ABOUT PCB
PCB is made up of the Pasadena Civic Ballet Center and the Pasadena Civic Ballet Company (Pre-Professional Division).
Our Mission
THE MISSION OF PASADENA CIVIC BALLET IS THREEFOLD
1
To provide quality instruction in the art and technique of dance, with an emphasis on ballet as the foundation for discipline and vocabulary.
2
To create performance opportunities to allow the dancers to grow as artists as well as develop self confidence, poise and presentation skills.
3
To provide a nurturing, supportive environment that emphasizes dance as an avenue to growth as an individual and as an artist through dedication, discipline, creativity, and camaraderie.
Our Philosophy
Ballet serves as our base of instruction because of its principles of correct alignment and wide vocabulary of movement, as well as its beauty and power. The fundamentals, focus, and concentration taught in ballet technique can be applied to all forms of dance. The discipline and tenacity developed in class can be applied to other endeavors. The friendships made and support received in the dance environment will be a positive influence on their development as dancers and as individuals.
While ballet serves as our foundation, we believe that just as you can speak more than one verbal language, your body can speak more than one dance language and, in doing so, become a better dancer, artist, and communicator. Just as the original school taught ballet and jazz, PCB has continued to include a variety of dance styles and techniques in addition to ballet as a part of the curriculum. With ballet as a base, all things are possible.
The Company
(Pre-Professional Training Track)
Pasadena Civic Ballet Company is the Pre-Professional Ballet Training Track of PCB and is a not-for-profit organization. Members of the Company are serious, talented ballet students who are accepted by audition or judgment of the directors. The Company at PCB has three divisions: the Junior, Teen, and Senior Companies.
Directors and Faculty
Artistic Directors Diane De Franco Browne, Tania Grafos, and Zoe Vidalakis bring over fifty years of dance training, choreography, and performance experience to the school.
Current PCB dance faculty have an acclaimed reputation with backgrounds ranging from Teatro alla Scala, Boston Ballet, Royal Swedish Ballet, LA Ballet, and more.
Our History
In 1975, Ms. Elly Charlotte Van Dyk opened a small dance studio in Pasadena, called European School of Ballet and Jazz. Through several twists, turns, and changes of location, Pasadena Civic Ballet was born in 1985 as a continuation of her school and company. It has continued to grow and develop into the present day. In 1999, Elly decided to retire and turned the company over to the partnership of Diane De Franco Browne, Tania Grafos, and Zoe Vidalakis, who are continuing the legacy of PCB.
The late Mr. Craig Williams teaching at the old PCB studio.
Travel was important to Elly, so in the1980s she started the tradition of a summer dance trip to Europe, to study, perform, interact with other dancers and see the sights. Having owned a large dance studio in Holland, she had many connections which she used to arrange travel, training and lodgings. In 1985 the Company was invited to do a China tour, teaching, training and performing in China for 3 weeks. Diane, Tania and Zoe have continued that tradition with trips in the US and abroad—New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Hawaii, St Thomas, Alaska, Montana, Monaco, Barcelona, Croatia and Greece.
PCB students on their Croatia trip in 2023.
Community Engagement
Pasadena Civic Ballet carries a commitment to the community that extends beyond the development of artistic expression for young dancers. Through scholarships, ticket donation programs, outreach, and fundraising, PCB aims to make performing arts accessible to a broad spectrum of audiences.
Performances
Pasadena Civic Ballet Company is committed to presenting original productions to stimulate the development of its students and to enhance the artistic offerings available to our community. Company members perform in two large-scale productions each year: a full-length ballet (late February - early March) and a show in June showcasing all styles of dance. Additionally, there is an in-studio showcase, “Solo Fete,” in late December, giving students more opportunities to perform solos and duets.