Our Curriculum
Teaching the acclaimed CPYB syllabus with our own proven training structure
About Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet
Founded in 1955 by Marcia Dale Weary, CPYB is known throughout the world for providing the finest in classical ballet training
Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB), founded in 1955 by Marcia Dale Weary, is known throughout the world for providing the finest in classical ballet training. With over 70 years of excellence, CPYB has produced more than 21,000 alumni, with over 80 currently performing in esteemed companies like American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Boston Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and many more.
At Ballet Arts Academy, we are proud to teach the proven CPYB syllabus, bringing this world-class training methodology to our students. This distinctive approach trains not just the dancer, but the whole person, emphasizing individual attention, technical excellence, and character development.
Director Mimi Ewers providing hands-on instruction, teaching the CPYB syllabus
Ballet Arts Academy Training Structure
Our Progressive Development System
Our Progressive Development System
We teach the acclaimed CPYB syllabus through our own structured progression designed for Spokane dancers. Our training system builds from foundational movement to advanced technique, ensuring each student develops at their own pace while maintaining the highest standards of classical ballet education.
Creative Movement (Ages 3.5-5)
30 minutes weekly - Introduction to movement, musicality, and coordination. Young dancers explore the joy of dance through creative expression and basic movement patterns.
Pre-Ballet 1 & 2 (Ages 5-7)
45 minutes weekly - Foundation building and basic positions. Students learn fundamental ballet vocabulary and develop body awareness through structured exercises.
Ballet 1 (Ages 6-8)
60 minutes weekly - Fundamental technique development. Students begin formal ballet training with proper alignment, basic positions, and elementary barre work.
Ballet 2 (Ages 8-10)
2 hours weekly - Building strength and consistency. Students develop more complex combinations and begin center work while maintaining technical precision.
Ballet 3 (Ages 10-12)
3.25 hours weekly - Ballet + conditioning. Students advance to more challenging technique while building physical strength and stamina through supplementary conditioning.
Ballet 3A (Ages 11-13)
5 hours weekly - Intensified training + conditioning. Students commit to more rigorous training with increased class time and focused conditioning work.
Ballet 4/4A (Ages 12-15)
7.25 hours weekly - Ballet + contemporary + pilates. Students expand their training with contemporary dance and pilates, developing versatility and core strength.
Ballet 5A-7 (Ages 13-19)
9.75 hours weekly - Advanced training + contemporary + pilates. Our most advanced students receive comprehensive training preparing them for professional opportunities and higher education.
Key Elements of Our Approach:
The Marcia Dale Weary Legacy
A visionary founder whose teaching philosophy continues to shape dancers worldwide
Since its founding in 1955, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet has been guided by Marcia Dale Weary's vision of excellence in classical ballet training. Her distinctive syllabus and teaching philosophy emphasize not only technical precision but also the development of character, discipline, and artistic expression.
This holistic approach to ballet education has produced generations of dancers who excel both on stage and in life. The CPYB methodology continues to be refined and passed down by committed faculty who share Marcia's dedication to individual attention and nurturing each dancer's unique potential.
Proven Success
A track record of excellence spanning seven decades
CPYB Alumni Worldwide
Currently Performing in Major Companies
Notable CPYB Alumni
Professional dancers who trained with the CPYB curriculum now perform at the world's leading ballet companies
Experience World-Class Training
Join us and benefit from a curriculum that has produced dancers performing at the highest levels