History

Since its establishment in 1972, the University of Iowa Youth Ballet and Community Dance School has stood as a superior community outreach program, training aspiring dancers within Iowa City and the surrounding communities.

The school has a full range of programs for all ages. The experience instills in students self-discipline and an eagerness to learn. We are housed in Halsey Hall, and share six spacious studios with the University of Iowa Department of Dance.

The University of Iowa Youth Ballet and Community Dance School faculty includes distinguished instructors and choreographers as well as current and former dancers from major companies worldwide.

We welcome talented students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds. The school does not discriminate in its admissions procedures, employment policies or the administration of its programs and activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, associational preferences, or any other classification that deprives the person of consideration as an individual.

Halsey Hall

UIYB is housed in Halsey Hall, sharing the spacious studios with the University of Iowa Department of Dance. With its marley floors, high ceilings, and abundant natural light, Halsey Hall provides an inspiring and professional dance space steeped in the history of 20th-century American dance. 

Built in 1915 with an addition in the 1940s, this historic space is named after Elizabeth Halsey, chair of the UI department of physical education for women from 1924 to 1955 and a pioneer in establishing sport for women at the collegiate level.