Smarties, we are reaching out to ask for your help in supporting our beloved Charlotte Youth Ballet (CYB) – who was severely affected by the entire year of 2020.
While Charlotte Youth Ballet was forced to cancel their annual Nutcracker performance this year due to the circumstances of COVID, they care about their dancers and have been working diligently to keep them engaged. Their fall program included workshops designed to keep the magic of Nutcracker choreography alive. CYB workshops were offered to dancers in person with proper COVID protocols or via Zoom. Their upcoming spring program has a similar approach but with the storybook ballet of Alice in Wonderland.
Charlotte Youth Ballet is proud to announce the Preserve the Legacy capital campaign, leading up to its 40th anniversary celebration in 2021. The campaign focuses on securing the financial and programmatic future of CYB by increasing CYB’s endowment to support overhead, costume costs and set designs with a goal of $25,000.
Preserve the Legacy will build on the history of CYB, which was founded by Gay Porter as the Charlotte Regional Ballet back in the 1970’s. Over time it went through changes and growing pains, including a complete restart under Gay’s studio, the Charlotte School of Ballet, in 1981. Through the studio, Gay personally paid for the backdrops, sets, costumes and props – many of which are still in use. She worked tirelessly to lay down a strong foundation and continues to do so.
The Nutcracker produced in 1981 started the organization as it is known today, which is why that date is celebrated as the true date of establishment. Charlotte Youth Ballet was then formally incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 1986. CYB continues to position itself as a vital performing arts hub for student dancers across the Charlotte area and as a community destination for professional level performances.
In addition, Charlotte Youth Ballet has a long tradition of community outreach, making getting involved in the world of dance possible for those who otherwise may not be able to afford it, including:
* Lasting Impressions – free dance classes offered to underserved children
* Ticket and transportation for 500 to 1,000 Title 1 school children to preview performances
* Scholarships for student dancers
* Special events for Girl Scouts
CHARLOTTE YOUTH BALLET NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT to maintain and improve sets, props, and costumes; keep ticket prices and dancer fees to a minimum; underwrite community outreach programs and help Preserve the Legacy.
For more information about how to help CYB please go to the Go Fund Me link.
The Charlotte Youth Ballet (CYB) enriches our community through a non-profit, innovative, regional ballet company by providing student-dancers an opportunity to perform in professional productions. CYB introduces ballet to diverse audiences to foster lifelong support of the arts.
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