Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet

08/27/2026

08/26/2026

LOOKING FOR A MODERN DANCE CLASS?

CRYB offers a once-a-week Modern class for boys and girls ages 10 or older. Interested in joining us? Come to our MODERN PLACEMENT CLASS: SUNDAY, AUG 30 - 4:30pm

You do not need to be a current CRYB student to attend. Come dance with us and see if the class is a good fit!
Contact CRYB for more information or to reserve your place.

08/18/2026

Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet (CRYB) is proud to celebrate the achievements of students Paisley Wilson and Tavares White, both of whom were selected to attend the prestigious Chautauqua Institution Summer Dance Program, a week-long intensive that brings together talented young dancers from across the nation for advanced training, artistic exploration, and personal growth.

The opportunity allowed both students to immerse themselves in a rigorous schedule of classes while experiencing the unique artistic and cultural environment of Chautauqua Institution. Throughout the week, Paisley and Tavares trained alongside dancers from across the United States, learned from accomplished faculty members, and expanded their skills through a variety of dance disciplines.

For Tavares, the intensive provided valuable opportunities to focus on men's ballet technique, including jumps, turns, strength training, and partnering. He particularly enjoyed learning the technical aspects of partnering and exploring different styles of dance throughout the week. One of his favorite experiences was studying musical theater choreography from A Chorus Line.

"I really enjoyed getting to work on jumps, turns, and partnering in the men's classes," said Tavares. "Learning choreography from A Chorus Line was a lot of fun, and I liked getting to try different styles of dance. Everyone at Chautauqua was so welcoming, especially the staff at Greene Family Commons. The teachers were amazing, and I learned so much from them during the week."

Paisley embraced the full Chautauqua experience, living on the Institution grounds and taking advantage of the many arts and cultural events offered throughout the week. She especially enjoyed connecting with dancers from around the country and experiencing the intensity and discipline of a pre-professional training environment.

"It was such an exciting experience to spend a week at Chautauqua and meet dancers from all over the country," said Paisley. "I loved all of the classes and getting to learn from incredible teachers. It was also really interesting to see how pre-professional dancers train every day as they get ready for careers in dance. I'm very thankful for everything I've learned at CRYB because it helped prepare me for this opportunity."

Both dancers returned from the program with new skills, fresh perspectives, and renewed inspiration for their dance training. Their selection for this respected summer intensive reflects not only their talent and dedication, but also the strong foundation they have built through their training at CRYB.

"Opportunities like the Chautauqua Summer Dance Program allow young dancers to challenge themselves, broaden their horizons, and gain valuable experience beyond their home studios," said Samantha Barczak, CRYB Head of School. "We are incredibly proud of Paisley and Tavares for representing CRYB so well and for embracing every opportunity to learn and grow."

Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet congratulates Paisley Wilson and Tavares White on this accomplishment and looks forward to their continued success both in the studio and on the stage.

08/13/2026

NOW ENROLLING 7 year old BOYS & GIRLS FOR FALL Ballet 1
Payment plans and Financial Aid available.Classes start 9/14
https://www.hisawyer.com/chautauqua-regional-youth-ballet/schedules/activity-set/1966589

08/13/2026

NOW ENROLLING 5 & 6 year old BOYS & GIRLS FOR FALL PRE-BALLET CLASS!
Financial Aid available.

In this class the primary focus is development of your child's coordination, motor skills, listening skills and musical awareness. Emphasis is placed on natural movement, flexitility and creative expression with a gradual shift to more structured movement.

08/13/2026

NOW ENROLLING 4 & 5 year old BOYS & GIRLS FOR FALL CLASSES! Classes start September 14th. Financial aid available.

In this division the primary focus is development of the child’s coordination, motor skills, listening skills and musical awareness. In the first few years of Pre-Ballet the emphasis is placed on natural movement, flexibility and creative expression. As the child progresses through this division t...

07/28/2026

NUTCRACKER AUDITIONS
SUN. AUGUST 30TH
Schedule out soon!

