As part of a series of ongoing new media initiatives, New York City Ballet has recently launched its own YouTube channel, which will give viewers the opportunity to view a variety of new media content in one central location.

The NYCB YouTube channel can be accessed at YouTube.com/nycballet and currently serves as home for various materials, including program preview videos, behind-the-scenes interviews, rehearsal and performance footage, and other special projects related to NYCB.  In addition, future content now in the planning stages includes a NYCB tour diary, which will provide viewers with an opportunity to follow NYCB as it performs in various cities around the world.

A short video created expressly for the YouTube channel provides an introduction to New York City Ballet for YouTube viewers and features interviews with NYCB dancers and staff.  Other recently launched new media initiatives include enriched video content on nycballet.com and video previews for all NYCB performances.

Much of the YouTube content can also be found on nycballet.com, but through YouTube, the Company hopes to reach a new audience, including those outside of New York who may not regularly attend NYCB performances.  “Having a clear and well-branded presence on YouTube provides an opportunity for us to reach out to a broader audience in a consistent way,” says Kristin Sloan, NYCB’s Director of New Media.  “As we continue to increase our video offerings, our hope is that this additional outlet will build deeper connections with our Company and with classical dance in general.”

The YouTube Channel will also include links to nycballet.com providing viewers with a simple and convenient way to learn more about New York City Ballet.
Founded in February 2005, YouTube is the leader in online video, and the premier destination to watch and share original videos worldwide through a Web experience. YouTube allows people to easily upload and share video clips on YouTube.com and across the Internet through websites, mobile devices, blogs, and e-mail. 

Due to rights issues, many of the videos on NYCB’s YouTube channel, especially those with performance footage, can only be viewed on YouTube and cannot be embedded elsewhere on the web. 

Founded by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, and currently under the direction of Peter Martins, New York City Ballet is one of the world’s top dance companies, with an unparalleled repertory. The Company performs 23 weeks a year at its home, the New York State Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City, and also performs each summer at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in upstate New York, and on domestic and international tours. 

New York City Ballet’s 2008 winter season runs through February 24, and the 2008 spring season opens April 29 and continues through June 29. For information on any New York City Ballet performance, call 212-870-5570 or visit nycballet.com.