GENERATIONS OF EXCELLENCE | EST. 1974
A FOUNDERS LEGACY
“My vision has always been to offer all children the opportunity to experience the art of dance. My academy offers all levels and styles of dancing taught by a professional faculty.”
LOU ANN YOUNG
FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR
1974 - 2017
Lou Ann Young founded AYBT in 1974 and directed the company until her passing in 2017. Ms. Young earned her B.A. at Butler University and had extended training at the National Ballet School, Toronto, Canada.
She was on faculty of Ball State University from 1987-2011, on the faculty of IU Summer Music School, and was a master teacher of ballet at the Academy and seminars throughout the mid-west. Her credits included Artistic Director/Founder and Choreographer of Anderson Young Ballet Theatre, forty-three seasons; Artistic Director of Ball State Dance Theatre, sixteen seasons; Anderson University Musicals, twenty-six years; Highland High School, sixteen years; Professional Dancer, eight years and Ball State Summer Theatre, three years.
Trained in Cecchetti and Russian Techniques, she was a student of Margaret Saul’s for over twenty-five years and was dedicated to her teachings and principles.
Lou Ann was the recipient of the Deans Teaching Award for 1998 from the College of Fine Arts Ball State & presented the commencement speech for College of Fine Arts 1999. Nominated to WHO’S WHO Among America’s Teachers for 2000, 2005 & 2006. Lou Ann served as Past President of Mid-States Regional Dance America and was one of the Directors-at-Large on the RDA National Board. Ms. Young was a member of Ballet Corps International and worked to promote dance with the American College Dance Festival.
We miss her guidance and love every day.