Youth Ballet WA (“YBWA”) is a Charitable Institution focused on education and performance in dance for youth. The company, founded in 2004, comprises of 110 talented dancers ranging from 8 – 21 years. Since its inception in 2004, the organisation has delighted audiences with its unique and vibrant performances.
With history dating back to 1960 former members have danced in prestigious dance companies throughout the world including: The New York City Ballet, The Australian Ballet, The West Australian Ballet, Dresden Ballet, Beritz Ballet, Culberg Berlin Ballet, Sydney Dance Company, The Australian Dance Theatre, Ballet de Monte Carlo, Bayerishes Staatsoper Ballet, Hamburg Ballet, Semper Oper Dresden, Natuo Duato Company Spain and countless more.
Junior Professional Programme
Dancers of YBWA get their technical training skill within the Junior Professional Programme delivered by Ballet Centre of WA. Open to applicants from 8 years of age, the Junior Professional Programme uses the Russian Vaganova method of training considered the finest syllabus for classical ballet. Other studies include Pointe, Pas de Deux, Repertoire, Contemporary, Composition, Drama, Spanish, Character, Music, Dance History, Anatomy and Yoga. Successful applicants perform as members of Youth Ballet WA (YBWA) – Perth’s full time youth company with 110 members. YBWA is a Charitable Institution recognised for innovation and excellence in the technical and artistic development of gifted young dancers. Established in 2004, YBWA has a history dating back to 1960, intertwining with the Terri Charlesworth Ballet Centre.
Ballet Centre of WA’s Junior Professional Programme is a Registered Training Organisation offering Nationally accredited Certificate III and IV in Ballet Performance and year 11 & 12 Course of study in Dance. Certificate III and IV are listed and endorsed by the Curriculum Council. Certificate III is worth 18 points and Certificate IV is worth 25 points towards WACE - The West Australian Certificate of Education or High School Graduation.
Director, Sonya Shepherd hails from the famous Charlesworth ballet family and is proud to work closely with her mother, Terri Charlesworth OAM, who fulfils the role of Artistic Advisor to both Youth Ballet WA and Ballet Centre of WA and was a recent winner of the WA Citizen of the year Award for Arts and Culture Development. Youth Ballet WA are extremely proud to have the support of our patrons, The Governor His Excellency Dr. Ken Michael and Mrs. Julie Michael.
YBWA reaches out to the wider community through mainstage productions, school performances and workshops, public performances, special seniors performances and displays, and corporate opening ceremonies.
Youth Ballet WA has become a launching pad for talented young dancers from Perth and around the state. Many former dancers are now performing in prestigious ballet companies throughout the world.
Auditions
The dancers of YBWA join the company through a rigorous audition process which takes place annually and at the Director’s discretion. All dancers train at an elite level, studying dance fulltime under the direction of Youth Ballet WA staff.