Alabama Youth Ballet Company
FAQs
…About the Company
What is the Alabama Youth Ballet Company?
AYBC is a self-sustaining organization, and is the performing part of The Stevan Grebel Center for Dance. . It is comprised
of the Senior Company, Junior Company, apprentices and trainees. The purpose of the AYBC is to give young dancers the
opportunity to work with renowned teachers and choreographers and to provide dancers with professional performing
experience.
How old do you have to be to join the company?
Junior Company members are ages 8 & up. (7 year-olds training two times per week may audition), and advancement to
Senior Company is based upon class level and ability.
How do you become a member?
Auditions are held in early September of each year. This year, the auditions are on Sunday, September 16h, 12:30 for
Junior Co. and 1:30 for Senior Co. A parent or guardian/representative must attend a mandatory meeting while the dancers
audition. There is a $20.00 audition fee. If you cannot attend the audition, you may fill out an application form to be
considered.
What are the benefits of being a Company member?
The benefits include many performing opportunities, a Company Member hooded sweatshirt, priority casting in all
productions, studio lockers, Company ID card, scholarships, and the distinction of being affiliated with a world renowned
director. Special opportunities with guest teachers, classes, Star Concert Performances, and seminars are provided, as
well as fundraising opportunities to raise money for tuition, rehearsal fees, trips, dance supplies, etc.. Apprentices and
trainees have the same benefits as company members and are invited to most rehearsals, classes, and seminars.
Who should join?
Any dancer who loves to perform and is willing to make the commitment to study at least 2 times a week for junior company
and 4 times a week for senior company.
Are there any special fees for company members?
Company members pay a reduced fee for classes: Senior Company - $250/month; Junior Company - $150/month. This
will give them unlimited classes in their appropriate level.
…About “Star Concert Performances” Star Concert performances are strictly the Senior Company who will
perform contemporary and classical short pieces, solos and small group pieces. Some may be invited to choreograph and
produce their own pieces, while learning how to manage many aspects of production. The Star Concerts are designed to
be an educational tool for the students as well as a performance opportunity. The concerts will be in September and
February of each year. Junior Company members are invited to help with production and play the role of Ambassadors at
the performances.
…About the “Nutcracker”
Who is eligible to participate in the Nutcracker?
Any dancer over the age of 3½ (even beginners) may participate. Casting will be held Sunday, October 1st and is open to
any student of ballet. The audition assesses the dancer’s ability so that he/she may be appropriately cast in a role. A child
who wishes to participate is never turned away. Brothers of students may be considered and many times we need adult
performers. Of course, boys enrolled in classes receive priority in casting. However, participation is voluntary; no Grebel
Dance student is required to perform.
How does the casting work?
Last year, over 50 children were cast in the “Nutcracker”. If more are involved, then the dancers are separated into two
casts. Cast 1 performs the Saturday performance and Cast 2 performs Sunday performance, just like a professional
company. Each child participates in at least one performance. The casts are balanced by the numbers and sizes of
dancers.
How often are rehearsals?
For most roles, rehearsals are held one hour every other week, usually Saturday or Sunday afternoons, starting in
October. Dress rehearsal will be held on Friday.
What are the fees involved with the “Nutcracker”?
Because the performance is staged by AYBC, each dancer must pay a $100 rehearsal fee. The rehearsal fee is used to
pay the teachers who train the children for their parts and to support the other aspects of production, such as costumes,
stage contracts, props, lighting, and music.
What about costumes?
AYBC maintains a costume library, so the “Nutcracker” costumes are loaned to the dancer free-of-charge in most cases.
Many of the costumes cost well over $100 (some as much as $500), so maintaining this collection reduces the cost of
performing for our dancers.
What is the Patron Program?
A ticket program offering priority seating and recognition in the Nutcracker Program. Ticket forms will be available at the
audition. The ticket orders are numbered as the forms reach the office. Platinum patron tickets are given the best seats,
followed by Diamond, Gold and Silver.
Can families get involved too?
YES! An experienced and highly talented staff of teachers prepare the children for their roles. However, all other aspects of
production are handled by an all-volunteer staff. The people making your child’s costume, setting up the stage, doing the
lighting and effects, preparing the program, arranging for advertising, selling tickets, and printing the cast sweatshirt do it
all for love. New hands are always welcome and very much needed! Please check the bulletin door for sign-up sheets.