The New Jersey Youth Ballet was started in the fall of 2008 with a mission to bring dance to young people in Central New Jersey and provide performance and training opportunities to aspiring dancers. The New Jersey Youth Ballet is committed to providing a rewarding and educational experience for those children watching our ballets and for the young dancers in it.

The New Jersey Youth Ballet prides itself on being both inclusive and professional. Anyone between the age of 5 and 18, regardless of past experience, can be part of the company. Our company has dancers of varying abilities from pre-professional to beginner. Because of this we create our ballets with roles of widely varying difficulty and offer company classes of many different levels. In this way the company is able to provide professional training and experience to those who are ready for it while creating a place for those who have just started. Although we do expect a greater level of commitment from our more advanced dancers, all children are asked to do their best and strive towards their full potential.

Although we are working with children we do our best to replicate the same rehearsal and performance principals and conventions found in a professional company. Children face challenges, practice communication skills, work as a group to solve problems and develop an understanding of performance etiquette. However, the most important thing imparted to our dancers is a sense of value and purpose in performing for others in the community.

All our ballets are choreographed and produced with children in mind. They are fully narrated and abridged so as to be accessible to children of all ages. After each performance children are invited on stage to meet the dancers, get autographs and take photos. This enables our young dancers to experience first hand the effect their performance has had and gives audience members a chance to ask questions and see what goes in to our productions.

The New Jersey Youth Ballet will continue to produce ballets geared towards young children and provide a nurturing and professional environment where children can dance. If you would like to be part of our organization please contact us.

The New Jersey Youth Ballet is directed by David Kieffer. David Kieffer has had an extensive and diverse career as a teacher, dancer and choreographer. He has taught students of all ages at various institutions throughout the tri-state area. David brings with him an understanding of the professional dance world along with an enthusiasm for children and their boundless energy. Learn more about David Kieffer.

The New Jersey Youth Ballet is in residence at The Dance Connection of Hillsborough. The Dance Connection provides studio space and teaches company classes for The New Jersey Youth Ballet and offers classes in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre and Boy’s classes.

If you are looking for ballet classes for children, or any other form of kids dance classes visit The Dance Connection of Hillsborough.

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