Ensemble Information Spring 2024

UI Youth Ballet Ensemble is a repertory group available to students fully enrolled in Levels 3-5. 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. 

Fall Semester

In the fall, the youth ballet ensemble learns different repertory works from both regular technique teachers and additional choreographers, typically rehearsing for two hours on Saturday afternoons. 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 with family and friends invited to attend.

Spring Semester

In the spring, Ensemble members rehearse for prominent roles in the annual Spring Concert that takes place each May. Ensemble members in Level 3 rehearse for two hours on Saturday afternoons. Ensemble members in Level 4, Level 5, Modern, and Pointe add additional rehearsals on weeknights and Saturdays. Ensemble members in Level 4 and Level 5 who are graduating seniors have an additional opportunity to rehearse and perform a featured senior dance.

Who Can Join 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 for all classes and rehearsals.