About Youth Ballet West
Founded in 2007, Youth Ballet West (YBW) is a semi-professional youth ballet company based in Galway, dedicated to developing exceptional young dancers across the West of Ireland.
The company was launched with a production of Les Patineurs, originally choreographed by Sir Frederick Ashton, setting the standard for artistic excellence that continues today.
Funded by the Arts Council, Galway City Council and Galway County Council, YBW provides high-level ballet training and performance opportunities for talented dancers aged 13–23. Dancers are selected annually through audition and supported to train at an advanced level while continuing their academic studies at home.
Co-founded by Director Phyllis Hayes and Artistic Director Judith Sibley, Youth Ballet West was created to raise the profile of ballet in Galway and create meaningful opportunities for young dancers to perform, collaborate and grow artistically.
Training, Performance & Collaboration
Youth Ballet West offers:
Advanced classical ballet training
Performance opportunities in major productions
Restaging of renowned classical works
Commissioning of new contemporary choreography
Masterclasses with visiting international artists
The company actively collaborates with leading arts organisations including Macnas, and has previously partnered with Athenry Music School, Galway Technical Institute, Cathy Sharp Dance Ensemble, Chrysalis Dance and Corrib Dance Academy.
These collaborations expand creative opportunities, expose dancers to diverse styles, and help grow audiences for ballet and dance in Ireland.
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