Our Curriculum
World-class training using the proven Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet methodology
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 implement the proven CPYB curriculum, 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, implementing the CPYB methodology
The CPYB Methodology
A structured, distinctive syllabus developed by Marcia Dale Weary
Complete Training Through Four Divisions
CPYB offers comprehensive ballet education through four distinct divisions, each designed to meet dancers at their specific stage of development. This structured, incremental approach focuses on refining ballet technique, precise body placement, building physical strength, and nurturing artistic expression.
Children's Division (Ages 3-5)
Creative Movement and Pre-Ballet classes introduce young dancers to the joy of movement through 45-minute to one-hour sessions that build coordination, musicality, and creativity.
Primary Division (Ages 6-8)
One-hour beginner ballet classes establish fundamental technique and discipline. Students and parents choose the number of classes per week, with minimums required for performance participation.
Training Division (Ages 12-19)
A 1-to-2-year intensive training opportunity for committed students focusing solely on fostering technique and cultivating skills through CPYB's distinctive syllabus.
Pre-Professional Division
For students with foundational knowledge ready for advanced progression. Pre-professional dancers receive 25 to 30 hours of classes weekly, excluding rehearsal hours, preparing them for professional careers.
Key Elements:
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