Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet
For more than 40 years, Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet has given young dancers in our region access to exceptional classical ballet training and performance opportunities.
The beginning
CRYB's story began as the Conservatory Dance Ensemble, founded and operated by Jerri Whitcome. Following her departure, the school continued for a time under the umbrella of Lake Erie Ballet in Erie, Pennsylvania.
A pivotal moment
Internationally renowned dancer and teacher Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, then Director of the Chautauqua Institution's summer dance program, took an interest in the school and became its Artistic Director.
A celebrated former dancer with both the Paris Opera Ballet and New York City Ballet, Mr. Bonnefoux brought extraordinary professional experience and vision. Under his direction, the Conservatory Dance Ensemble became the Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet, dedicated to serious classical training for young dancers across Chautauqua County and the surrounding region.
A wider artistic world
CRYB quickly established a reputation that extended well beyond the community. Visiting artists from some of the country's leading ballet companies have come to Jamestown to teach, coach, and perform alongside CRYB students.
That connection between young dancers and professional artists remains an important part of the CRYB experience today.
A classical foundation
Classically trained in Vienna and a former professional ballerina with European companies, Monika Alch led the school for 30 years. She strengthened its classical foundation, high standards, and reputation for excellence.
The next chapter
Upon Ms. Alch's retirement in 2026, Samantha Barczak, dancer and company member with the Pennsylvania Ballet, became School Director, carrying CRYB's tradition into its next chapter.
CRYB today
CRYB remains unique in our region: a nonprofit school devoted to classical ballet in a rural community where access to professional-level arts training can be limited.
Students receive excellent technical instruction, work with professional artists, perform major classical repertoire, and take part in productions such as our annual Nutcracker and Spring Gala.
Young people in our community deserve access to outstanding ballet training and the opportunity to experience the discipline, artistry, and joy of dance.
We are proud of our history, proud of the generations of dancers who have passed through our studios, and excited to welcome today's CRYB families as part of the story still being written.
Become Part of the Story