For more than six years, Ballet Greenville has been proud to offer a program that is making a difference in the lives of local boys and young men. The Ballet Greenville Boys Dance Program was created to give boys the opportunity to be part of an inclusive organization where they can build confidence, express themselves, and discover the joy of dance.

This tuition-free program is unique in many ways. The program meets once a week for 20 weeks, on Thursdays from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m., and is open to boys ages 8–14. No previous dance experience is required. While the program focuses on ballet, boys do not need a background in dance to join. Whether they are stepping into a ballet studio for the first time or already have dance experience, the program gives them the opportunity to try something new, challenge themselves, and become part of a supportive community.

But the experience doesn’t stop in the classroom. Participants also have the opportunity to audition for a role in one of Ballet Greenville’s professional productions at the Peace Center, giving them the chance to perform alongside professional dancers on a professional stage.

Ballet Greenville Artistic Director Hernan Justo has seen firsthand how much the program means to the boys. “The boys are always so excited,” he says. “They often come into my office jumping up and down, asking if they have rehearsal that weekend!”

The Boys Dance Program is about more than learning ballet. It’s about confidence, camaraderie, discipline, and discovering that dance is for everyone.