World-Class Training. Honest Feedback. Zero Competition Pressure.
The American Youth Ballet Festival returns March 12–14, 2027, giving young artists a non-competitive space to train with master teachers, receive meaningful performance feedback, and build real community connections with dancers and directors from across the country.
“The American Youth Ballet Festival was created to give elite young artists a non-competitive space to work with master teachers, receive performance feedback and foster relationships within the dance community.”
— Julianna Rubio Slager, Artistic Director
Why Dancers Love AYBF
Master Classes
Dancers train with experienced faculty and guest artists in ballet, contemporary, jazz, modern, repertoire, and related professional disciplines.
Performance Without Competition Pressure
AYBF centers growth, artistry, and community. Dancers may perform for the joy of sharing their work or choose optional adjudication for feedback.
Community & Connection
The festival brings together individual dancers, schools, ensembles, directors, and teachers for a weekend of training and relationship-building.
Festival Details
Who Can Attend
- Dancers ages 10–20
- Intermediate and advanced students
- Individual dancers registering on their own
- Schools, ensembles, teams, and directors bringing groups
Levels
- Intermediate 1
- Intermediate 2
- Advanced
- Directors may place students; individuals may be placed by age or faculty recommendation.
Performance & Adjudication
- Optional adjudication available for dancers or schools seeking feedback
- Schools may bring up to 3 pieces
- Individual dancers may bring 1 piece
- Performance opportunities are designed to encourage growth, not competition.
Meals & Tickets
- Optional catered meals may be available during the festival weekend
- Parent performance tickets may be limited due to seating capacity
- Additional logistics will be shared with registered participants.
Guest Faculty
AYBF guest faculty will be announced as the festival approaches. Past faculty have included professional artists, directors, master teachers, and specialists from leading ballet and contemporary dance organizations.
Faculty Announcement Coming Soon
Check back for 2027 guest faculty announcements, class offerings, and special workshops.
Schedule Snapshot • March 12–14, 2027
The detailed 2027 schedule will be released closer to the festival. The sample format below reflects the type of weekend experience dancers can expect.
Friday
Registration, opening ballet class, dancer seminar, community gathering, and teacher networking.
Saturday
Ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, repertoire, rotating meals and tech, followed by performance and optional adjudication.
Sunday
Ballet class, career Q&A, improvisation, final workshop, and festival wrap-up.
Inside AYBF
Registration & 2027 Details
Registration Information
Registration details for the 2027 American Youth Ballet Festival will be announced soon. Dancers, parents, and directors are encouraged to check back for pricing, deadlines, performance submission instructions, hotel information, and meal options.
Contact Us About AYBF 2027For Schools & Directors
Directors may bring ensembles, teams, or selected students for a weekend of master classes, performance, adjudication, and community-building. AYBF is designed to support the growth of young dancers without the pressure of a competitive scoring environment.
Ask About Bringing a GroupJoin Us for AYBF 2027 • March 12–14
Train with master teachers, perform in a supportive environment, receive meaningful feedback, and connect with dancers from across the country.