Jeunesse Classique Ballet Society

Dear Jeunesse Classique Ballet Society friends & families, I never imagined a year without our Nutcracker, a tradition of 33 years. It was so heartbreaking, but the whole world is held in suspension by this pandemic and we must strive to persevere and look forward to a brighter future. Despite our current difficulties I remember a company of young talented dancers, dedicated to the art of classical ballet. Your hard work and passion cannot be diminished. This is just a hi...atus and the time will come when you will emerge like butterflies. The studios will be vibrant with rehearsals and the stage will welcome us once again. Please continue to dance, to believe, and hold the promise of tomorrow with your whole being. The arts need our support now, more than ever. I am looking forward to our next production! With my warmest wishes for a safe and healthy holiday season, I wish to invite you to join me in spirit as we experience The Nutcracker together by watching our 2019 production at the Yates Theatre in Lethbridge online. Act I https://youtu.be/uwMbyzWzalo Act 2 https://youtu.be/Q8RMjelrRbs Kindest regards, Umran Sumen Artistic Director Jeunesse Classique Ballet Society

Happy World Ballet Day! While the stages are dark this fall and winter we are still dedicated to bringing the joy and beauty of classical ballet to Alberta, Canada, and the world. Stay tuned for information on our hope to bring Giselle to the stage in June 2021. ... @bdl_ballet #worldballetday #worldballetday2020 #ballet #ballerina #dance #dancersofinstagram #yycdance #calgarydance

**5 SPACES REMAINING** Were you thinking about joining us for our repertoire workshops but didn't sign up? We currently have 5 spaces available in our Junior Workshop classes. With 7 weeks remaining we are offering these spaces at a pro-rated workshop fee of $140. Workshops run Sunday afternoons from 1:30 - 3:00pm. Complete details and online registration at www.jcbs.ca

We have a limited number of spaces remaining (3 senior and 5 junior) for our 8 week repertoire workshop series starting this Sunday!! Visit www.jcbs.ca for full details and online registration. Photo: Brittany Doucet

Space is limited, join us for an exiting 8 week repertoire workshop! Registration is open at www.JCBS.ca #ballet #dancer #yycdance #calgarydance #nutcracker #giselle #donquixote

Please see our recent update concerning the 2020 Nutcracker season.

SAVE THE DATE - Calgary JCBS would like to tentatively announce Calgary Nutcracker auditions for September 12 and 13! More details regarding auditions and performances will be released throughout the summer. Our dancer’s health and safety is our number 1 priority. We have set audition dates in the hope that it is safe and permitted, both to audition and to perform in December. We will follow the guidelines set out by AHS. Please watch our Instagram and Facebook pages for updates and changes as the situation in Alberta changes.

SAVE THE DATE - Medicine Hat JCBS would like to tentatively announce Medicine Hat Nutcracker auditions for September 19 and 20! More details regarding auditions and performances will be released throughout the summer. Our dancers’ health and safety is our number 1 priority. We have set audition dates in the hope that it is safe and permitted, both to audition and to perform in December. We will follow the guidelines set out by AHS. Please watch our Instagram and Facebook pages for updates and changes as the situation in Alberta changes.

Hello Dancers and Patrons, Today would have been our first performance of Giselle, our Spring production of 2020. Right now, we would have finished our final dress rehearsal, and would be getting ready for the show. Putting on makeup, steaming costumes, having a light pre-performance meal, re-setting the the stage for Act one, checking lighting and sound, doing warmups. Backstage would have been buzzing with activity and the energy and excitement of opening night would hav...e been tangible. We missed the rehearsals, the comraderie, the teamwork. The last three months have felt empty. Giselle is a ballet that deals with love and betrayal, loss and forgiveness. While we have all felt the loss our current situation has put us in, we can all look forward with hope that our future holds. As we begin to return to our old normal, we will keep you updated on JCBS activities and plans for future productions. Please keep safe and stay healthy. Our performance of Giselle from May 11, 2014 is still available for viewing on YouTube. We hope this might help. https://youtu.be/btf3Hn7Rb_w

