Maryland Youth Ballet - MYB is Moving to Silver Spring

Contact:Deidre Byrne
Maryland Youth Ballet
4833 Rugby Ave., Suite 100
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-608-2232
dbyrne@marylandyouthballet.org

Maryland Youth Ballet Moves to Designated Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District!

Bethesda, MD — October 19, 2006 — Maryland Youth Ballet representatives are very pleased to announce that they have signed a lease for the future home of MYB in the Silver Plaza on Ellsworth Drive in Downtown Silver Spring(Click to see the Map and the Directions.). This new location, which will become MYB’s new hub effective January 2007, will allow MYB to expand its ballet and dance-related classes for adults and children by adding a 5th studio in this custom-built, gorgeous, light-filled second story space overlooking the fountain. The fabulous location is Metro accessible and within steps of the downtown shopping district. Charlie Barnett, President of the Board, said, “Finally, MYB will reside in a facility that comes close to matching the outstanding caliber of its faculty and students, many of whom go on to dance as professionals all over the world.” Michelle Lees, Associate Artistic Director, said, "This is a dream come true for us. We are thrilled that we will have 5 studios, which will afford new opportunities for expanding our dance program to reach out to even more children and adults than the over 1500 students that we serve today." MYB has leased its space from PFA Silver Spring, a joint venture between Foulger Pratt, Argo Investments, and The Peterson Companies, a well-known local developer that has earned high praise for its redevelopment of Downtown Silver Spring and revitalization of National Harbor. Architectural firm, OPX, teamed with the Maryland Youth Ballet to develop a design concept which incorporates the school’s creative style and vibrancy. The design of the space supports the organization’s unique needs including special accommodations for their programs focused on children with disabilities.
This new location, in the heart of the designated Arts District of Silver Spring, is especially hospitable to artists spanning the full spectrum from visual art, to classical ballet and the recently opened Paul Green School of Rock. Mel Tull, Arts and Entertainment District Administrator, said, “The renaissance of downtown Silver Spring that was Doug Duncan’s vision when Discovery Communications chose this venue for its new worldwide headquarters is well underway. We are delighted that MYB will be joining the ranks of the growing arts and entertainment community, which includes organizations that, like MYB, set the standard of excellence in their fields.”

MYB is already gearing up for its annual Nutcracker, which will be performed at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center at Montgomery College on December 22, 23 and 26 to 30. Ballet lovers and those just curious about the new ballet school in the neighborhood are encouraged to buy tickets early to these often sold-out shows and consider underwriting a portion of this performance to help MYB raise funds for its upcoming move. For additional information on the performance schedule or classes, please visit our website at www.marylandyouthballet.org or call 301-608-2232.