Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Youth Ballet Training in Lexington
Bluegrass Youth Ballet (BYB) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality dance education and performance opportunities to youth in Lexington, KY, and surrounding areas. Founded on principles of inclusivity, community, and artistic excellence, we cultivate a nurturing environment where students develop technical proficiency, self-confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Our curriculum emphasizes pre-professional ballet training while fostering well-rounded individuals through discipline, creativity, and collaboration. With a focus on accessibility, we offer tuition assistance programs to ensure financial barriers do not limit participation. Our state-certified facility features five studios, a boutique, and dedicated spaces for costume creation and community engagement.Through partnerships with local schools and cultural institutions, we integrate dance with academic disciplines like music, world culture, and language arts. Our annual performance season includes educational productions that celebrate diversity and community service. Led by a board of directors comprising parents, community leaders, and alumni, we maintain a non-competitive culture prioritizing student well-being and artistic growth. Our faculty combines professional expertise with a commitment to individualized instruction, ensuring each student thrives physically, emotionally, and artistically. By bridging socioeconomic and cultural gaps, we create a unified community where every child feels valued and inspired to reach their full potential.
Services
Ballet Training
Pre-Professional Programs
Community Performances
Tuition Assistance
Adult Dance Classes
Details
- Year established: 1965
Highlights and features
- We offer pre-professional ballet training with a focus on student well-being
- Our inclusive environment serves students of all socioeconomic backgrounds
- We integrate dance with academic disciplines like music and world culture
- Our faculty includes experienced instructors with professional dance backgrounds
- We provide community service opportunities through performance programs
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
What people say
Nurturing environment
Quality instruction
Inclusive community
Life skills development
Exceptional performances
Services
Ballet Training
Our comprehensive ballet curriculum develops technical proficiency and artistic expression. Students progress through structured levels from creative movement to pre-professional training. Classes focus on proper technique, musicality, and performance skills while emphasizing injury prevention and proper body mechanics. The program nurtures both artistic growth and personal development.
Community Performances
Annual performance season features educational productions integrating dance with academic disciplines. Students participate in two major public performances and multiple community events annually. Productions emphasize cultural education and include bilingual elements to engage diverse audiences while providing valuable stage experience for dancers.
Tuition Assistance
Our Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) ensures financial barriers don't limit access to dance education. Customized support considers family needs while maintaining program quality. Assistance applications are reviewed confidentially by our administrative director to determine appropriate support levels.
Adult Dance Classes
Offering classes for adults of all experience levels, from beginning ballet to advanced contemporary. Sessions focus on fitness, artistic expression, and community building. Classes accommodate both recreational dancers and those returning to dance after breaks, emphasizing joyful movement in a supportive environment.
Pre-Professional Programs
Intensive training for serious dancers preparing for professional careers. Curriculum includes daily technique classes, pointe work, variations, and partnering. Students receive individualized attention to develop technical mastery and artistic interpretation while maintaining physical and emotional well-being.
People
Adalhi Aranda
Founder & Creative Director
Adalhi Aranda established BYB to create accessible dance opportunities for youth. With decades of professional dance experience, she develops curriculum that balances technical rigor with artistic expression. Her vision emphasizes community building through the arts.
Kori Korzeniewski
Enrollment & Program Director
Kori manages program operations and student placements at BYB. She ensures proper class assignments based on technical ability and personal development needs. Her focus on student well-being supports the organization's nurturing environment.
Kelly VanHoose
Administrative Director
Kelly oversees financial operations and tuition assistance programs. She implements policies ensuring program accessibility while maintaining financial sustainability. Her work supports BYB's mission to serve diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Megan Adams
Development & Marketing Director
Megan leads fundraising initiatives and community outreach efforts. She builds partnerships with local businesses and cultural organizations to expand BYB's impact. Her work secures resources for program development and community engagement.
Sarah Zehnder
Board President
Sarah chairs the board of directors, guiding strategic planning and governance. As a parent and community leader, she ensures BYB maintains its commitment to quality education and community service while fostering organizational growth.
Questions
What age groups does BYB serve?
We offer programs for children as young as 3 through adult classes. Our youth curriculum includes creative movement, pre-ballet, elementary, intermediate, advanced, and pre-professional levels.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes, our Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) provides customized support based on family needs. Contact our administrative director for confidential assistance applications.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in annual productions including The Nutcracker, Da de los Muertos, and spring performances. We also offer community events and school shows throughout the year.
What dance styles are taught?
Our primary focus is classical ballet training, with additional offerings in contemporary, jazz, and character dance. We emphasize proper technique while encouraging artistic expression.
How are students placed in classes?
Placement considers age, technical ability, physical development, and experience. Our faculty prioritizes student well-being to ensure appropriate class assignments for optimal growth.
Is BYB affiliated with any professional organizations?
We receive funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, Kentucky Arts Council, and LexArts. Our programs align with state and national arts education standards.
Reviews (4)
Sadie Norris
Oct 03, 2021
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We love our teachers, the honest and constant communication and most importantly our daughter really enjoys her classes.
Linda Derosett
Jan 14, 2021
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Bluegrass Youth Ballet is one of the best things that has ever happened to our family. They are unparalleled in their dance skills, teaching skills, professionalism and commitment to their students. We found them during Arts Week 11 years ago and have been there ever since. You will find no better dance school anywhere.
Rachael Bradford
Jan 09, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
My daughter loves this program. The instructors are very professional and encouraging. They have fantastic shows with equitable casting and quality instruction!
My daughter loves this program. The instructors are very professional and encouraging. They have fantastic shows with equitable casting and quality instruction!
Maria Leon
Nov 02, 2020
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BYB is an excellent ballet school with amazing teachers! Our two daughters attend BYB and they both love it!