Hello JCBS dancers and supporters, We miss you and are looking forward to time when we can all collaborate to create great ballet performances. In keeping with our recent video releases, we have a very special presentation this week. Without a doubt, the most ambitious undertaking in the history of Jeunesse Classique Ballet - Illumination. This is a collaboration between the Turkish State Ballet with 14 dancers from Turkey, The National Ballet of Canada, New York City Ba...llet, American Ballet Theatre and the Calgary Youth Orchestra. With Choreography by Mehmet Balkan and Junko Hikasa, featuring guest dancers Kealan McLaughlin, Allie Bertram. With performances by JCBS's own Alexandra MacDonald and Patrick Lavoie performing the Pas de Duex from Swan Lake and Anna Licea and Charles Askegard performing the Pas d Deux from Sleeping Beauty. Also featuring a presentation by Zippora Karz, Author of the Sugarless Plum, a book about a dancer's battle with diabetes. The feature performance is the Rite of Spring with the stirring music of Igor Stravinsky, this contemporary ballet stretched the boundaries of JCBS dancers and left its mark on the Calgary dance scene. Performed at the Jubilee Auditorium on May 11, 2012 - JCBS is proud to present - ILLUMINATION. Please enjoy. The premiere is live at 3:30 pm today. https://youtu.be/ZAgz9-l3Upw

Hello Jeunesse friends and family. We hope you are all staying strong and healthy. This week we are continuing to release a classic from our diverse performance repertoire. With Mother's Day on Sunday, what better ballet illustrates a mother's love for her daughter than Giselle. Performed at the Wright Theatre on May 11, 2014, this production features Saniya Abilmajineva as Giselle, Kealan McLaughlin as Albrecht and Michael Keating as Hilarion. Please enjoy our premiere at 3:30 pm Saturday May 9 https://youtu.be/btf3Hn7Rb_w

This week we celebrated Tchaikovsky’s 180th birthday. Tchaikovsky has given the world some of the most beautiful and well known ballet scores. In honour of Tchaikovsky we present a photo from last year’s performance of The Sleeping Beauty. #ballet #ballerina #dance #dancer #yycdance #sleepingbeauty #sleepingbeautyballet #jcbs #yycart

Hello JCBS Facebook friends. Despite the beautiful weather outside, we've decided to air a wintry presentation on Saturday afternoon at 3:30 pm A perennial favourite - The Nutcracker... This performance is presented in two acts with two separate links. Act I will premiere on YouTube at 3:30 and Act II will premiere at 4:30 Live from the Yates Memorial Performing Arts Centre in Lethbridge Alberta, this performance is from Sunday Dec. 1 2019. Act I https://youtu.be/uwMbyzWzalo Act II https://youtu.be/Bw3PjLe_zlY Please enjoy.

Happy International Dance Day to all of our dancers, and all dancers around the world. We are waiting in excitement for the day you can take the stage again but in the meantime we are reflecting on beautiful memories of previous performances. #internationaldanceday #danceday #ballet #balletdancer #balletphotography #dance #dancer #yycdance #sleepingbeauty #nutcracker #copelia

A message from the Board of Directors for the Jeunesse Classique Ballet Society.

Hello everyone, We hope you are all staying healthy and fit. We miss seeing all of you at rehearsals and now with the announcement of the postponement of our Spring production of Giselle to 2021, we are further saddened. But to lift our spirits and remind ourselves of what JCB has accomplished over the years, we are pleased to release yet another video from the vaults. This Saturday at 3:30 pm we are excited to premiere Les Sylphides and Peter and the Wolf from the Wright... Theatre on May 15, 2010. This production of Peter and the Wolf is a bit of a departure from what JCB had presented in the past and is a much more contemporary interpretation of the piece. "Shall I tell you a story? Once upon a time; well, this is a musical story and like all stories it has characters...." Featuring Julie Trelevan as Peter, Hailey Shearing as The Wolf, Kira Barwich as the Bird, Laura Van de Zande as the Cat, Sammy Friesen as the Duck and Anne McLean as Grandfather. Please enjoy the performances. https://youtu.be/djuaRwVOoj0 See more

