the Career Preparatory Training Program. This program is designed to fulfill the artistic needs of serious dance students who seek opportunities that will eventually permit them to make the transition from a pre-professional to a professional dance career. This program, combined with the performance opportunities, rehearsals and experience that is provided by CCYBallet, closely replicates a professional dance company experience.
“Great dancers are not great because of their technique,
they are great because of their passion.”
Martha Graham
CCYB in the Community
CCYBallet members perform in many community based events and annually in their own concert held during the Spring season, often performed in the "Dance Street Theater" located within the studios of California DanceArts. Community performances by CCYBallet have included the premiere of Katie Cassidy’s first record single in Studio City, Concerts at the Miles Memorial Playhouse in Santa Monica, Festivals at El Portal Theater in North Hollywood and by special invitation from Glendale Center Theatre. CCYB also does community outreach programs and performances for service organizations. Members of the youth company are invited to participate in the professional company's productions alongside CCBallet career company members in the annual Snow Queen Ballet performed each Winter. The Snow Queen Ballet is performed each December at the Glendale Community College Theater. Whether performing on a grand stage or in their own intimate studio theatre, the entire company delivers a passionate, moving experience to their audiences.
Many dancers from our youth company are often placed within University dance departments or have pursued careers in dance and ballet companies. Many of our youth company members are eventually awarded positions as apprentices and eventual members within the ranks of the professional company, California Contemporary Ballet (CCBallet). Many current members of CCBallet began their careers through our youth company.
Auditions for the company and invitations to participate occur throughout the year. If you are interested in becoming a member of our youth company, please contact us.
