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Thank you for your interest in Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet!

Frequently Asked Questions for the Academic Year Program

Dancers will be evaluated during the 5-Week Summer Ballet Program. While we cannot address individual inquiries until acceptance notifications are sent, this page will serve as a valuable resource.

Schedule and Calendar
Hard work, determination, and discipline are the cornerstones of all our CPYB programs. Here, your dedication earns you a well-deserved place in each level, as you immerse yourself in a culture of growth and achievement. At CPYB, we understand that every student’s journey and training needs are unique. That’s why our program offers unwavering support and rigorous training, guiding students towards excellence in every pirouette and plié.  Our faculty includes CPYB alumni, in addition to former professional dancers and choreographers, who provide the highest level of instruction and guidance from refining technique to exploring the intricacies of pointe work, pas de deux, variations, and men’s classes, every aspect of your development is meticulously crafted to propel you towards your ballet dreams. Weekdays are dedicated to classes starting at 3:00 PM (if your academic schedule allows). Saturdays continue the rhythm from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with scheduled breaks to recharge.
 
The CPYB Training Division, is a 1-to-2-year training opportunity for committed students to solely focus on fostering their technique and cultivating their skills as a student of ballet through CPYB’s distinctive syllabus. The curriculum includes technique, pointe, men’s classes, and partnering. You will also take part in conditioning classes designed to build core strength, increase flexibility, and teach the proper mechanics of preparing your body for the demands of CPYB’s high-level ballet training. To be considered for advancement, students in the Training Division must attend CPYB’s 5-Week Summer Ballet Program immediately following their first year in the school.
 
The CPYB Pre-Professional Division, builds and refines technique while helping students achieve their potential. Consisting of Levels 5 through 8, students earn their placement in each level through hard work, determination, and discipline. In addition to technique classes, students will attend pointe, pas de deux, variations, and men’s classes. The amount of time spent in a particular level depends solely on the student’s individual improvement and is determined by CPYB’s Artistic Leadership.
 
For a sample calendar year, click here.

Tuition

At CPYB, our Academic Year tuition is set for the entire school year, providing stability and consistency for you and your dancer. This comprehensive fee covers all classes, rehearsals, and performances, with no surprise charges for extras like costumes or performance coaching. We’re committed to offering competitive pricing compared to other leading ballet programs, as shown in the table below. Additionally, we offer discounts for upfront payment or a two-installment plan. Otherwise, tuition payments are conveniently made every two months. We strive to create the best environment for your aspiring dancer while ensuring transparency and affordability for our families.

Annual Tuition: $6,500.00 with options to pay in full or installments.

 

Cost of Living Difference

Tuition

Cost/Class

Central Pennsylvania
Youth Ballet

 

$6,500.00

$6.77

School A

0.71% LOWER than Carlisle

$7,350.00

$9.19

School B

0.3% LOWER than Carlisle

$6,595.00

$8.24

Academics

CPYB collaborates closely with the Carlisle Area School District (CASD) to offer students the option of traditional, in-person academic schooling while pursuing their passion for dance. Through this partnership, CPYB students seamlessly earn humanities and physical education credits at CASD, streamlining their academic workload. With a condensed schedule running from 7:40 AM to 12:45 PM, students enjoy the best of both worlds without any additional charges.

For those seeking more flexibility or specialized educational opportunities, CPYB also supports students in pursuing online programs of their choice. One such option is Dwight Global Online, renowned for its excellence in education and tailored to accommodate the demanding schedules of dedicated dancers. Interested students can directly contact Dwight Global Online for tuition information, ensuring they receive a world-class education while pursuing their dance ambitions.

Housing

Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet offers housing for students moving to Carlisle, PA. Newly accepted students may request additional information.

Performances
At Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB), we’re passionate about preparing our students not just as dancers, but as artists poised for professional success. Performance is an important component of our training philosophy because we believe it’s essential for developing well-rounded, versatile dancers.
 
In our Pre-Professional Division, our students step onto the stage each December, embodying the grace of George Balanchine’s iconic choreography in The Nutcracker, a privilege exclusive to CPYB as the only licensed school in the world. But that’s just the beginning. In the Spring, our repertoire extends to the classics like Giselle, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, and Sleeping Beauty, showcasing the depth and diversity of ballet’s heritage. In June, our students take the stage in a dynamic mix of contemporary, modern, classical, and neo-classical works. This immersive experience not only hones their technical skills but also nurtures their artistic expression, preparing them for the demands of today’s dance world.
 
In our Training Division, while there are no performing opportunities, evaluations will be conducted at the end of the Academic Year to determine advancement. As part of their education and development, Training Division students will receive complimentary tickets to performances. This unique opportunity allows them to study artistry firsthand, providing invaluable insights into performance dynamics, stage presence, and the nuances of ballet. By observing live performances, students can deepen their understanding of the art form and apply these observations to enhance their own training and growth.
 
At CPYB, we don’t participate in competitions. Instead, we focus on cultivating a deep understanding of performance artistry. By participating in a wide range of productions, our dancers develop the adaptability and versatility sought after by top companies and directors worldwide.
Wellness

Elevating the ballet journey, dancers will experience a holistic approach that not only refines their technique but also nurtures the body and mind to their fullest potential.

At CPYB, we’re dedicated to strengthening, lengthening, and stabilizing both a dancer’s body and mind. Through our tailored conditioning program, dancers discover newfound strength to support their dance technique. Our offerings include invigorating Pilates sessions and personalized semi-private conditioning programs designed specifically for ballet students.

Our state-of-the-art conditioning room, equipped with treadmills, elliptical machines, and rowing machines, further enhances physical capabilities. In the unfortunate event of injuries, rest assured that our on-site physical therapy and massage therapy services are readily available outside of class times, ensuring dancers receive the same level of care as professional dancers.

To aid in the recovery journey, we’ve teamed up with Hyperice to provide cutting-edge recovery equipment, including Normatech leg and hip boots, as well as back, knee, and shoulder wraps that offer soothing massage and heat therapy, among other revitalizing items.

But our commitment doesn’t end there. We understand the importance of mental well-being in dance. That’s why we’ve partnered with Persistence Psych, a renowned company specializing in supporting high-functioning athletes and dancers. Through engaging seminars and FREE one-on-one confidential appointments, dancers will receive the vital mental health support they need to thrive both on and off the stage.

Learn About Scholarships

Upcoming Events:

 

5-Week Summer Arrival Day:  Saturday, June 21, 2025