Hello Everyone, JCBS is continuing with airing videos of our past productions. This week we have Sleeping Beauty from 2018 at the Martha Cohen Theatre. This video will premiere at 3:30 pm on Saturday April 18... https://youtu.be/mjyKxTVzGoo M

Hello JCBS friends and family. We hope that you are all safe and healthy. During this difficult time we continue to preserve and promote the beauty of Classical Ballet. Plans are still underway to create our newest production, Don Quixote. Costume and set design concepts are well underway and Mrs Sumen is updating us on her vision of the ballet. We are quite excited to see this come together. Although the 'present' portion of our mandate is on pause at the moment, we wou...ld like to offer you the opportunity to watch some of the ballets from JCBS's diverse repertoire. To that end, each Saturday afternoon around 3:30 pm we will post a new video of a past performance. This week it will be Coppelia from the Saturday Soiree performance at the Martha Cohen Theatre from 2017. Please click on the YouTube link below to watch this stunning performance. Enjoy and thank you for your continued support. https://youtu.be/aKKFZaC8bHM

It’s World Tutu Day. Many of our soloist tutus are around 20 years old, but look like new due to the dedication and care of our dedicated volunteers! To keep our old tutus looking fresh, they are refurbished and redecorated. #tutu #worldtutuday #worldtutuday2020 #wardrobe #ballet #dance #yyc #yycdance #balletfashion #jcbs #donquixote

And we’re off! The Willis have received their veils and rehearsals for Giselle have begun. Keep an eye on Instagram, Facebook, and jcbs.ca for details on our performance in June 2020. #ballet #ballerina #giselle #giselleballet #rehearsal #dance #dancer #jcbs #willis #ghostsofgiselle

Are you in need of some new (to you) leos, sweaters, or other dancewear? We are holding a sale of the gently used clothing that has been donated to us tomorrow February 1, 2020 from 9:30 AM until 2:30 PM. This is a ONE DAY ONLY opportunity. Most items will be $5 per piece. Cash is best. All proceeds go to JCBS Wardrobe!... Sale will be at the Heritage Square Studios, in Studio C!

Did you miss the weekend’s auditions? Don’t worry! Auditions continue this Wednesday, January 15. Go to www.jcbs.ca for information and registration. Stay warm out there. #dance #dancer #ballet #ballerina #auditions #yyc #yycdance #giselle #giselleballet #dancewithus #jcbs

Giselle auditions start today! Are you registered? It’s not too late! Auditions are today, tomorrow, and Wednesday. Performances are June 5-7. Information and registration at ww.jcbs.ca. #ballet #dance #dancer #audition #dancewithus #ballerina #jcbs #yyc #yycdance #arts #dancekids #giselle #giselleballet

Auditions start tomorrow! Are you signed up? Register at www.jcbs.ca #ballet #ballerina #dance #dancer #jcbs #yyc #yycdance #audition

Giselle is sometimes called ballet’s Hamlet, maybe because of the recognition that single name has earned, or because the role demands so much from the dancer. Over the span of a few hours, Giselle must evoke the giddiness of young love, the trauma and madness of heartbreak, and the poise and purity of forgiveness. If you are a young dancer, don’t miss out on your chance to join JCBS’s spring performance of Giselle. Performing in a full length classical ballet is an unique op...portunity to enhance your dance training. Auditions are this weekend and next Wednesday. Info and online registration at www.jcbs.ca #ballerina #ballet #dance #dancewithus #yyc #yycdance #audition #jcbs #giselle #giselleballet

Auditions for Giselle are this weekend!!! Join us on January 11, 12, or 15 to be part of our spring production! Performances on June 6 and 7 at the Martha Cohen Theatre. Don’t miss out! #ballet #ballerina #dance #dancer #yyc #yycdance #dancewithus #audition #yycaudition #jcbs #giselle #giselleballet

Auditions for Giselle are this weekend and next Wednesday. Performances will be June 6 and 7 at the Martha Cohen Theatre. Don’t miss out! Info and registration at www.jcbs.ca. #ballet #ballerina #dance #dancer #yyc #yycdance #audition #danceauditions #giselle #giselleballet

