The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center has announced that fall youth ballet classes kick off on Wednesday, Sept. 13 in NY Mills for youth in grades Pre-K through sixth grade.

Youth ballet classes are offered through a partnership with instructor Leona Cichy. Students will learn basic ballet techniques in a fun and encouraging class environment. Classes will be held on Wednesdays in the upstairs dance studio at the Cultural Center (accessible only by stairs).

The fall session will run for 10 weeks on Wednesdays, September 13 through November 29 and will culminate in a short recital on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at the NY Mills City Hall Ballroom during the annual NY Mills Community Christmas Tree Festival. 

Three age group options are available: ages 4-6 (PreK-Kdg) from 4-4:30 p.m. ($80 per session); ages 6-9 (1st-3rd grades) from 4:30-5:15 p.m. ($120 per session); and ages 9-12 (4th-6th grades) from 5:15-6 p.m. ($120 per session). All costs include costume fees.

Limited spots to ensure small class sizes; 12 students max per class/age group. Full session payment is required to guarantee your spot.

The goal of these youth ballet classes is to instill a love of movement and dance in children. The structured classes will focus on the basics of gross motor movement including strength, coordination, and flexibility, as well as socialization and group learning. Every class will be a dance adventure of music and movement.

Instructor Leona Cichy of rural NY Mills began dancing at the age of two and is trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and modern, among other styles. 

Registration is available online at www.kulcher.org/2023-youth-ballet-at-the-cultural-center, or call 385-3339, or stop by the Center during its open hours (Wednesday Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.).