Joffrey Ballet School to Launch New Youth Ensemble

Joffrey Ballet School, a world-renowned dance center offering the most versatile and highest quality training, announces the formation of a brand new performance group for teens. Co-directed by Jo Matos, Joffrey School's Children and Youth Ballet Director, and Irene Hogarth-Cimino, JBS Instructor, auditions will be held on October 24, 2014 at the Joffrey Ballet School. All students already enrolled in the Youth Ballet Program's Level 3-4 are invited to audition.

Aimed to enhance the individual student's classroom experience, Joffrey Ballet School's Youth Ensemble will instill a sense of dedication and discipline in order to prepare its students for professional careers in any industry. Rooted in the belief that art is what transforms communities, the ensemble will focus on community outreach and public service. With these two objectives in mind, the ensemble will serve as cultural ambassadors in the heart of the West Village.

"The youth are our future and an important voice in the community, and the dedication and talent of the young dancers at Joffrey deserves an outlet to perform outside of the school's planned performance," says Jo Matos. "We've had so many opportunities to perform in our neighborhood and also city-wide, most recently at Madison Square Park as part of a project with Rachel Fienstein and Sofia Coppola. Art is the fiber of this city, and we want to join the community in celebrating the talent of our youth."

Joffrey Ballet School's Youth Ensemble will make its debut in this year's Nutcracker performance at New York University's Skirball Center. Their inaugural season will commence in January 2015 with a more formal community performance schedule.