OUR STORY
Liberty Youth Ballet Company (LYBC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) dedicated to providing free ballet training from qualified teachers to our company members - with no tuition required.
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We believe dance is more than movement. It's a way for young people to express emotions, build discipline, and grow through collaboration with their peers. Our dancers benefit from opportunities to create, perform, and shine on stage, developing confidence that extends far beyond the studio.
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Our goal is for every child to experience a sense of accomplishment and pride, fostering healthy attitudes about themselves and others.
OUR PURPOSE
At Liberty Youth Ballet Company, we refuse to overlook the real issues facing our community. Born from a commitment to act with purpose, we strive to bring hope, opportunity, and support to those who need it most.
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We believe that change is possible when we put our hearts, minds, and talents into action. Through dance, we turn that belief into reality.
BOARD MEMBERS
Executive Director - Phillip Vitug
President - Emily Jellison
Secretary - Miriam Spencer
Consultant - Christine Nedeau
Consultant - Yvonne Spurlock
Consultant – Keighsy Short
Spokesperson - Vera Burdt
​International Consultant – Marissa Vitug
MEET OUR DIRECTORS
Phil Vitug
Executive Director
Born in the Lubao province of Pampanga, Philippines, Phil moved to the U.S. with his mother and four siblings in 1985. At the age of 16, he was introduced to the world of performing arts studied in Los Angeles under Mr. Joe Tremaine, and in Chicago under Mr. Frank Hachette and Mr. Charles Kelly.
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Phil performed as a singer, actor, and dancer in the Broadway musicals “The Phantom”, “Grease”, “Hello Dolly”, “George M”, and “Anything Goes”. Phil also gained experienced training under the tutelage of Bob Fosse. He has traveled all over the world performing as a MC and singer/dancer on Norwegian, Holland America, and Costa Cruise Lines. Phil also modeled for Best Buy, DIY Network, Sprint, Bud Light and appeared on the cover of “Kansas City” Magazine.
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He is a choreographer for Cedar Fair Live Entertainment and Worlds of Fun. Phil had choreographed the Moulin Rouge and Haunt Shows for Worlds of Fun as well as Grand Carnivale Parade, Grand Carnivale World Showcase, Hot Rhythm Nights, Winterfest, Swelltones, CF 150 Parade and KI 50 Anniversary Parade for Cedar Fair Live Entertainment.
Phil opened the Conservatory of Dance Education in 1999 and has led the studio to become one of the premier studios in the Greater Kansas City area. CODE has an elite competition troupe as well as a performance team and an extensive recreation program; he expects students to work hard, excel in practice and maintain a positive attitude and fun environment. His students have gone on to perform around the world – from Hollywood to Beijing; from stage shows to motion pictures.
Miss Emily Jellison
LYBC President | Choreographer
“Ms. Emily” has been an instructor at CODE Dance Studio for 19 years. Ms. Emily grew up in Liberty, MO and started taking classes from Mr. Phil in high school. After high school, Ms. Emily continued her dancing at the collegiate level as a Bearcat Stepper at Northwest Missouri State University. Upon graduation, Ms. Emily continued teaching classes at CODE, and began her career as a schoolteacher. She teaches fourth grade at Lewis and Clark Elementary. Ms. Emily has two children of her own, Madeline age 14 and Carter age 10. She loves getting the opportunity to work with young dancers and watching the growth they make from year to year.
Miss Tiffany Bonham
Choreographer
“Ms. Tiffany” has been an instructor at CODE Dance Studio for 19 years. She grew up in Liberty, MO and started taking classes from Mr. Phil in high school. After high school, Ms. Tiffany continued her dancing at the collegiate level as a Bearcat Stepper at Northwest Missouri State University. Upon graduation, she continued teaching classes at CODE. Ms. Tiffany has two children of her own, Adalena age 13 and Zoe age 17. She loves getting the opportunity to work with young dancers and watching the growth they make from year to year.