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VIEW OUR SCHEDULE & PRICING OPTIONS

Get more information about our classes and schedule on the next page!

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Kalei Daniels
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My 3 year old just started coming here. Such a wonderful place! The teachers are excellent! I would highly recommend this dance studio!

Courtney Tanner
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We have been at DDI for 3 years, and the teachers are exceptional. I highly recommend their ballet program.

Arodi Colvin
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My daughter is part of the Ballet Company. I used to dance so I know that the best way to know if a dance school is any good is by watching the ballet company end of year performances. Take a look!

Leon Cooper
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"We love Destiny Dance Institute. Our oldest daughter is in the ballet program at destiny and has progressed tremendously. We are excited about the program, the staff and the outstanding teachers. I can't think of any other place for you or your child to dance."

Jennifer Gracias
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We like Destiny Dance institute. It has given my 10 year old daughter opportunities to become more confident as a dancer. The teachers are caring and provide help when needed.

Tam Gram
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Loved their Primrose dance program! It was so convenient to have my little one take lessons during the school day, and we still felt like part if the main dance school. My little one enjoyed learning to dance with Mrs. Patty.

Betty Carras
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My child is seven years old and takes ballet at Destiny dance. She loves her ballet class. Her teacher is Sara who she just loves. Everyone there is so nice. If your child is sick they do everything they can to re-schedule a makeup class. I highly recommend Destiny Dance Institute.

Lara Hill
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My daughter has been taking ballet at DDI for the past 4 years, the last 2 of which she was a part of the ballet company. She has worked with Ms. Terry mostly, and has improved dramatically. She has had such a good experience that she is already talking about pursuing dance in college and professionally. I am thrilled that she has chosen dance as her passion, and I have only good things to say about her instruction under Ms. Terry and Ms. Ruth.

Silvia Kramar
via Google

My girls are becoming beautiful dancer, thanks to the expertise, patience and dedication of their teachers at Destiny Dance Institute. Every step of the way, they are developing dancers who know their technique so well that they may be able to keep dancing forever, even at a professional level.
DDI has also loved my children like an extended family, and they can't wait to go there every day.

Latitia Haskins
via Google

Our experience with Destiny Dance Institute has been very positive. We moved here from Maryland, and checked out a number of dance studios before deciding on DDI. The owner takes great care to make sure that the classes, performances, and costumes are family-friendly and appropriate. The instruction is top-notch and most importantly, fun for our girls.

Whatever concerns that we've expressed to the owner, she has responded and we've come away feeling like our concerns were heard *and* acted upon. We've found the staff and even a number of the customers to be approachable, friendly, and incredibly helpful.

Carla Abreu
via Google

DDI is a wonderful studio/academy. My child has improved amazingly in so many ways including her academics. They teach the children the love for the art of dancing but also the hard work it takes to become one. I even took a ballet class and it was great. Love the environment of professionalism and dedication towards each dancer and the families.

Nicole Swanson
via Google

I absolutely LOVE Destiny Dance. My daughter has been going there doing hip hop for the last few years. Her teacher, Ms. Kayla, is incredible and the kids LOVE her. Ms Patty the owner is always very helpful and accommodating. We will continue to go to Destiny Dance. There is not another dance studio that I would ever look at to take my daughter to for her classes.

Jenn Krieck
via Google

My daughter loves her ballet class, and the teachers have been so good and patient with her.

Victoria Torres
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I can club program was a blessing for our family. I don’t trust anybody with my children yet the staff at destiny dance is so special and caring that I immediately felt that my daughter was safe and loved from day one.

Shaunna Leider
via Google

I can’t say enough great things about DDI and their ‘I Can Club’ preschool program. My daughter started the I Can Club when she was 3 - she was very shy and extremely attached to me. Two years later, she just graduated the Pre-K program and it is truly remarkable how confident she has become and how much she has learned in those short 2 years. She is more than ready for Kindergarten, but more importantly she LOVED the school, the experience, especially the teachers. Ms. Sarah and Ms. Michelle are amazing!! They make the school day so much fun and incorporate learning in a very loving and nurturing environment for the kids. And they send a ton of pictures which I loved. The program also includes dance classes (the dance teachers are amazing too!) and they hold recitals for the parents twice a year which was so fun for all. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Thank you DDI for this amazing program! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Progressive Training And Performance For Developing Ballet Artists

The Wake Forest Youth Ballet Program

Wake Forest Youth Ballet was established to provide young dancers with a professional-style performance experience grounded in disciplined ballet training. Created to extend the preparatory ballet curriculum at Destiny Dance Institute, WFYB has developed into a recognized nonprofit performance organization serving emerging artists throughout the Triangle region. Dancers progress through consistent training schedules, increased rehearsal demands, and escalating performance expectations, with many going on to study at nationally respected ballet institutions.

