Youth Ballet West, Galway

Beginning...

Youth Ballet West was launched on Friday 14th December 2007. The company performed Les Patineurs originally choreographed by Sir Frederick Ashton in 1937 and which has been described as - a pure dance display of virtuosity disguised as a joyous ode to skating.

Ashton got his idea for Les Patineurs from the graceful movements and virtuoso skills of skaters, and set them to music by Meyerbeer, itself originally written to accompany skating scenes onstage. Ashton’s choreography suggests the effortless actions of skater as they sway, glide, turn – and even fall over.

The work was re-staged by the Artistic Directors of YBW.

Partnership Organisations and Ongoing Collaborations.

YBW is currently working in partnership with Macnas, Galway Technology Institute, Cathy Sharp Danse Ensemble, Chrysalis Dance and Corrib Dance Academy. These collaborations focus on the creation of new work for YBW, giving additional performance opportunities and challenging the young dancers with alternative dance styles and venues, while broadening the audience for dance and ballet.