Ballet M
for a
New
Generation
McMurray’s Pennsylvania
Ballet Conservatory
boasts big success with
their presentation at the
Pittsburgh Regional Youth
America Grand Prix.
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cMurray’s PBC dancers are bringing home accolades in the world
of dance. Though only open a year, the conservatory received the
Outstanding School Award YAGP 2020 at the Pittsburgh Regional
Competition of the Youth America Grand Prix, in addition to having
eight students qualify for the New York Finals, to be held this June.
Pennsylvania Ballet Conservatory (PBC) opened its doors on September 10,
2018. Diane Damon, Patty Erker, Laurie Rieger, David Martinez and Vanessa
Haidar worked together to found the company.
“We wanted to open a classical ballet school with a 21st Century approach to
ballet that includes a positive, nurturing environment” says Erker. “Our goal is to
teach professional-quality classical ballet, while also including other dance styles
such as contemporary, flamenco and character to help round out the dancers’ skills.
We want to make sure this is done in a nurturing, loving environment that supports
each child. We consider it classical ballet for a modern generation.”
Vanessa Haidar and David Martinez, both former dancers with the National
Ballet of Cuba, are co-owners, the artistic directors and two of the school’s
instructors. They are responsible for the school’s curriculum and annual
performances. Other instructors teach Flamenco, Contemporary and Character.
Co-owners Diane Damon and Patty Erker run the day to day business operations, as
well as help with costuming, props and performances.
PBC currently has 156 students. “We feel this is amazing growth for our first
year!” says Damon.
Recently, PBC competed in the Pittsburgh Regional Youth America Grand
Prix (YAGP). YAGP is the world’s largest global network of dance. It has
regional competitions all over the US as well as internationally in countries such
as Canada, Brazil, Korea, Italy, Australia, Indonesia, France, Mexico, France and
more. Dancers compete regionally in hopes of scoring high enough to be invited
to the New York Finals. Attending the New York Finals opens opportunities
for young dancers to receive invitations and scholarships and get noticed by