Building on the legacy of the Destiny Dance Institute Ballet Company, WFYB presents classical and contemporary repertory while fostering collaboration with choreographers, designers, and community partners. Supported by a state-of-the-art downtown Wake Forest facility and a commitment to educational excellence, the organization provides a structured environment where dancers advance technical mastery, artistic maturity, and professional readiness.

Sustaining Nonprofit Training And Performance Through Mission-Driven Support

Supporting The Wake Forest Youth Ballet Mission

As a nonprofit performance organization, Wake Forest Youth Ballet relies on sponsorships and charitable contributions to sustain its educational and artistic mission. Donor support directly funds the training, rehearsal, and production experiences that allow young dancers to progress through increasingly rigorous performance opportunities.

Sponsorships help ensure access to:

  • Professional-level productions that reinforce discipline, accountability, and artistic growth
  • Instruction and mentorship from experienced faculty and visiting artists
  • Production resources including costuming, sets, lighting, and technical design
  • A performance platform that prioritizes education through artistry, not competition

Every contribution supports dancers who demonstrate commitment, consistency, and readiness for advanced performance work while strengthening access to high-quality ballet education in the Wake Forest community.

Our Sponsors
(Sponsor tiers retained as provided for recognition and transparency.)

How To Sponsor
For sponsorship information, please contact our office at 919-453-1453.

I WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR I WOULD LIKE TO DONATE
Structured Training That Advances Technique, Artistry, And Performance Readiness

The Wake Forest Youth Ballet Experience

The Wake Forest Youth Ballet experience is built on progressive training, disciplined rehearsal, and intentional performance placement. Dancers are guided through a professional-style process that strengthens both technical precision and artistic responsibility, preparing them for advanced study and future professional environments.

Through participation in WFYB, dancers develop:

  • Refined classical technique supported by consistent training schedules
  • Rehearsal discipline aligned with professional ballet standards
  • Stage awareness and performance maturity through full-length and repertory works
  • Artistic adaptability by working with multiple choreographic voices

Dancers train under skilled faculty and guest artists and gain exposure to the expectations of the professional ballet world. Advancement within the program reflects readiness and growth, with many dancers continuing on to nationally recognized ballet schools and summer intensives.

Professional Collaboration That Reflects The Realities Of The Performing Arts

A Performance Environment Built For Developing Artists

Wake Forest Youth Ballet immerses dancers in the collaborative structure of a professional arts organization. Beyond technique and choreography, students learn how ballet functions as a shared artistic discipline, requiring communication, accountability, and respect for the full production process.

Dancers regularly work alongside:

  • Choreographers and artistic directors
  • Lighting, costume, and set designers
  • Photographers and production teams
  • Community and arts organization partners

With access to a state-of-the-art downtown Wake Forest facility and curated guest artist opportunities, dancers gain practical experience that supports both artistic confidence and professional awareness. This environment challenges dancers to grow not only as performers, but as informed, disciplined artists prepared for the next stage of their training.

Educational Leadership And Artistic Guidance For Developing Dancers

Faculty And Board Leadership

Wake Forest Youth Ballet is guided by a dedicated team of faculty, artistic leaders, and board members who collectively support the organization’s educational mission and performance standards. Faculty members bring experience from professional ballet companies and respected training institutions, providing dancers with consistent technical instruction, artistic mentorship, and a clear framework for long-term development.

The Board of Directors provides strategic oversight to ensure WFYB operates as a sustainable nonprofit performance organization, advancing its role as a cultural and educational resource within the Wake Forest community. Together, faculty and board leadership create an environment defined by discipline, accountability, and opportunity, where young dancers are supported as they progress toward advanced training and future professional pathways.

Artistic Directors

Terry Lehman Artistic Director
Erika Marschke Assistant Artistic Director

Coaches

Mariya Dashkina Maddux
Tama Guerra Rivero
Jonas Godwin
Laurel Dorn
Ashley Gorczynski Intern
Your donation helps dancers learn, grow, and shine on stage

Support Young Artists

When you donate to Wake Forest Youth Ballet, you directly invest in the training and artistic development of dedicated young dancers. Your contribution supports high quality productions, collaborative creative experiences, guest artist residencies, and the resources needed to maintain a strong and inspiring program.
Every gift strengthens our mission and helps ensure that all dancers have access to opportunities that encourage confidence, discipline, and artistic expression. Your support makes a lasting impact and helps keep the joy of dance alive in our community.

Donate Here
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