YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Ballet Western Reserve has been teaching people to dance in Youngstown for more than 60 years. The group has a big performance coming up in a few weeks.

This week, WKBN Community Affairs Director Dee Crawford goes in-depth on Ballet Western Reserve Executive and Artistic Director Danielle Perrotta. She started with the dance company in 2016 as an instructor and soon became director.

“In this new role of artistic and executive director, I just wholeheartedly believe in our mission at Ballet Western Reserve in providing the best dance education to all,” Perrotta said.

There is open enrollment for the ballet for everyone.

“You don’t just have to enroll at the beginning of the fall or spring. You can always give us a call, and we can get you registered for the classes that your child is interested in,” Perrotta said.

Ballet Western Reserve services all of Mahoning County and beyond, not just Youngstown.

“We reach out to Mahoning County, Trumbull County, all over the Mahoning Valley. We have kids from all over who come and participate in our “Nutcracker”. And you do not even have to register for classes to participate in our “Nutcracker.” So, if you just want to be in the show, that’s an option as well,” Perrotta said.

Opening night for “The Nutcracker” is Dec. 1. A school performance is scheduled for 10 a.m.

“Our public performances are Dec. 2-2. We also have an amazing Youngstown Symphony Orchestra accompanying our public performances as well,” Perrotta said.

Ticket prices start at $19 and be purchased online or at the box office. The box office closes two hours before the performance.

Ballet Western Reserve has donors who provide blocks of tickets for children or seniors who may not be able to afford the ticket price. It has scholarship programs, too. Donations are accepted for this program and general support for the organization.

“We are a nonprofit, so we rely heavily on the generous donations of our sponsors and community partners. We are doing our second annual appeal. You can access that from the Ballet Western Reserve website if you are willing to give to the organization,” Perrotta said.

Ballet Western Reserve offers classes for toddlers up to adults.

“All performances of the Ballet Western Reserve go through the age range,” Perrotta said. “So, in our production for “The Nutcracker,” we have ages starting at four all the way to adult. We have a cast of over 70 kids and adults that are involved in the production. And we don’t just do “The Nutcracker.” We have performances all year that kids are able to participate in.”