The Youth Ballet Ensemble – From Technique to Performance
Friday, December 8, 2023
Written by
Rowan Bergen, BA,
Juliet Remmers, MFA, RYT,
Jason Schadt, MFA
Spring Concert Theme - An Evening of Saint-Saëns

We are excited to announce that the spring 2024 concert theme will be 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. Please check our website for additional information as we approach the spring semester.  

Group of dancers talking
Ensemble dancers sharing a moment of camaraderie following their 2023 Open Rehearsal.
Important Spring Concert Dates 

Youth Ballet Ensemble Kickoff (Levels 3-5): January 10 - 13, 2024

Youth Ballet Ensemble Rehearsals (Levels 3-5): January 16 - May 4, 2024

Spring Concert Auditions (CM3 & Pre-Ballet – Level 2B): February 17, 2024 

Weekly Rehearsals (CM3 & Pre-Ballet – Level 2B): March 4 – May 4, 2024 

Production/Tech Rehearsals (all performers): May 5-9, 2024 

Concert Performances:  

  • 7:30 PM – Friday, May 10, 2024 

  • 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM – Saturday, May 11, 2024 

What is the Youth Ballet Ensemble? 

The Youth Ballet Ensemble is our repertory group available to students in Levels 3-5. This is an additional group for students fully enrolled at their level. The goal of this group is to prepare students for the discipline and rehearsal techniques required within a professional dance company or a college dance program. Membership in ensemble year-round provides opportunities for Level 3-5 students to broaden their dance vocabulary through a rehearsal mix of classical ballet, contemporary ballet, and modern dance. 

Youth Ballet Ensemble in the fall versus spring semester. 

In the fall, the youth ballet ensemble learns different repertory works from both regular technique teachers and additional choreographers. This prepares students to learn large amounts of choreography in the spring, keeping their memories sharp all year long. In the fall semester, student work culminates into an open rehearsal where family and friends get to view different variations and pieces the group has rehearsed all semester. This fall students have spent their Saturdays with two of our esteemed staff members, Grace Johnson and Ellie Daley, to learn two contemporary ballet pieces.  

Young dancer being lifted into the air
Level 3 Ensemble dancers performing a lift during the 2023 Ensemble Open Rehearsal.
What is required to be in the Youth Ballet Ensemble? 

For a Level 3-5 student to qualify for the Youth Ballet Ensemble within the fall or spring semesters, they must be enrolled in the absolute minimum requirement, which is four or more classes a week, three or more of which must be ballet technique. Excellent attendance is mandatory.   

Ensemble dancers standing in circle.
Ensemble dancers performing the piece, "Blinding Lights," choreographed by Ellie Daley.
Performance Opportunities 

A special feature of UI's Youth Ballet Ensemble is that they have unique performance opportunities in Iowa City. In the spring, in addition to having a prominent role in the spring concert, Ensemble students will perform at the Iowa City Public Library. More information coming soon!

Upcoming Events 

Final Day of Fall 2023 Classes — December 8, 2023

Spring Semester Registration Opens— December 8, 2023

Creative Movement Classes at Iowa City Public Library – January 4, 2024

Please visit our updated Upcoming Events page for more details and downloads. 

Photo Credit: Tom Lothspeich