92Y Announces Collaboration with NYTB for Pre-Professional Training

This fall 92Y and New York Theatre Ballet begin a collaboration bringing pre-professional training and performance opportunities to 92Y's School of Dance. The new program-known as NYTB at 92Y (NYTB/92Y)-is open to students starting at age 7, with curriculum based on the Cecchetti syllabus. This new collaboration is in addition to the wide array of classes for all ages and levels in ballet, modern, hip-hop, tap, jazz and more already offered at 92Y's School of Dance.

This new collaboration is spearheaded by Christine Chen, 92Y Director of Dance and Adult Programming, and Diana Byer, NYTB Founder and Artistic Director. Christine Chen comments "We're pleased to bring this great opportunity to our serious ballet students," noting that both organizations place a great importance on both legacy and innovation. "NYTB/92Y's curriculum, based on the Cecchetti syllabus, is aligned with the 92Y School of Dance values, looking holistically at each student and training them to be creative artists and thinkers as well as accomplished ballet dancers. We're also proud that these classes include an emphasis on musicality, with live accompanists in all classes. This collaboration with NYTB expands the already rich dance class offerings available to the 92Y School of Dance community."

Diana Byer, NYTB Founder and Artistic Director comments ""With 40 years as Director of Ballet Instruction at NYTB School, I am excited to bring a rigorous professional training program to 92Y."

Byer has a rich history with 92Y, performing at the historic venue as a young dancer, and presenting NYTB programs during the past two seasons. The company also performs at the 2019 Harkness Dance Festival.

NYTB/92Y faculty is led by Diana Byer; bringing teachers and assistants including NYTB's Associate Artistic Director Elena Zahlmann, and former New York City Ballet member and principal artist in the Paramount Pictures' film Fame, Antonia Franceschi. All classes have live accompanists.

A Workshop and Open House takes place at 92Y on August 18, offering interested parents and children an opportunity to sample a lesson and meet Diana Byer. Placement in NYTB/92Y's selective program is by audition on September 5. The schedule for both August 18 and September 5 is: 4-5 pm, Level 1-2, students age 7-10; 5-6 pm, Level 3-4, ages 11+. Merit and need-based scholarships are available to qualified students. To register, contact Heather Childs, Associate Director, Children's Dance at 92Y - hchilds@92Y | 212.415.5553.

Selected students appear in professional productions with NYTB in the company's The Nutcracker and Once Upon a Ballet series, and students gain access into the dance world via an open rehearsal with NYTB's professional company on November 2.

About 92Y School of Dance

Since its founding in 1935, 92Y's Dance Center, named the Harkness Dance Center (HDC) in 1994, has been a focal point of the American modern dance world and a pioneer in dance performance, education and professional development - a place where dance history is made. 92Y's School of Dance provides instruction and performance opportunities to thousands of children, teens, adults and professional dancers and educators in a variety of genres from modern, ballet, tap, and jazz to hula, Duncan Technique, flamenco, and other forms. The faculty are all committed to 92Y's philosophy of dance education, and many have professional performing experience and advanced degrees in dance.

About New York Theatre Ballet

With its ever-expanding repertory, New York Theatre Ballet's programming brings fresh insight to classic revivals paired with the modern sensibilities of both established and up-and-coming choreographers. Going strong in its 39th season, New York Theatre Ballet's diversity in repertory explores the past while boldly taking risks on the future.

New York Theatre Ballet School was founded in 1978 as the official training school of New York Theatre Ballet. Graded classes are offered at the pre-ballet through advanced levels. The school teaches dance as a total art form, developing strong technical skill and discipline. Following the Cecchetti syllabus, classes emphasize music, theatricality, gesture and style. For qualified students, the school's unique relationship with NYTB provides performing experience throughout the year in ballets featuring roles for children. For more information, visit For more information, visit www.nytb.org