New York-based nonprofit Ballet and Beyond NYC has taken a revolutionary approach to provide free ballet training to under-resourced students, effectively shattering geographical and financial barriers that often keep aspiring dancers out of the art form.
The organization's mission is simple: "Ballet isn't for everybody, but it can be for anybody," said Michelle Cave, founder and director. The group has partnered with local after-school programs and other nonprofits to bring ballet studios directly to students, ensuring that those who crave dance - regardless of style or genre - have a safe space to nurture their passion.
The organization's flagship program, the Repertory Youth Summer Enrichment Conservatory (R.Y.S.E.), offers an immersive six-week experience for students aged 13 and up. During this intensive period, participants can explore various disciplines under the guidance of professional artists, including dance, musical theater, and filmography.
According to Carlton Terrence Taylor, artistic director of R.Y.S.E., "What we do here is special because we have professional artists that come in and lay the foundation for these young people... and it costs nothing for them."
The impact of Ballet and Beyond's efforts is evident in its track record. As Cave proudly noted, many students who began the program in their first year have grown significantly over the course of the 10-year initiative. "All you need to do is find us and let us know you want to do the work," she said.
With no financial burden or geographical constraints hindering access, Ballet and Beyond NYC has single-handedly opened doors for a new generation of dancers. The organization's mission serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring artists worldwide.
The organization's mission is simple: "Ballet isn't for everybody, but it can be for anybody," said Michelle Cave, founder and director. The group has partnered with local after-school programs and other nonprofits to bring ballet studios directly to students, ensuring that those who crave dance - regardless of style or genre - have a safe space to nurture their passion.
The organization's flagship program, the Repertory Youth Summer Enrichment Conservatory (R.Y.S.E.), offers an immersive six-week experience for students aged 13 and up. During this intensive period, participants can explore various disciplines under the guidance of professional artists, including dance, musical theater, and filmography.
According to Carlton Terrence Taylor, artistic director of R.Y.S.E., "What we do here is special because we have professional artists that come in and lay the foundation for these young people... and it costs nothing for them."
The impact of Ballet and Beyond's efforts is evident in its track record. As Cave proudly noted, many students who began the program in their first year have grown significantly over the course of the 10-year initiative. "All you need to do is find us and let us know you want to do the work," she said.
With no financial burden or geographical constraints hindering access, Ballet and Beyond NYC has single-handedly opened doors for a new generation of dancers. The organization's mission serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring artists worldwide.
they think they're revolutionary by giving free classes to under-resourced students but really they're just creating a whole new market for dance studios in low-income areas 
I mean, what's next? free yoga classes for people with no health insurance? 
it's all about gentrifying the arts and making it more accessible to the "in-crowd" 
non-profit organization Ballet and Beyond NYC. It reminds me of the arts programs I used to attend in high school, back in the 2000s. We didn't have as much access to resources like they do now, but it was still amazing to be able to learn from professional artists on a budget. This program is giving kids the chance to pursue their passion for dance without worrying about cost or location. It's so cool that they're bringing studios to after-school programs and partnering with other non-profits too! 
The fact that they've been doing this for 10 years now and have seen such amazing growth in their students is truly heartwarming. I just wish there were more initiatives like this out there, you know? 
They're making ballet "free" to under-resourced students? Sounds too good to be true. What's the catch? Are they just paying teachers and staff with donations or something? I mean, it's nice that they're helping out, but how sustainable is this model? And what about the quality of education? Is it really being provided by professional artists as they claim? 
I wonder if they have any programs for younger kids maybe like a ballet class for tots or something?
cant wait to see more of these kinds of orgs poppin up everywhere
. And the impact? HUGE! 10 years in and it's clear that this org has made a real difference in the lives of these students 
these kids are getting such a great foundation from professional artists & their progress over 10 yrs is just WOW!!! 
can we pls support this org more?? 
... my little sis is actually one of the students in their program and it's been AMAZING to see her grow from like 13 to now she's got confidence that's outta this world 
she's right though, ballet isn't just for the rich and famous, it can be for ANYBODY who wants it. I've been trying to convince my friends to join but honestly it's hard when we're all broke lol 
anyway I'm gonna go spread the word about Ballet and Beyond NYC now 
. it's not just about ballet either, but about creating spaces for kids to express themselves creatively and find their passion 
. gotta admire the founder's mission and the impact the org is having on young lives 
I would've been so down to check out a program like R.Y.S.E.! The fact that they're gettin' professional artists to mentor these kids is just incredible. It's all about exposure and opportunity, right? And it's awesome to see Michelle Cave's vision of "Ballet isn't for everybody, but it can be for anybody" comin' true.
maybe we could organize some community outreach programs or collaborations with local dance studios? that would be a dream come true 
And it's heartening to see that the program has had such a positive impact on the students over the years. It just goes to show that with passion, dedication, and the right support, anyone can pursue their dreams, regardless of where they come from 
Their approach is all about inclusivity and nurturing passion, which is exactly what the world needs more of 
Only time will tell! 
it's amazing that they've got partnerships with local after-school programs and other nonprofits to bring studios directly to students. I mean, who needs money or where you live to pursue dance? 
their R.Y.S.E. program sounds like a total game-changer too - 6 weeks of immersion with pro artists is like, the ultimate dream come true for any dancer 
.