Careful attention is also paid to the psycho social development of the child. Children are encouraged to develop self discipline consistent with the age levels; training in the early years focuses primarily on a child's individual sense of mastery, rather than on performance for others. Competition between students is minimal, due to the careful attention give by Mr. Nugara to all students, regardless of ability level. The importance of ongoing academic achievement is stressed to all children involved in the program. Family involvement in encouraged through attendance at the children's performances. Additionally, the parents can participate in the Ballet Guild, which has provided immeasurable support in fund raising and other administrative areas.

As of the fall of 1996, 70 children are participating in the ballet instruction on a regular basis. Most of the children are from the immediate neighborhood. Other talented students have been recruited from nearby communities.

Classes meet after school for one and a half hours. Currently, thirteen classes are offered per week, with extra rehearsal hours added as performance commitments require. Separate classes are provided for boys and girls.

Beginning students attend class once per week. The beginning class is open to all interested students. Students with talent and facility for ballet become advanced students, and eventually attend class three times per week. Approximately 12 students are currently receiving instruction at this level. At the age of 12, girls begin to concentrate on pointe work, and both boys and girls receive pas de deux (partnering) classes. Eventually, there will be ten divisions, based on age and ability.

Lecture demonstrations are planned for public schools in the immediate area. Children will see, first hand, the process necessary to create a dancer, illustrated by children of their own age. The tools of the trade - pointe shoes, tights, tutus and ballet slippers - are used as visual aids. The young dancers present a brief demonstration of barre and centre work, with an explanation of movements.

The expansion of the number of classes offered, coupled with the increased difficulty and sophistication of these classes, is a prime indicator of the success of the program. Children are not advanced unless they have the physical capabilities and talent to go to the next, higher level. At this point, there are 7 students who will be ready to start pointe work later in the year, which will require the addition of another class level.

Allyn Shapiro, principal of the Tenth Street School, reports dramatic involvement in the attendance of those students who are involved with the ballet. Additionally, she says that the grades of the ballet students are measurably higher than other students in similar age groups. The deportment of the students is markedly better because of the discipline and structure that the ballet provides.

The support provided by the parents serves to strengthen the family, and also provides children with a sense of responsibility. The students who attend classes do so on a regular basis, independently, because of their interest in fine arts and a drive to learn. Because of the voluntary commitment, absenteeism is not an issue.

CAB is a young organization, but has already had modest success in establishing its financial viability in order to ensure its long-term success. Initially, the James Irvine Foundation provided a grant to install a proper floor and barre at the ballet studio. Since that time, CAB has received significant support from IBM, the Mary Pickford Foundation, Sony Pictures, the Mattel Corporation, the Roth Family Foundation, First Professional Bank, the County of Los Angeles, The Prudential and, through the Red Shield Youth Center CAB has received a grant from the Weingart Foundation.