Experience the love, the heartbreak, the drama, and the Willis. Join Jeunesse Classique Ballet in our spring production of Giselle! Open auditions on January 11, 12, and 15. Info and registration at www.jcbs.ca #ballet #ballerina #dance #dancer #yyc #yycdance #audition #giselle #giselleballet #performance #performer

Auditions for Giselle begin next weekend! Don’t miss out on your chance to join us in this production. Open auditions are January 11, 12 and 15. Details and registration at www.jcbs.ca. #ballet #dance #audition #yyc #yycdance #jcbs #ballerina #giselle #giselleballet

Happy New Year! A new year brings a new performance. Auditions for Giselle are January 11, 12 and 15. Don’t miss out. Audition Information and registration at www.jcbs.ca. #ballet #balletdancer #yyc #yycdance #dance #audition #balletauditions #giselle #giselleballet

It’s time to start thinking about 2020! Auditions for Giselle are January 11, 12 and 15th. Details and registration at www.jcbs.ca #Giselle #giselleballet #ballet #audition #dance #dancer #yyc #yycdance #jcbs

Art never sleeps and we are back at it! Auditions for the 2020 Spring production of Giselle are January 11, 12, and 15. Performances will be June 6 and 7. Audition information and registration at www.jcbs.ca.... #ballet #dance #audition #giselle #giselleballet #jcbs #calgary

Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Nutcracker 2019 We completed 8 spectacular performances!... All dancers, from Seraphim to Sugar Plums rose to the standard that captured the hearts of the public. It was magical. We truly connected that ephemeral bridge from stage to audience every show. A vital link that gives meaning and value to our mission. Thank you to our répétiteur and exceptional cavalier, the ballet mistress, rehearsal mistresses, rehearsal assistants and all the volunteers. You created this magic to make our dancers shine! Please continue your hard work and together we will create more and more magical productions with this wonderful and talented group. They deserve the very best of all our efforts. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and my best wishes for a beautiful holiday season. Words alone can never express the extent of my gratitude. From deep in my heart, I thank you all! Warmest regards, Umran Sumen Artistic Director Jeunesse Classique Ballet #jcbs #dance #nutcracker #yyc #yql #congratulations

It’s time for more Nutcracker Trivia and another ticket give away! The second act of the Nutcracker takes place in the Land of Sweeta, but not all of the sweets are obvious. The Spanish dancer represents chocolate, and the Chinese dancers represent tea. What do the Arabian dancers shown here represent? Answer on IG or FB for your chance to win 2 tickets to this Saturday evening’s performance at 7:30.... Draw will be at 8 tomorrow morning (so you have lots of time for research if you don’t know) www.jcbs.ca for tickets #nutcracker #nutcrackerballet #landofsweets #ballet #dance #calgary #yycdance #calgaryevents #tourismcalgary

It's giving Tuesday...so we are going to give away two tickets to this Friday's Nutcracker performance (7:30PM) to someone who deserves it. For your chance to give someone an early Christmas present, let us know who you would like to take to the ballet for a special night out and why they deserve it. You have until midnight tonight to let us know who has made your life better this year. Winner will be chosen by random draw and informed by DM.

Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! The Nutcracker on tour Lethbridge Nov 29, 30 & Dec 1... The 4 performances were a resounding success! All the hard work and dedication, and most importantly, the incredible teamwork resulted in Drosselmeyer's magic on the stage which was transported to the audience every show. This is truly a vital connection that gives meaning and value to our mission. This is what we are looking for with Jeunesse Classique Ballet. From deep in my heart I thank all the Lethbridge teachers for their tremendous work which shone through their dancers. We will continue to connect cities across Alberta and beyond under the umbrella of the arts. To create this magic is only possible due to the amazing devotion of all the Volunteers! You have my deepest gratitude. Thank you all! Thank you to our Répétiteur and Cavalier, the Ballet Mistress, the Rehearsal Mistresses and Rehearsal Assistants in both cities, and of course, all the Dancers! Together, we were unstoppable, an invincible network of support! Please keep your dedication, inspiration and love and respect for classical ballet. With this beautiful energy we will open the doors to many more collaborations in the future. I wish all the families a joyous holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Warmest regards, Umran Sumen Artistic Director

