Prescott, Arizona – January 2026 A new chapter in Northern Arizona’s arts landscape begins with the official launch of Yavapai Ballet Theatre (YBT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to high‑quality classical ballet training, performance opportunities, and community engagement throughout Yavapai County.
Founded by Emily Sosangelis Tylecote, a lifelong dancer with training from The Rock School, Yale Ballet Company, and Cary Ballet Conservatory, Tylecote now combines her performance background, teaching experience, and community commitment to elevate classical ballet and its local accessibility through YBT. The organization brings together artists, dancers, families, studios, and community partners with a shared vision: to make Northern Arizona a vibrant cultural home for classical ballet.
Yavapai Ballet Theatre was created to fill a significant need in the region: a central, collaborative home where dancers can grow artistically, perform in high-quality productions, and access opportunities typically found only in larger metropolitan areas.
"YBT exists to uplift dancers and enrich our community. Our goal is to offer professional-level experiences close to home, while fostering a culture of collaboration, inspiration and artistic integrity" - Founder and Artistic Director Emily Sosangelis Tylecote
YBT operates as a nonprofit performance and education organization rather than a studio, partnering with local dance schools, venues, and arts groups. This collaborative model ensures that dancers can continue training at their home studios while participating in YBT productions, workshops, and community events. The organization’s inaugural season will introduce full‑length classical productions, community‑cast performances, masterclasses with guest artists, and outreach programs designed to bring ballet to schools and underserved communities.
Yavapai Ballet Theatre is committed to building a long‑term cultural legacy that ensures dancers can locally access professional opportunities and grow in their artistry. For many years, talented dancers have looked to Phoenix or out‑of‑state programs to continue their development, even though Yavapai County is home to exceptional instructors, gifted dancers, and a remarkably diverse artistic community. YBT seeks to change that narrative by establishing a professional home where dancers can envision a future in the arts close to home.
As the region’s only professional ballet theatre, YBT is developing pathways that make advanced training and performance accessible to all dedicated dancers, regardless of financial means. The organization is building a scholarship program for talented dancers with limited resources, creating opportunities for community members and local businesses to sponsor individual dancers, and offering subsidized tuition for those who commit to YBT’s training and performance track. These initiatives reflect YBT’s belief that opportunities for artistic excellence should be within reach for every dedicated dancer.
“Classical ballet is inspirational and aspiration- lifting up dancers as they embark on a time less and global artistic tradition,” said Tylecote. “Our goal is to ensure that every dancer in Yavapai County has access to the training, mentorship, and professional experiences they deserve. We want to build something lasting-a legacy that elevates our entire region and establishes Yavapai County as a cultural hub.”
Yavapai Ballet Theatre welcomes dancers, families, volunteers, donors, and community partners to join inbuilding this new artistic home. Registration for upcoming programs and community‑cast opportunities is now open.
For more information, visit www.yavapaiballettheatre.org or contact information@ybtheatre.org.
