The Pittsburgh Ballet Theater (PBT) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Byham Center for Dance on Friday, September 23, 2016. The new building adjoins the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater’s original facility and will serve as the new entrance to the PBT headquarters. The Byham Center for Dance is a two-story, 14,000 square foot annex with two spacious studios, lockers rooms, a cross-training space, and an expanded Pilates and Gyrotinc studio. The new studios will be used by the PBT company dancers and the PBT School students.
A gala reception for contributors was held on Saturday, September 24, followed by an Open House for the public on Sunday, September 25, 2016. The Open House included free tours as well as dance and fitness classes for the public.
While the new studios will be used by the PBT company dancers and the PBT School students, use of the new center isn’t intended for only professional or student dancers. The PBT School also plans to expand its public programs and will offer additional dance classes for the public as well as fitness-based classes in yoga, Pilates, barre fitness, and conditioning.
The Department’s relationship with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater began in the 1970s, with Chairman Dr. Albert Ferguson providing care as the company physician. UPMC Sports Medicine physicians have continued this relationship for over 30 years. Current physicians on the PBT Medical Team include Dr. Freddie Fu, Dr. Vonda Wright, and Dr. MaCalus Hogan. This continued participation on the medical team ensures the outstanding health care provided to both the professional and student dancers.
For more information about activities held during the Opening Day Celebration, click HERE or HERE.
Click HERE to read the story in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (or HERE for a PDF of the story).
