What happens when a twelve year old is told she cannot pursue her passion unless she compromises her values? In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, guest Elizabeth Flores explains how homeschooling gave her the courage and the time to start her own ballet company after being rejected by a traditional director. It is a powerful look at how alternative education empowers children to become leaders long before they reach adulthood.

Host Jae and Elizabeth dive deep into the journey of the New American Youth Ballet. Elizabeth shares fascinating stories from her childhood, including the time she and her mother hired a forty two piece union orchestra for a performance while she was still a teenager. They discuss the many ways homeschooling protects children from the high stress and social noise of traditional school environments, allowing them to focus on their unique talents and character development.

The conversation also explores the current state of the arts, the pitfalls of high pressure ballet competitions, and Elizabeth’s mission to bring the beauty of dance to nursing homes and hospitals. If you are looking for ways to integrate high level extracurriculars into your homeschool schedule, Elizabeth provides details on her new online classes and an exciting opportunity for students to perform in a New York City production of the Nutcracker. This episode is a must watch for any parent who wants to see their child find their lane and run in it with confidence.

https://www.naybdance.org/

Elizabeth Flores' ballet journey began when she was 8 in her hometown, Binghamton, NY. At age 11 she was accepted to train with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and from there was accepted to both the London Royal Ballet school and the Bolshoi Ballet Academy (on full scholarship), the latter of which she performed with as a soloist. But Elizabeth’s true passion always lay in teaching. ​

The mission of NAYB continued to evolve as they sought innovative ways to share music and dance to children of all economic backgrounds. After 9/11, the school offered free ballet lessons and performance opportunities in downtown NYC to any local child affected by the tragedy. In 2015, they aired the first episode of their TV show: New American Youth Ballet Presents!. The show broadcasts weekly on Manhattan Neighborhood Network every Friday at 6pm.

She has staged numerous full-length ballets with professional symphony orchestras including: The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and Coppelia. Her original ballet, Life of a Dancer, which she composed with Dr. Alan Turry, was recently arranged by Hollywood Music arranger Tim Simonec (UP!, Ratatouille, Star Trek, Mission Impossible 3, Whiplash) and recorded in Nashville with a 40 piece professional orchestra. Her original ballet learning musical album, My Ballerina and Me, also written in collaboration with Dr. Alan Turry, was recorded at the Juilliard School of Music.

Elizabeth continues to strive to find new ways to merge her two passions, the arts and the community.

Chapters

0:00 Intro and meeting Elizabeth Flores

3:10 Why Elizabeth’s family started homeschooling

6:45 Starting a ballet school at age twelve

10:20 Choosing values over traditional dance companies

14:50 Performing with a union orchestra as a teen

19:30 Navigating college pressure and expectations

24:15 Training at Julliard and the pursuit of excellence

29:00 How homeschooling creates a flexible schedule

34:10 Avoiding the social noise of public school

39:40 The difference between art and competition

44:20 Bringing dance to hospitals and nursing homes

49:15 Upcoming Nutcracker and online class info

52:40 Self care and advice for homeschool moms

54:30 Final thoughts and encouragement

Make sure to subscribe for more inspiring interviews and resources for your homeschooling journey. Check out the links in the description to connect with Elizabeth and explore her upcoming dance programs.