Artistic Programs - School of American Ballet
- ️Wed Dec 04 2024
The School of American Ballet’s training is designed for dedicated, focused students who show age-appropriate aptitude and physical development suited to the demands of classical training at all levels of development. The curriculum spans beginning instruction for 6 year olds through highly advanced courses designed to launch the nation’s most talented students into professional careers. The progressively exacting syllabus provides a complete education in classical ballet as refined by George Balanchine and legendary faculty members who have handed down elements of the Russian, English and Danish classical ballet traditions to today’s teachers. Dedicated boys-only classes are offered at Children’s, Intermediate, and Advanced Divisions and accomplished musicians provide live piano accompaniment for all classes school-wide. As students progress, the ballet curriculum is supplemented with complementary offerings and performing opportunities that help to develop a complete dancer. After successfully auditioning and enrolling, students are evaluated on a continual basis and advancement is contingent upon the ongoing demonstration of progress and professional potential.
Preparatory Division
The Preparatory Division enrolls 6 and 7 year olds who are either new to ballet or who have taken creative movement and beginning ballet classes elsewhere. The Preparatory curriculum focuses on the basic elements of ballet technique and nurtures the discipline that focused ballet training demands. In two 1-hour ballet technique classes per week, students experience the fundamental components of a ballet class—barre and center work—and learn characteristics essential to success in ballet, including respect for teachers and classmates, self control, persistence and patience. Progression from the Preparatory Division to the Children’s Division is not automatic. Students must demonstrate a sufficient level of interest, focus, and technical progress to advance to the next level of training. While re-enrollment decisions operate on an annual cycle, on rare occasions Preparatory Division students may be asked to depart the School mid-year should they fail to demonstrate sufficient maturity or behave in a way that is counterproductive to the overall progress of the class. Parents of Preparatory Division students are invited to observe their children in class at the end of the Winter Term.
Children's Division
The Children’s Division enrolls students from the greater New York metropolitan area ranging in age from 8 to 13. Boarding is not available for students in this division. The intensity, frequency, and complexity of training progresses as children advance through six levels for girls and five levels for boys. Class level placement is based on a combination of age and advancement, and instruction is highly specific, with individualized corrections ensuring that all students receive the feedback necessary to master the material presented. Parents of Children’s Division students are invited to observe their children in class during special visit days in January, April and June.
Intermediate & Advanced
Training in the Intermediate and Advanced Divisions is focused entirely on pre-professional students who are committed to training 6-days per week and working towards the possibility of a professional ballet career. Students hail from both the local New York metropolitan area as well as from around the United States and abroad. Over 60 non-local students aged 14 -18 reside in our onsite residence hall while training during the Winter Term. The Intermediate Division consists of one class level for girls (B2) and Intermediate Men. The Advanced Division consists of three levels for girls (C1, C2 and D) and Advanced Men. Students who are at a later stage of training at the time of admission to SAB will be placed in the class level most suited to their skill and advancement. Classes in these levels focus on refining technique and instilling the necessary versatility, artistry and discipline to achieve a career in classical ballet.