The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School
at American Ballet Theatre

Schedules and fees for 2013-2014 will be posted as soon as possible. Please check back for more information.

Auditions required for Levels 1A and up.

Children's Division

The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School Children's Division is a ballet program for children ages 4-12 that promotes discipline and creativity while encouraging each child to reach their highest potential. Classes focus on building a solid foundation in ballet technique with an emphasis on proper placement and safe progressions of movement while remaining sensitive to the developmental needs of younger dancers.

Faculty:
Led by Franco De Vita, Principal, and Melissa Allen Bowman, Assistant Principal, the faculty of the Children’s Division includes members of ABT’s Artistic Staff, ABT alumni, and graduates of the ABT/NYU Masters Program in Ballet Pedagogy. Every faculty member of the JKO School Children’s Division is certified in all levels of ABT’s National Training Curriculum . Learn more about our faculty by clicking on the links below.

Accompanists:
Each class at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School is accompanied by one of our accomplished pianists:

Levels and Schedules

The School follows a specific graded curriculum, divided by age, which is outlined in ABT’s National Training Curriculum. Each level is designed to be sensitive to the developmental needs of the age group. Class size is limited. The curriculum combines scientific principles with elements from the classic French, Italian, and Russian schools of training. Students must attend all classes listed for their level. Primary classes are open enrollment and no prior experience is necessary. Classes for Level 1A and above require an audition.

2013-2014 Auditions

Acceptance to Levels 1A and above to the Children's Division is by audition only. Dancers attending an open audition should bring with them an informal headshot or school photo as well as a $15 audition fee (cash or check only). The auditions below will include a full technique class (barre, center and across the floor). No pointe work will be required at the time of the audition. Following the audition, accepted students will be placed by the faculty into the appropriate level of the program.

Schedules and fees for 2013-2014 Children’s Division classes will be posted as soon as they become available. Please keep in mind the age ranges for the levels below are given as guidelines. Students will be placed by the JKO School’s Artistic Faculty in the appropriate level based on technique demonstrated at the open audition.

The class levels are as follows:

Pre-Primary (ages 4-5)
One 45-minute class per week

Primary A (ages 5-6)
One 60-minute class per week

Primary B (ages 6-7)
One 60-minute class per week

Primary C (ages 7-8)
One 60-minute class per week

*Level 1A (ages 8-10)
Two 90-minute classes per week

*Level 1B (ages 8-10)
Two 90-minute classes per week

*Level 2A (ages 9-11)
Two 90-minute classes per week
With optional Character (60-minutes)

*Level 2B (ages 9-11)
Three 90-minute classes per week
With optional Character (60-minutes)

*Level 3A (ages 10+)
Two 90-minute classes per week
One 120-minute class per week plus 60-minutes of Character

*Level 3B (ages 10+)
Two 90-minute classes per week
One 120-minute class per week plus 60-minutes of Character

*Level 4A (ages 11+)
Two 90-minute classes per week
One 120-minute class per week plus 60-minutes of Character

*Level 4B (ages 11+)
Two 90-minute classes per week
Two 120-minute class per week plus 60-minutes of Character

* Students in Levels 2A and 2B have the option to attend a Character dance class in addition to their technique classes.

**Students in Levels 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B attend a mandatory Character dance class in addition to their technique classes.

***At least one weekly technique class for Levels 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B students will include one half-hour of beginning pointe work.

****Boys in Level 1A and up have the option to attend a weekly one-hour boys class in addition to their technique classes.