07/27/2026

CRYB students have been busy with Summer Ballet Intensives and opportunities. Catching up today with OAKLEY WILSON

This spring, Oakley was selected to perform with the New York City Ballet during its historic 60th Anniversary Residency at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (S**C) in Saratoga Springs, New York.
Oakley was selected as one of only 24 young dancers drawn from New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Connecticut, and Vermont to join the production. During the intensive rehearsal and performance experience, she learned and performed the revered choreography of George Balanchine, whose artistic vision transformed American ballet and continues to influence generations of dancers. [
Among the highlights of the experience was the opportunity to share the stage with internationally acclaimed New York City Ballet artists, including Principal Dancer Tiler Peck and Principal Character Artist Daniel Ulbricht, while performing to live accompaniment provided by the renowned New York City Ballet Orchestra.
Adding to the honor, Oakley was selected for one of the production's most memorable moments. As the curtain rose on the magical world of A Midsummer Night's Dream, she opened the ballet as a featured solo child dancer, becoming the first performer audiences saw as Balanchine's enchanting fairy-tale masterpiece came to life on the S**C stage.
"To be chosen for this opportunity is an accomplishment in itself," said Elizabeth Bush, Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet Executive Director. "To then be entrusted with such a visible and important role demonstrates Oakley's poise, preparation, and artistry. We could not be more proud of her."

Oakley's summer of exceptional opportunities continues closer to home. She has also been selected to perform in Sasha Janes' acclaimed ballet adaptation of Wuthering Heights, presented by the Chautauqua School of Dance at the Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater on July 29 at 8 p.m. Directed and choreographed by Janes, the Bonnefoux McBride Artistic Director of Chautauqua School of Dance, the production brings Emily Brontë's classic novel to life and showcases current and former students from one of the nation's most respected summer dance programs.

For Oakley, these prestigious opportunities reflect dedicated training and artistic development through Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet, widely recognized as Chautauqua County's premier ballet training program. Through CRYB's commitment to high-quality classical ballet instruction, young dancers are prepared not only to excel technically, but also to thrive in professional rehearsal environments and work alongside world-renowned directors, choreographers, and performers.

"Experiences like these do not happen by chance," Samantha Barczak-Young, CRYB Head of School and Instructor noted. "They are the result of proper training, perseverance, commitment, and a genuine love for the art form. Oakley represents the bright future of dance in our region, and her accomplishments serve as an inspiration to younger dancers throughout our community."

07/22/2026

SAMANTHA BARCKZAK APPOINTED CRYB SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Following the retirement of longtime Artistic Director and School Director Monika Alch after more than three decades of dedicated leadership, the Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet (CRYB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Samantha Barczak as its new School Director.
A respected professional dancer and educator, Barczak brings a wealth of performance, teaching, and leadership experience to CRYB while providing a seamless transition for students and families. Having worked alongside Ms. Alch throughout the past year, she is already a familiar and trusted presence in the studio and is eager to build upon the organization's long tradition of artistic excellence.
An Upstate New York native, Barczak received the majority of her early dance training at Myers Ballet School before continuing her studies on scholarship at The Rock School for Dance Education, American Ballet Theatre, and the New York State Summer School for the Arts. She began her professional career as a freelance dancer, performing as a guest artist with companies including Dayton Ballet, Northeast Ballet Company, Long Island Ballet Theatre, BalletFleming, and Contrast Dance Theatre. She also served as Ballet Mistress and Repetiteur for choreographer Christopher Fleming's ballets throughout the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
In 2009, Barczak became a Principal Dancer and Outreach Coordinator with The Rebecca Davis Dance Company before joining Pennsylvania Ballet as a company member in 2011. During her distinguished performing career, she danced featured roles in works by George Balanchine, Jiří Kylián, Matthew Neenan, Christopher Wheeldon, and many others, including principal roles in George Balanchine's The Nutcracker™, Jewels, The Four Temperaments, Raymonda Variations, Petite Mort, and Swan Lake.
Equally passionate about teaching, Barczak has served on the faculty of numerous regional schools and is committed to sharing her professional experience while inspiring the next generation of dancers.
"As we begin this exciting new chapter, we are thrilled to welcome Samantha as School Director," said Elizabeth Bush, Executive Director of the Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet. "Her exceptional professional background, dedication to high-quality dance education, and enthusiasm for working with young dancers make her an outstanding leader for our school. Samantha brings fresh ideas while honoring the traditions that have made CRYB a cornerstone of arts education in our community."