In 1996, Vail Friends of Dance created The Vail Youth Ballet Company (VYBC) for those students at Vail Valley Academy of Dance (VVAD) desiring more training and performance opportunities. Company dancers are selected through an audition process, representing advanced students who make the choice to pursue their dance study at a higher level. VYBC offers exciting opportunities for additional training and performance experiences to supplement their regular
VVAD classes and recital.

 

These dancers are highlighted in the annual Nutcracker Ballet production at the Vilar Performing Arts Center and a Spring Showcase Performance. The company is based out of VVAD with Ashley Calligan as the current artistic director of VYBC. Multiple graduates of VYBC have continued on to dance at top ballet collegiate programs, and dance professionally in ballet companies and musical theater. ​