Tag: central pennsylvania youth ballet

Noelani Pantastico on Becoming CPYB’s Newest Artistic Director—and Making Students’ Dreams a Reality

It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since Noelani Pantastico joined the faculty of her alma mater, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. The beloved dancer had officially hung up her pointe shoes only a few months prior, capping off an incredible 25-year career onstage with Pacific Northwest Ballet and Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo. Now, […]

Noelani Pantastico on Retiring From PNB, Plus Her New Role at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet

On the day of her final performance with Pacific Northwest Ballet in February 2022, principal dancer Noelani Pantastico stepped onto the stage for one last company class and was greeted by a round of applause. Her colleagues had decorated her spot at the barre with balloons in the shape of her name, and she had […]

5 Ways Summer Intensive Auditions Can Help Your Dancers Improve—Even If They Don't Get In

Last year, Kensington MacMillen auditioned for summer programs away from home for the first time. A longtime Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet student, MacMillen had spent previous summers at her home studio, but now she was ready to branch out. After auditioning for three programs, her first response was a rejection from Miami City Ballet. “A […]

Darla Hoover Is Working to Meet Legendary High Standards at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet

Darla Hoover was at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet’s studios running a rehearsal in 2014 with director Marcia Dale Weary. Hoover had just returned the day before from staging a ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia. Jet-lagged, she mixed up her words when giving a correction. Weary took Hoover’s hand and gently said, “Honey, you work too […]

The Loss of a Legend: Remembering Marcia Dale Weary

“At every possible opportunity, I hope to instill in children a love for the arts and for classical music,” said Marcia Dale Weary, beloved teacher and founder of Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. “Along with that, I hope to help them develop self-discipline, generosity and the ability to focus.” Weary passed away at the age of […]