Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet runs a five-week summer ballet program in Carlisle for serious classical ballet students, with daily classes in ballet, pointe, men's class, variations, repertory, contemporary, partnering and conditioning. There is no audition, but dancers ages 9-19 with more than two years of prior ballet training must submit an application for review; students ages 12-19 may live on the Dickinson College campus, making it available as either a day or residential program. Students travel from across the country to attend, and the Changing Lives Scholarship Fund provides partial and full scholarships. The nonprofit school was founded in 1955 by Marcia Dale Weary.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★AlexWhere to begin? This school is a national treasure, and sets a high standard for classical ballet respected on an international level (students from here are accepted to top schools all over the world!). The staff are warm and inviting, and are each expert educators that love and understand Ballet at the deepest levels. It feels like a second home. The students are incredible in all facets - technique of course, but also artistry and professionalism. From the most simple exercise to the insanely complex, they present themselves with excellence. I am so inspired, and can't wait to return again. Thank you for another fabulous Teacher's Workshop! Rose Taylor - you have changed MANY lives by sharing this syllabus so brilliantly and with such love and care, I'm certain Marcia must be beaming :)
★★★★★cawitkow2I had 2 daughters attend for the first time, this year. One was old enough to stay in the dorms (14) and danced at the warehouse and one was 11 yes and lived with me in a rental and danced at the barn location. They both had tremendous improvement in their technique and loved the program. My oldest had done the nashville 3 week program last year and while that one was a lot more fun and the living arrangements were a lot better, they would choose this one again because of the focus on ballet technique. The only negative was the dorm situation. There were 2 kids per room and barely any social activities planned for them to get together and make new friends. It is a great program for a dancer dedicated to improving their technique.
★★★★★Alecia CoffinMy daughter had a wonderful experience at the Summer Intensive. While the days were long, the mix of faculty she had over the five weeks made her a stronger dancer. Her year-round teacher has positively commented on her form. The dorms and food were great (according to my daughter) as well.
★christieWe had a very poor experience with Nick Ade and Bridgette Plummer with a serious situation during the summer intensive. The training at the school is great, but I would not jeopardize your child’s well being by putting it in their hands. There are so many wonderful programs out there - spend your money where they truly care about their students instead of their financial bottom line.
★★★★★Greg GuentherOur son joined the program after a introductory summer camp experience back when he was four years old. Now, as a Level 2 dancer, the discipline and enthusiasm he has for ballet is extraordinary. He truly loves being there, participating in both learning and performing and he constantly raves about the teachers. All in all, we are so fortunate to have such a premiere school located right in our backyard!