Patel Conservatory Youth Ballet (PCYB)

Official school of Next Generation Ballet (NGB), directed by Philip Neal

Ballet student standing on stage wearing a ballet tutu

The Patel Conservatory Youth Ballet's disciplined course of study enables students to grow from beginning ballet to major performing opportunities at the Straz Center including Nutcracker. Each PCYB division has a sequence of levels designed to meet the students’ developmental and technical needs. Classes impart a technique combining an American speed and lightness in the lower limbs while maintaining a classical port de bras. The program consists of two divisions: Enrollment Division and Pre-Professional Division.

PCYB Enrollment Division

Children are placed by age. The levels that make up the Enrollment Division are Beginning Dance 1 (3 years old by Sept. 1), Beginning Dance 2 (4 years old by Sept. 1), Beginning Dance 3 (5 years old by Sept. 1) and Primary (6 years old by Sept. 1).


How to Register – Students that meet the age requirement for the enrollment division classes may sign up through the admissions office without going through the dance office.

Performance Information
• Beginning Dance 2 and 3, Primary: Spring Into Dance Showcase (Ferguson Hall)

• Beginning Dance 1: Demonstration & Recital (TECO Theater)

Fees – Non Refundable Registration Fee, Recital Fee and Yearly Tuition fee.

PCYB Pre-Professional Division

Students are placed by ability (grades 2-12). The levels that make up the Pre-Professional Division are Preparatory, Level 1A, Level 1B, Level 2A, Level 2B, Level 3A, Level 3B, Level 4 and Level 5.

How to Register – Students interested in the Pre-Professional Division must take a placement class. Placements are scheduled through the dance department by calling 813-222-1079 or by emailing danceprogram@strazcenter.org

Performance Information
• Preparatory-Level 5 by audition: The Nutcracker (Morsani Hall)

• Level 2A-5: On The Edge (Morsani Hall

• Preparatory-Level 2B: Breakin’ Out (Ferguson Hall)

• Preparatory-Level 5: Sleeping Beauty (Ferguson Hall)

Fees – Non Refundable Registration Fee, Recital Fee and Yearly Tuition Fee