The dancers aren’t the only beautiful things on stage. The sets, costumes, and masks are all handcrafted works of art! Don’t miss the show! Tickets to The Nutcracker in Calgary are still available. Dec 6-8. Tickets at www.jcbs.ca #nutcracker #costume #ballet #dance #yyc #yycdance #tickets #yycevents #jcbs

Only one more show to go in Lethbridge, and then we are back in Calgary. Tickets are still available at www.jcbs.ca. Don’t miss your chance to see The Nutcracker! #nutcracker #ballet #dance #snowqueen #winter #yyc

Our second show has just begun! Thanks to all of our amazing dancers, including our adorable Lethbridge Minis! Calgary, don’t miss out, buy your ticket at Jcbs.ca! #Nutcracker #ballet #lethbridge #calgary #dance #dancer #jcbs

We are almost ready for the show! The superstition is that it is bad luck to say good luck to a performer. How do you wish your favourite dancer a good show? #dressrehearsal #perform #dance #ballet #nutcracker #lethbridge #goodluck

Alright Calgary, it's your turn! We have two tickets for Friday, Dec 6 at 7:30 to give away. For your chance to win enter your answer to our Nutcracker trivia question below. Winner will be chosen from the correct answers by random draw tonight at 10PM. Who is the author of the story the Nutcracker is based on?... (Bonus points if you can name the other ballet based of off this author's work that also features dancing dolls)

Brush up on your Nutcracker trivia Calgary. Your chance to win Nutcracker tickets starts tomorrow! Make sure you check Facebook for your chance to win! #nutcracker #dance #ballet #tickets #contest #jcbs #yycdance #yyc #christmas

Lethbridge, we have one more pair of tickets to give away! Here is your chance to see The Nutcracker this Saturday evening (Nov 30 at 7:30). The Nutcracker music hasn't just been used for the ballet. You hear it in movies, on TV, in video games, and in malls everywhere during the holiday season. Our Bon Bons want to know the most interesting place you have heard any of the Nutcracker's music for your chance to win. The winner will be randomly chosen at 10 PM tonight, and contacted by DM.

Lethbridge!! Get ready to jump for joy! We have two tickets for this Friday evening's performance (Nov 29 at 7:30) to give out! To enter let us know what you would be most excited about if you got to see the show. A random draw for the winner will happen at 10 PM tonight!

Our snowflakes, having been carefully fit, decorated, and prepared through countless hours of work by our amazing volunteers, are ready to make their way to Lethbridge. (Is it Tutu Tuesday yet?) Don’t miss the show! Lethbridge Nov 29 - Dec 1, Calgary Dec 6-8. Tickets for The Nutcracker available at Jcbs.ca #nutcracker #nutcrackerballet #tutu #snowflakes #dance #dancer #ballet #ballerina #calgary #lethbridge #yycdance #yqldance

The Land of Sweets is filled with exciting and colourful characters. Don’t miss your chance to meet them all! Get your tickets for the Nutcracker today at Jcbs.ca! Lethbridge Nov 29 - Dec 1 Calgary Dec 6 - Dec 8... #ballet #nutcracker #nutcrackerballet #dance #dancer #ballerina #yycdance #yyc #yql #yqldance See more

Only one week left before the show starts! Make sure you get your tickets for The Nutcracker and don’t miss out on this beloved holiday tradition. Lethbridge: Nov 29 - Dec 1 Calgary: Dec 6 - Dec 8 Tickets available at Jcbs.ca #ballet #dance #ballerina #calgary #lethbridge #nutcracker #christmas #jcbs

Lethbridge! Don’t miss your chance to see some of your own talented dancers onstage in The Nutcracker. We love having local dancers like Darian join us when we travel. We also love have our friends from @yalenkaukrainiandancers add excitement and spectacular energy as well! Lethbridge shows are Nov 29 - Dec 1. Get your tickets at jcbs.ca!... #lethbridge #lethbridgedance #dance #ballet #nutcrackerballet #nutcracker #christmas #christmasgift #lethbridgeevents

