Business Details
45 Years
experience
Classical Ballet Training & Performances in Appleton
Makaroff Youth Ballet (MYB) stands as a beacon of classical ballet excellence in the Fox Valley community, rooted in a legacy spanning over six decades. Founded in 1981 by Juanita Makaroff, our organization continues the vision of cultivating teamwork, resilience, and discipline through rigorous ballet training and performance opportunities. We present two annual productions, engage in community outreach, and collaborate with local nonprofits to ensure ballet's transformative power is accessible to all.Under Artistic Director Jeanette Makaroff, our programs blend professional expertise with a commitment to nurturing young talent, building on partnerships like our historic connection with the Green Bay Packers' Vince Lombardi. With a focus on both technical mastery and artistic expression, we serve students aged 5 and up, offering structured training that prepares dancers for performance readiness.
Services
Ballet classes
Performance opportunities
Community outreach
Summer sessions
Youth training
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We offer 60+ years of legacy in classical ballet excellence
- Our instructors include former professional dancers and company teachers
- We present two full-scale ballet productions annually
- Community outreach integrated into all aspects of our programming
- Performance opportunities for dancers aged 5 and up
Services
Ballet Classes
Structured ballet instruction for ages 5+ with seasonal terms and summer sessions. Certified instructors provide technical training in classical techniques. Classes prepare students for performance opportunities and professional development.
Performance Opportunities
Annual productions including Holiday and Spring Concerts showcase student talent. Community performances and collaborations with local organizations provide real-world stage experience. Audition-based roles develop performance skills and artistic expression.
Community Outreach
Partnerships with local nonprofits bring ballet to diverse audiences. Educational programs and public performances promote accessibility. Outreach initiatives maintain the founders' vision of ballet as a community-building art form.
Summer Sessions
Specialized summer programs build technical skills through extended training. Sessions cater to different proficiency levels with focused instruction. Designed to accelerate progress between academic terms.
Youth Development
Progressive training system develops dancers from beginner to advanced levels. Emphasis on discipline, teamwork, and resilience through structured curriculum. Prepares students for potential professional dance careers.
People
Jeanette Makaroff
Artistic Director
Former Milwaukee Ballet dancer with 20+ years directing Fox Valley productions. Trained at School of American Ballet and North Carolina School of the Arts. Former Ballet Mistress and company teacher.
Paula Quiones
President
Board leadership ensures organizational stability while maintaining artistic vision. Active in local arts governance and strategic planning initiatives.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for ballet classes?
We offer classes for students aged 5 and up, with summer sessions for all proficiency levels.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes, we present two annual productions and community outreach performances for qualified dancers.
How does MYB connect with the local community?
Through outreach partnerships, public performances, and collaborations with local nonprofits since 1981.
What is the relationship between MYB and the Makaroff School?
The school provides training while MYB is a separate nonprofit focused on performance opportunities.
Who leads the artistic direction of MYB?
Artistic Director Jeanette Makaroff, former Milwaukee Ballet dancer with 20+ years of leadership.
