DANCERS PERFORM — The ballet class at the Sycamore Youth Center, above, performed for audiences to showcase what they learned during the fall semester. Dancers included, from left, front, Gretl Nelson, Faye Lash, Piper Manuel and Ellie Janik; and back, instructor Diana Tygett, Luna Dickey, Zoe Nelson, Teibe Banga and Laura Schlich. Students also included Eden Graham, Emmie Graham, Elise Graham, Miriam Zaleski and Geneva Terry. Below, students who took part in the jazz dance class and performed included, from left, Manuel, Lash, Tygett, Zaleski, Schlich, Cana Frank, and Dickey. Emma and Elise Graham took the class as well. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — The Sycamore Youth Center held its end-of-semester ballet and jazz dance recitals Dec. 1, giving students the opportunity to showcase what they learned this fall in the center’s free programs. Classes are taught each week by longtime instructor Diana Tygett, whose dedication and encouragement have helped the young dancers grow in skill and confidence.

The ballet class performed a graceful routine demonstrating their progress in technique and foundational movement. Dancers included: Luna Dickey, Zoe Nelson, Teibe Banga, Laura Schlich, Gretl Nelson, Faye Lash, Piper Manuel, Ellie Janik, Miriam Zaleski, Geneva Terry and Eden, Emmie and Elise Graham.

Tygett shared how the ballet class focuses on technique and personal development.

“The girls learned basic ballet positions, technique and strengthening, while increasing their confidence and abilities,” she explained. “Watching them grow in grace, poise and courage each week has been a joy.”

The jazz dance class presented an upbeat routine featuring a variety of jazz styles and steps during the performance. Students taking the class included Piper Manuel, Faye Lash, Diana Tygett, Miriam Zaleski, Laura Schlich, Cana Frank, and Luna Dickey, Emmie Graham and Elise Graham.

Tygett emphasized the jazz class blends structure with creativity.

“The girls learned jazz techniques and steps to a variety of styles in a fun and engaging way,” she said.

Sycamore Youth Center Executive Director Bobbyjon Bauman praised the students and their instructor, saying, “We are incredibly proud of these young dancers and thankful for Diana’s outstanding leadership. Providing free arts opportunities allows children to develop their gifts in a supportive environment, and today’s recitals showed how much they have grown.”

The Sycamore Youth Center serves more than 500 kindergarten through 12th-grade students weekly through more than 40 free classes and programs, including dance, art, music, tutoring, leadership training and life skills.