YDU Kicks Off Ballet Lessons

On Saturday, February 4th, Youth Development United families were treated to their first ballet lesson, taught by a professional ballerina.

Jennifer Chipman-Bloom trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and the School of American Ballet.  At 15 she was chosen by Jerome Robbins to perform a principle role in his original work, 2&3 Part Inventions.  Jennifer joined the New York City Ballet in 1994 where she would go on to perform a wide range of Balanchine and Robbins ballets. She enjoyed a career as a ballerina for over a decade. Most recently she has taught pointe and repertory at Swarthmore College, and beginning and advanced ballet at Bryn Mawr College. 

Ms. Chipman-Bloom graciously shared her expertise and love of dance, and also gave out books about Misty Copeland for each of the YDU ballet students in attendance. She was assisted by Chris Shavers, a Chester native and self-proclaimed “Renaissance Man” who is a regular fixture in the YDU program as a soccer coach and so much more, plus Widener University occupational therapy students Julia Muratore and Brynn Thiel.

Aiesha Golson brought her daughter and remarked “Everyone had a great time. They really enjoyed theirselves.” 

Some of the ballet students shared their favorite part of the class:

Brooklyn: “skipping around the dance floor.“

Kara: “leaping.”

Karynn: “getting into position one which is bending your feet out sideways, and bending.”

Saiah: “at the end when I could freestyle my own moves.”

Adriel: “jumping and running freely down the floor solo.”

After the lesson, all enjoyed dinner and further bonding in the Widener University dining hall.

Given the success of the lesson, YDU is scheduling future ballet classes for all to enjoy.

To help support this program or to recommend additional ideas for Youth Development United, please contact jeannine@chesteruplandyouthsoccer.org.