HISTORY AND MISSION

 

The Potomac Classical Youth Ballet Company was chartered in December 1996 as a company for the Tri-State's most talented dancers. Founded by Lauran Clowser, the company is now governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.

Since its inception, PCYBC has begun a training ground for serious students who wish to study ballet as a preprofessional. The company is composed of dancers between the ages of 13 and 18 years old who are selected by audition. These students average 4 to 6 classes a week in addition to company classes and rehearsal. During the summer months, company members continue their training at workshops and summer dance camps. As a company member, the dancers receive training from master teachers, choreographers and international performing artists. This combination of intensive training and performing experience prepares the serious minded student for a career in dance.

The Company held its premier performance in the spring of 1997. For three seasons, PCYBC performed the “Nutcracker” at the Maryland Theatre in December with Russian soloists from the International Ballet Theater and the Maryland Symphony Orchestra. The Company has also welcomed guest artists from the Houston Ballet, The James Sewell Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, and The Washington Ballet. PCYBC will return to the Maryland Theatre for the “Nutcracker” on December 8 and 9, 2007. A Spring Performance for PCYBC offers the dancers in the company an opportunity to perform original works from classical ballets as well as newly commissioned works from guest choreographers.

The resident home of PCYBC is The City Ballet School, located at 14 N. Potomac Street in the Elizabeth Hager Center in downtown Hagerstown. Lauran Clowser is Artistic Director, Becci Kimm serves as Ballet Mistress, and Danielle Horochowski is the Company’s Assistant Ballet Mistress.

Auditions are held each September. Dancers who audition for a place in the Company must be high intermediate to advanced level and must be a least 13 years of age (birth date on or before Dec. 31, 1993).

Each year the Lauran Clowser Scholarship is given to one dancer,

2002 - Danielle Horochowski

2003 - Karen Dunn

2004 - Megan Schimmel

Jessica Pike

Jenna Simon

In March 2004 Company II was formed on a trial basis. Company II is a training ground for younger and/or less experienced dancers whose goal is to have more intensive training at a level not quite as advanced as PCYBC. Company II was very successful and will continue.

Auditions for Company II are held in September. Dancers must be at least 12 years of age (birth date on or before Dec. 31, 1995) and female dancers must have been on pointe for at least one full year.

Maryann Ellifritz

Elizabeth Hopkinson

Charlie Sekula

Angie Sievers

Chris Stockslager

Lauran Clowser - Artistic Director

Becci Kimm - Ballet Mistress

Danielle Horochowski - Assistant Ballet Mistress

*Photos courtesy of Mark Youngblood, Official Photographer for the Potomac Classical Youth Ballet Company,

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