The School
Marcia Dale Weary’s love of dance compelled her to open Marcia Dale Weary’s School of Classical Ballet—now Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet—in 1955. Throughout the years, CPYB has developed a curriculum that is focused on building technical strength, stamina and flexibility, as well as nurturing artistic development.
While the school’s academic programs are designed with the serious ballet student in mind, CPYB attracts students of all ages, with varying degrees of interest and talent, who wish to pursue dance instruction in an inspiring, enriched learning environment.
The school’s Academic Ballet Program consists of Preschool, Primary, and Pre-Professional divisions. Each is intended to challenge students and support their physical, mental, artistic and emotional development consistent with that level. Classes promote early childhood development, focus on clarity of position and quality of movement, and develop, strengthen and perfect ballet technique. Students in the Men's Program are part of the Pre-Professional Division, receiving specific training and mentoring that male dancers need to achieve professional success. Performance experience is an integral part of a child's education. Students who qualify as a member of the CPYB performing company are invited to perform by the Artistic Director.
Open Program classes offer the adult student, ages 13 and older, the opportunity to pursue recreational dance for physical fitness or recreation in a fun, energetic and artistic environment. The various classes encourage coordination, strength, flexibility and muscle tone.
One of the most prolific schools in the country, CPYB continues to produce dancers for the top companies in the world, including American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Boston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, and Paul Taylor Dance Company, to name only a few. Others pursue dance-related fields such as choreography, teaching, and arts administration.