Our Mission at the
West Michigan Youth Ballet...

To provide an opportunity for young people to work under the direction of professional choreographer, as they prepare and present full-length ballets to the public.

To enhance the skills that these dancers receive through the study of ballet at their respective academies, as they experience the full preparation of a ballet performance, from inception to the stage performance.

To encourage young people to consider a career in dance and assist them in moving toward this goal, either in a professional dance capacity or by studying dance at a university level.
A letter from our Artistic Director


As West Michigan Youth Ballet continues to enrich, inspire, and grow the next generation of dancers, I am excited to share in the artistic direction of this wonderful youth company. I truly believe West Michigan is one of the best places in the country to raise a family, and the dance family involvement at West Michigan Youth Ballet helps to give this region the positive reputation that it has. I am honored to work with these dancers, hoping to impart my vision for them to become the best version of themselves in life and on stage. I look forward to sharing my positive performing experience with these dancers, in turn, I hope to provide them with a similar encounter with the stage. We hope to guide them to enrich the community, inspire other dancers, and grow into the best versions of themselves.
Thank you for the privilege,
Stephen Sanford
Artistic Director