At the stroke of midnight, the mice creep in, lead by the fearsome Mouse King. Get your tickets before time runs out at jcbs.ca #nutcracker #ballet #dance #calgary #lethbridge #christmas #mouseking #dancers

Mark your calendars, because Jeunesse Classique Ballet Society is presenting the sparkling, magical classic, The Nutcracker, the first weekend of December. #yyckids http://ow.ly/2dWt50wNZTm

Nutcracker Trivia: Tchaikovsky wanted a new sound for the Sugar Plum music... something heavenly and sweet. He was one of the first to use the celesta in a major composition, possibly even having one shipped from France for the occasion. Our beautiful Sugar Plum makes the stage sparkle as much as the music does. Get your tickets today at jcbs.ca. Lethbridge Nov 29-Dec 1 Calgary Dec 6-8... #dance #ballet #nutcrackerballet #calgary #lethbridge #christmas #calgarydance #lethbridgedance #jcbs See more

We are at @spruce_meadows today for the Christmas Market! Another show at 12:15 pm. Get your Nutcracker tickets at Jcbs.ca #ballet #yyc #sprucemeadows #sprucemeadowschristmasmarket #nutcracker

Ghosts don’t only come out on Halloween. The Willis will be out to haunt the stage in June for #Giselle. But get your nutcracker tickets first at www.jcbs.ca! @larrydoucet ... #ballet #jcbs #yycdance #yyc #giselle #giselleballet #ghosts #willis #ballerina #halloween See more

October snow might be miserable, but our Snowflakes are beautiful. Don’t miss out! Tickets for The Nutcracker in Lethbridge and Calgary are on sale now! www.jcbs.ca #dance #nutcracker #nutcrackerballet #yyc #yql #ballet #yycdance #yqldance #calgary #lethbridge

Kick off the holiday season early! Tickets for The Nutcracker in Lethbridge (Nov 29 - Dec 1) and Calgary (Dec 6 - Dec 8) are LIVE! Visit www.jcbs.ca to get your tickets. #yyc #yql #yycevents #yqlevents

Do you know a young dancer (aged 5-8) who is ready to light up our stage? We are holding auditions for our youngest Nutcracker dancers this Sunday Sept 22nd. Visit www.jcbs.ca for complete details and online registration.

Open Auditions for our youngest Nutcracker performers are happening this coming Sunday Sept 22nd. Ages 5-6 at 2pm and ages 7-8 at 3:30pm. Register online at www.jcbs.ca

Open Nutcracker auditions are THIS WEEKEND! Please, register online at www.jcbs.ca and see our poster for more details on levels and ages. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of the most favourite classical tale - The Nutcracker Ballet! The performances will be on November 29, 30, Dec 1 at the Yates Memorial Theatre (Lethbridge cast) Dec 6, 7, 8 at the University of Calgary Theatre (Calgary cast).

NEW AUDITION SESSION ADDED We would like to welcome those in ballet grades 2 & 3 to our auditions THIS SUNDAY in Calgary. Audition registration and information can be found online at www.jcbs.ca

Dancers from all studios are encouraged to come out and audition for our truly magical production of The Nutcracker. Open Nutcracker Auditions are being held on September 7th & 8th in both Lethbridge and Calgary. Please, register online at www.jcbs.ca and see our poster for more details on levels and ages. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of the most favourite classical tale - The Nutcracker Ballet! The performances will be on November 29, 30, Dec 1 at the Yates Memorial Theatre (Lethbridge cast) Dec 6, 7, 8 at the University of Calgary Theatre (Calgary cast).

Open Nutcracker Auditions are fast approaching during the first weekend in September. Please, register online at www.jcbs.ca and see our poster for more details on levels and ages. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of the most favourite classical tale - The Nutcracker Ballet! The performances will be on November 29, 30, Dec 1 at the Yates Memorial Theatre (Lethbridge cast) Dec 6, 7, 8 at the University of Calgary Theatre (Calgary cast).