Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Destination for Classical Ballet Training
Since 1971, Maryland Youth Ballet has been dedicated to cultivating excellence in classical ballet training while providing accessible dance education for students of all ages and skill levels. Our mission combines rigorous technical instruction with opportunities for artistic expression, preparing young dancers for professional careers while fostering lifelong appreciation for the performing arts. With a faculty of industry professionals and alumni from prestigious companies, we maintain a legacy of producing accomplished performers accepted into top conservatories and dance companies nationwide.Our commitment to community engagement includes outreach programs for underserved populations and adaptive classes for children with physical disabilities. Through annual productions like our acclaimed Nutcracker performances, we bridge training with professional stage experience, ensuring students develop both technical mastery and performance confidence. As a nonprofit organization, we prioritize equitable access to quality dance education, offering scholarships and need-based financial assistance to ensure talent is not limited by economic barriers.
Services
Ballet Training
Adult Classes
Summer Programs
Performance Opportunities
Community Outreach
Details
- Year established: 1971
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of proven excellence in classical ballet training
- Our faculty includes certified ABT National Training Curriculum instructors
- We provide professional performance opportunities in full-length productions
- Our outreach programs support underserved communities and adaptive dance education
- We maintain a 42-year track record of placing students in top conservatories
What people say
Professional faculty
Excellent performances
Supportive community
Adaptive programs
Scholarship opportunities
Services
Ballet Training
Classical ballet instruction for ages 2-18 with progressive levels from introductory to pre-professional. Focus on technical mastery, artistic expression, and performance preparation. Students receive individualized attention in small classes led by experienced instructors with professional dance backgrounds.
Adult Classes
Ballet, stretch, and floor barre classes for adults of all skill levels. Drop-in format available seven days weekly with instruction tailored for beginners through professionals. Emphasis on technique refinement, physical fitness, and artistic enjoyment in a supportive environment.
Performance Opportunities
Annual professional-quality productions including full-length Nutcracker performances. Students participate in fully staged ballets with live orchestration, professional costumes, and regional collaborations. Performance experience includes both lead roles and ensemble participation for developing artists.
People
Deidre Byrne
Artistic Director & Principal
MYB alumna with 13-year professional career at Cleveland San Jose Ballet. Certified ABT National Training Curriculum instructor. Holds BS in Business Marketing from University of Maryland. Specializes in 21st-century training methodologies and program innovation.
Hortensia Fonseca
Founder
Established Maryland Youth Ballet in the 1960s. Developed foundational training program that evolved into one of the region's premier ballet schools. Mentored multiple generations of professional dancers through her innovative teaching approach.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for ballet training?
We offer programs for children aged 2-9, youth 8-12, pre-professional students 11-18, and adult classes for ages 13+.
Are auditions required for enrollment?
Auditions are required for new students aged 8+ to determine appropriate skill level placement. Beginner classes do not require auditions.
Do you offer financial assistance options?
We provide need-based scholarships and training support for qualified students through our Friends of MYB program and community partnerships.
What performance opportunities are available?
Students participate in annual productions including The Nutcracker and The Mini-Nut, with roles available for all skill levels and age groups.
Can adults join classes without prior experience?
Our adult program welcomes all experience levels from complete beginners through professional dancers with drop-in classes available seven days weekly.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Emma Y.
Aug 16, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
It's the best program for adults that I've been to.
It's the best program for adults that I've been to.
Samantha Encarnacion
Feb 15, 2021
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They could improve by: one actually listen to children concerns, not everyone learns the same. They are not even willing to listen to any accommodations especially due to covid. I inquired about a possible one day trial, I didn't state anything it absolutely being free or not. I clearly stated the facts of my child maybe not being able to virtually grasp the lessons, seeing as she is very hands on and active in learning. She is more of a in person active listener. They clearly state no Free trial classes. The email was very informal back to me, nor there wasn't any trying to understand
Michal Boyars
Dec 19, 2020
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My daughter LOVES her dance classes at MYB. She is normally shy but really comes out of her shell in dance class. We can't wait to sign her up for next year, too!
Nicole Konstantopoulos
Sep 26, 2020
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So much talent in one place! If you are looking for exceptional ballet training, this is the place to go! The staff is amazing! They meet each dancer where they are and help them grow. They also are an amazing community. All of the teachers and alumni are always willing to help the current dancers. They are a wealth of advice and information!
