An Evening of Saint-Saëns, Spring 2024 Concert

We are excited to announce the spring 2024 concert theme: An Evening of Saint-Saëns! Featuring a medley of work by composer Camille Saint-Saëns, music will be performed live under the direction of our Senior Accompanist, Douglas Baker. Students in Creative Movement 3 and Pre-Ballet through Level 5 will have the opportunity to sign up for this concert. 

Policy for Performers - Class Attendance

UI Youth Ballet holds performing students to high expectations for weekly class attendance. For participation in UI Youth Ballet and Community Dance School Spring Concert, students must be in regular, long-term attendance at their level's required number of weekly technique classes through the UI Youth Ballet. 

Creative Movement 3 - UIYB class once a week

Pre-ballet – UIYB class once a week

Level 1A – UIYB class once a week

Level 1B – UIYB class once a week

Level 2A – UIYB class twice a week

Level 2B – UIYB class twice a week

Level 3 Ensemble– UIYB class three times a week, foot and ankle conditioning class once a week.

Level 4 & 5 Ensemble – Dancers fully enrolled in their level may participate in Ensemble. Dancers who have a scheduling conflict with their level’s regular weekly classes must contact dnc-communitydance@uiowa.edu to ensure they meet the minimum requirement for ensemble participation via alternate classes. The absolute minimum requirement for participation in Level 4 & 5 Spring Ensemble is UIYB class four or more times a week, three or more of which must be ballet technique. Excellent attendance is required.

Rehearsals

At the UI Youth Ballet, all rehearsals are separate from technique classes. Keeping performance activities separate allows us to focus on providing the highest level of technical instruction during class time. Attendance at all rehearsals is required.

Costumes 

Costumes for the concert are provided by the program. The cost of costume use and cleaning is covered by concert enrollment fees and community contributions to the costume budget. 

Dance undergarments, tights, and shoes are provided by performers’ families. Required color and style will be specified by concert staff.

Hair and Makeup

Long hair should be styled in a bun for performance unless otherwise specified. To help dancers with varied hair textures make a stage-worthy ballet bun, please watch this video from Houston Ballet Academy: Houston Ballet Academy Ballet Bun Tutorial

Blush and lipstick are provided for performers in Creative Movement 3 and Pre-Ballet—Level 2B. Ensemble members bring their own stage makeup.

Family Volunteers for Dress Rehearsals and Performances

Family volunteers are critical to the success of a safe and rewarding concert. One adult from each family assists students during select dress rehearsals and performances. On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, from 5:30-8:00 PM, all volunteers attend an informative meeting and watch Dress Rehearsal 1 from the audience. When registering for the concert, volunteers select two additional times to help backstage

  • Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 5:20-7:45 PM 

  • Friday, May 10, 2024 from 5:50-8:45 PM 

  • Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 12:50-3:30 PM 

  • Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 6:30-8:45 PM 

Families who prefer the convenience of not volunteering may instead help us by financing the hire of a university student worker.