The Alabama Youth Ballet Company is a unique performing group of talented students, selected for placement by audition, that presents public performances. Instituted in 2004, the goal of AYBC is to bring ballet to diverse, under-served audiences and provide pre-professional students with extensive performance experience in a nurturing environment. Comprised of students ages 8 to 21 from various studios around the area, this talented ensemble travels to communities and venues, which traditionally may be with or without access to ballet performances.

AYBC is the only program of its kind in Shelby County, and it is the only pre-professional dance training program. Members may take company classes, located at Grebel Dance, and participate in all rehearsals and performances for a yearly fee of $1000, or may take unlimited classes at a highly discounted rate.

This performing group presents original works created by critically acclaimed choreographers, including those  by artistic director Stevan Grebel. All of Grebel's advanced works are performed en pointe, requiring a high degree of technical proficiency on the part of the performers selected.

The Alabama Youth Ballet Company is proud to be located in the family-friendly, fast-growing city of Pelham.  Thank you for your support!

All photos on the site are the property of AYBC and may not be reproduced by copyright.

Igor N. Rykov is the official photographer of The Alabama Youth Ballet Company.  Contact [email protected]

Invite the Alabama Youth Ballet to perform at your meetings, luncheons, fundraisers, etc.  We also do lecture/demonstrations and performances to educate your group or school about the art of classical ballet. Our fees are low, and may be tax-deductible for you. Certain groups may be eleigible for our free performances through our community service outreach program. For more information, or to be an
AYBC Sponsor, call 205.602.5639 or
email Deborah at Alabama Youth
Ballet

The Alabama Youth Ballet Guild

Vaganova Technique
Generally considered the universal standard of excellence in ballet.In the early 1900's, Russian ballerina Agrippina Vaganova developed a ballet
teaching method built on the traditions of the Russian school.  The technique results in more lyrical upper body movements and increased strength,
precision, and agility.  In short, the Vaganova style aims at
teaching pupils to dance with their whole body, acquire harmonious movements, and widen their expressive range.  The result is more graceful and
powerful performances.  Madame Vaganova taught the method in St. Petersburg, Russia, at the Kirov Theatre school, which now bears her name.  
The style is sometimes referred to as Kirov training.  The Vaganova
Method is practiced throughout the world in leading ballet institutions, such as the National Ballet of Canada, the Royal Swedish Ballet,  and London's
Royal Ballet.

Vaganova-trained legends:  Pavlova, Nureyev, Baryshnikov.  Stevan Grebel trained with Pushkin, in St. Petersburg, as well, and continues to pass on
this legacy to his teachers and students.

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Company classes are taught by renowned dancer/teacher Stevan Grebel.  Having performed extensively all over the world, Mr. Grebel has a wealth of experience and knowledge to pass on to his students. His understanding of the Vaganova system of teaching, as taught to him by A.Pushkin of the Kirov Ballet Academy in Leningrad, is an inspiration to his students.  His classes are logical and musical; and feature simple, consistent, and progressive combinations for the development of each level.  These classes develop clean technique that promote less injuries, elongated muscles and high extensions.  The students move well across the floor, with agility and precision.  Whether the student is pre-professional, preballet, beginning ballet, or adult ballet, he/she has an opportunity to train in a positive atmosphere where each student is given individual attention and the classes are kept small.   Our strong syllabus of 'technique while developing artistry' has brought many students from other dance studios and companies to Grebel for training enhancement.  All Alabama Youth Ballet students are encouraged to participate in auditions and workshops at other companies, which enables them to meet other dancers and teachers and to expand their knowledge of the dance world.