KORESH YOUTH ENSEMBLE
About
The Koresh Youth Ensemble was formed in the fall of 2008. Its goal is to give gifted, driven young dancers access to intensive training and greater performance opportunities. Students who demonstrate talent, an eagerness to learn, and a desire to broaden their creative capacities and athleticism are selected via an audition process and join the ensemble. Mentored by some of the most highly respected teachers and choreographers in Philadelphia, the ensemble allows its participants the opportunity to show their commitment to the art of dance and strive for performance excellence.
Melissa Rector, assistant artistic director of Koresh Dance Company, spearheads the ensembles initiative, coaching, rehearsing, and mentoring the ensemble every week. Melissa’s devout commitment to education and unwavering passion for movement and choreography have defined and maintained the standard of artistic and educational excellence the Koresh Youth Ensemble is recognized for. Past ensemble members have had the opportunity to work with choreographers such as Roni Koresh, Melissa Rector, Shannon Murphy, Ryan Tuerk, Sammy Reyes, Eric Bean, Jr., and Cheryl Carson, ensuring a strong and versatile dance experience.
Past members of the Koresh Youth Ensemble have gone on to study at Duke University, Harvard University, Penn, University of Richmond, Montclair State, University of Arizona, Michigan State, NYU, Boston Conservatory, SUNY Purchase, Point Park University, Marymount Manhattan College, La Escuela Profesional de Danza de Mazatlan, Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company, The University of the Arts, North Carolina School of the Arts and San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, among others. Through cogent training, rehearsals, and performance opportunities, the Koresh Youth Ensemble ensures all of its dancers have the necessary tools to pursue all of their dance-related goals.
Join the Koresh Youth Ensemble in their 2026-27 Season!
AUDITION > Sunday, July 19th from 2:00-4:00pm
Pre-Register
“THE 14 DANCERS OF THE KORESH YOUTH ENSEMBLE WERE TENACIOUS AS ALWAYS. THEIR TECHNIQUE, LIKE THAT OF THE ENSEMBLE’S DIRECTOR, KORESH VETERAN MELISSA RECTOR, WAS IMPECCABLE AND IT’S NO SURPRISE THAT THESE STUDENTS END UP ACCEPTED TO DANCE PROGRAMS ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY.”
Performances
Koresh Youth Ensemble performs at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre in Philadelphia every spring as part of Koresh Dance Company's home season, as well as throughout the year at our Koresh Artist Showcase series. In addition to being featured alongside Koresh Dance Company, this elite group of dancers is given the unique opportunity to perform at festivals in Philadelphia and New York. In the past, they have performed company repertory by Roni Koresh and new choreography by Melissa Rector at these shows.
Our talented students are always thrilled to get as much performance experience as possible to better prepare them for higher education and professional work. To book the Koresh Youth Ensemble for your upcoming event, please email school@koreshdance.org.
Check out KYE’s archive of performances!
Requirements
Students must be 14-18 years old to be eligible. There is a strong emphasis on training as members are required to take a minimum of three classes per week in the children's program at the Koresh School of Dance. Classes include ballet, pointe, and modern jazz. In addition, they have rehearsal every Sunday. There is a fee for being a member of the ensemble. Please note that specific class requirements may change from year to year.
The Koresh Youth Ensemble enables young dancers to demonstrate their commitment to dance and strive for excellence in performance. In order to give members the best dance education, training is a fundamental part of our program. For this, we require the following of each member:
Class Requirements
All KYE members must attend the following classes:
Modern Jazz 3 with Melissa Rector: Tuesdays, 4:30-6:00pm
Ballet 4 with Eva Szabo: Saturdays, 2:15-3:30pm
Pointe 2 with Eva Szabo: Saturdays, 3:30-4:15pm
Ensemble Repertory/Rehearsals with Melissa Rector: Sundays, 1-5pm
Not required, but highly recommended classes:
Ballet 2/3 with Fang-Ju Chou Gant: Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00pm
Photo by Frank Bicking
If interested in learning more about the Koresh Youth Ensemble call us at 215-751-0959 or email school@koreshdance.org.