Thank you for your continued support!

One year ago, life in the United States ground to a halt as we grappled with how to deal with the spread of COVID-19. Normal life, as we then understood it, changed in the course of a few days.

For many nonprofits, and arts organizations in particular, the pandemic upended our world. The Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley was forced to close its studios to students, cancel its spring ballet and reimagine its live performance of The Nutcracker so a cherished holiday tradition could continue.

Throughout this turmoil, we have been reminded constantly how fortunate we are because of you, our many supporters. Thanks to you, we were able to successfully pivot and continue to serve our students, area schools and all community members who cherish the arts.

Thank you to the many foundations, individual donors, volunteers and staff who have continued to support the Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley during this challenging time.

Because of you:

• We safely filmed a live production of The Nutcracker and shared it free of charge with more than 11,000 students from more than 15 school districts and private schools.
• More than 2,000 arts patrons viewed the filmed production of The Nutcracker in the comfort of their homes, keeping a Lehigh Valley holiday tradition alive.
• More than one hundred children and adults attended dance classes through on-line training. When conditions allowed, we returned to the studio where students continue to learn in a safe, socially-distanced setting.

In particular, we gratefully recognize the many organizations that generously supported the Ballet Guild in 2020:

• Altemose Family Foundation
• Bethlehem Rotary Foundation
• Crayola
• Julius and Katheryn Hommer Foundation
• Keystone Savings Foundation
• Lehigh Valley Community Foundation
• PA Council on the Arts
• R.K. Laros Foundation
• The John A. and Margaret Post Foundation
• The Martin D. Cohen Family Foundation

Thank you for your continued support of the Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley as together we work to foster a greater understanding of classical ballet, live orchestral music and the arts through education and performances. We look forward to brighter days ahead.

You Created Magic for Lehigh Valley Students!

I really enjoyed The Nutcracker, and as a dancer, it made things feel a bit more normal. I’ve only seen The Nutcracker once before so seeing it again was very nice.
Sophomore Student
Lehigh Valley Charter Arts High School

Your continued support during this challenging time is very much appreciated!!! Thank you very much. Nothing can stop The Nutcracker!
Assistant Superintendent
Bethlehem Area School District

Thank you so much for providing this wonderful opportunity for our students. Most of our children have never experienced a ballet. We are so excited and have planned a district-wide Nutcracker Virtual Assembly so we can experience the performance together.
Supervisor of Fine and Performing Arts
Dover, NJ School District

Thank you so very much for providing this experience for us! The students loved the entire show and were very impressed by how athletic and well-trained the dancers all were. Bravo!
Second Grade Teacher
Macungie Elementary School

Register NOW for BGLV/PYB Summer Dance Program!

It’s time to register for our 2021 exciting Summer Dance Program! The class schedule is posted on our website for both the daytime Pre-Professional summer intensive and the evening Community Classes – click here for more information.  Class size is limited for all classes, so be sure to register as soon as possible!

In-Person Classes canceled – Monday, February 22, 2021

Because of the winter storm, all in-person classes are canceled for this evening, Monday, February 22, 2021.

• Pre-Professional Division classes will be held online via Zoom.
• Adult Community Division class will be held online via Zoom.

Holiday Closing – Monday, February 15, 2021

BGLV/PYB will be closed for President’s Day holiday on Monday, February 15, 2021. Classes will not be held. Please check the  calendar on our website for important dates and holiday closings.

Classes canceled Monday, February 1, 2021

Because of the winter weather conditions, all classes are canceled for Monday, February 1, 2021. Enjoy your snow day!

Classes canceled – Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Because of the winter storm, all classes are canceled for today.

Nutcracker Auditions for BGLV Students!

Pennsylvania Youth Ballet is committed to presenting “The Nutcracker” for the 52^nd consecutive year! In order to adhere to all safety standards and maintain the health and safety of our students, we will plan to present the Nutcracker in a virtual setting, to be live-streamed to public and school audiences. We hope that you will be a part of this unique and innovative production!

• Rehearsals will be in person at the studio, but for small groups with safety measures in place.
• Performances will be staged virtually and live-streamed for public and school audiences. Dates in December 2020 will be announced shortly, when they are finalized.

Audition Date:  Sunday, September 20, 2020

• 12:00-1:00 pm, ages 6 & 7
• 1:30-2:30 pm, ages 8 & 9
• 3:00-4:00 pm, ages 10-13

For students enrolled in the BGLV Community Division only who are at least 6 years old by December 8, 2020. Space is limited. Register in advance via your Parent Portal in Jackrabbit. Click here.

Classes will begin in September!

Registrations for all classes will begin soon – our 62nd season starts the week of September 14, 2020! Enroll early due to space limitations! Click the following link for schedule:  https://www.bglv.org/classes/

COVID- 19 HEALTH & SAFETY PLAN

For Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley’s COVID-19 Health & Safety Plan for the 2020 summer dance program, please click on the following link: Covid 19 Health & Safety Plan – 627-2020

COVID-19/Coronavirus Update from BGLV/PYB

Dear Ballet Guild Students and Parents,

Due to the closure of all Pennsylvania public schools by the Governor, the Ballet Guild will follow the recommendation of the State and close the ballet studio effective Saturday, March 14 through Saturday, March 28. There will be no classes or rehearsals during this time. We will update everyone regarding resuming classes and rehearsals as this situation progresses, and will offer make-up classes to those who are interested. At this time we are fully committed to proceeding with the “Peter Pan” ballet on May 29^th and 30th. Zoellner box office remains open for reservation of voucher seats and sales. Please do not hesitate to contact the office with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Ballet Guild Board of Directors, Artistic Director, and Staff