World-Class Training. Honest Feedback. Zero Competition Pressure.
AYBF (May 1–3, 2026) was created to give elite young artists a non-competitive space to learn from master teachers, receive performance feedback, and build real community connections.
“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
World-class teachers, mindset coaching, genuine community, and a weekend that’s as fun as it is formative. Directors may bring ensembles/teams, or individual dancers can register on their own.
- Separate levels: Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2, Advanced (directors place students; individuals placed by age; levels may be adjusted by faculty for best fit)
- Registration: $200 per dancer (master classes & workshops)
- Critiques: Optional adjudication at $45 per piece (perform for joy, or request feedback)
- Limits: Up to 3 pieces per school; 1 per individual dancer
- Meals: Optional lunch/dinner catering at $20 each; partners include Pita Pita & Chipotle; allergies accommodated
- Tickets: Parents may attend performance (limit 2 per student; seating is limited—purchase early)
Dates: Friday–Sunday, May 1–3, 2026. Detailed daily schedules release by April 1, 2026.
Guest Faculty
- Bryce Lee — Soloist, Colorado Ballet; founder of The Male Dance Connection; repertory includes Kylián, Tharp, Possokhov, Balanchine.
- Sara Knight — Royal Ballet School alumna; first British graduate of Vaganova Academy; founder, SLK Ballet School (NYC) & Chevalier Ballet Company.
Schedule Snapshot — May 1–3, 2026
6:00–7:30p Ballet Class
7:45–8:45p Confidence Seminar
8:45–9:45p Dancer Pizza Party (’90s theme)
8:45–9:45p Teacher Networking
9:00–10:30a Ballet
10:45a–12:15p Jazz/Contemporary
12:15–1:15p Lunch
1:15–2:45p Jazz/Modern
3:00–4:30p Repertoire
4:30–6:30p Rotating Dinner & Tech
7:00–9:00p Performance & Adjudication
1:00–2:45p Ballet
3:00–4:15p Wellness for Dancers (Seminar)
4:30–5:00p Career Q&A with Faculty
Levels: Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2, Advanced. Detailed schedules released by April 1, 2026.
Inside AYBF
Registration & Details
Registration: $200 per dancer for master classes & workshops.
Critiques: $45 per piece (optional). Perform for the joy of it, or add feedback.
Piece Limits: 3 per school • 1 per individual dancer.
Meals: Optional catered lunch/dinner at $20 each (Pita Pita & Chipotle). Allergies accommodated.
Tickets: Parents may attend performances (limit 2 per student). Seating is limited and will sell out—purchase early.
Deadline: March 15, 2026. Registration is open now.
Hotel: AYBF Participants receive discounted rooms at Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Tinley Park, IL.Please book through Ballet 5:8 to receive the discounted rate. 708.329.8773.
Who Can Attend
- Dancers ages 10–20
- Directors may bring ensembles/teams
- Individual dancers may register on their own
Level placement may be adjusted on site by faculty to ensure the best experience.