Performance Opportunities

Westmoreland Youth Ballet students have the opportunity to learn and perform classical repertoire as well as neoclassical, contemporary and original works twice per year. Performances include an adaptation of The Nutcracker in the the fall, and a mixed repertoire performance highlighting classical/contemporary works and original children's ballets in the spring.

2024-2025 Performance Dates

A Nutcracker Christmas - November 23rd & 24th

Spring Celebration - April 26th & 27th

A Nutcracker Christmas

November 23rd & 24th, 2024

Science Hall Theater

Westmoreland County Community College

Audition Date:

Sunday, September 8, 2024

Primary Division Registration: 12:00-12:15pm

Audition: 12:15-1:15pm

Pre-Professional Division Registration: 1:30-1:45pm

Audition: 1:45-3:00pm

Rehearsal Fee:

Primary Division $80

Pre-Professional Division $135

Download Audition Form

Audition forms can also be found on the Parent Portal.

· If extenuating circumstances prevent your child from attending the audition at the assigned times, please contact the Director via email (info@westmorelandyouthballet.com).

Children's Division

Students must be enrolled in the Fall session to participate.

No Audition Required

Rehearsal Fee:

$50 per child

Download Participation Form

Participation forms can also be found on the Parent Portal.

Please return completed participation form and rehearsal fee by September 28th.

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What to wear on audition day:

· Hair pulled back in a neat, high bun, no bangs.

· Leotard, pink tights, ballet slippers. Please no holes.

· Levels 5 & 6: Please bring pointe shoes, if applicable.

What to expect on audition day:

· Class work: Ballet auditions run similarly to normal class.

Students may be asked to perform short combinations at the barre and in center.

· Choreography: Students may be asked to learn and perform a short phrase from various pieces of choreography to be used in the show. For a mixed repertoire performance this could range from classical ballet to contemporary to musical theater and beyond. For a story ballet this could also include pantomime or acting.

· Help: WYB faculty will be there to help guide students through the audition process. We are there to provide a positive learning environment while encouraging students to reach their full potential.

· Fun! Auditioning is not as scary as it may seem. Faculty and fellow students want everyone to do well. It is a great opportunity for students to put their best foot forward and show us what they can do!

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at info@westmorelandyouthballet.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Why do we hold auditions for Primary and Pre-professional students?

Westmoreland Youth Ballet students have the opportunity to audition for each upcoming performance. The audition process is not only used to determine casting, but is also used as a tool to teach our students how to audition successfully. Whether students continue on to a professional dance career or find themselves in college or job interviews, learning how the audition process works and how to present their "best selves" helps young dancers develop valuable life skills and instills a confidence that will prepare them for success in the future.

Do we "cut" any one from participating in the performance?

Participation in WYB performances is voluntary. While we encourage students to join in the experience, participation is never expected or required. No student is ever "cut" from an audition, as auditions are considered part of the learning experience.

What is included in the rehearsal fee?

Rehearsal fees cover the cost of choreography and rehearsal time in the studio.

There are no additional fees for auditioning or costuming.

What about costumes?

Westmoreland Youth Ballet continues to build a custom costume collection, specific to each ballet. Most pieces are handmade, and custom designed for WYB. As our collection is curated and maintained by the school, students pay no additional fee for costuming.

The cost of production is offset by voluntary participation in fundraising efforts.

Why are rehearsals separate from class time?

As a pre-professional school, our program is designed to provide serious classical training to students who may intend to pursue a professional career in dance or dance at the collegiate level. In order for students to progress efficiently and maintain a high quality of execution of the technique, class work and performance repertoire are kept apart. Choreography and rehearsal are not a substitution for the foundational technical instuction given during class time.

While performing is a wonderful perk of training with our school, it is not a requirement. In keeping class work and rehearsals separate, we ensure that all students receive a comprehensive ballet education, whether they choose to perform or not.

Rehearsal times are dependent on roles, and are typically held on Saturday afternoons, Sunday afternoons, and some weekday evenings.