Photos: Rosalie O'Connor

Click here to read about Boys' Class at the JKO School!

The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School
at American Ballet Theatre

Registration for 2011-2012 Children’s Division classes is now closed.

Children's Division

The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School Children’s Division is an open-enrollment ballet program for children ages 5-12 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, 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 very 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. Students will be placed by the faculty into the appropriate level of the program. The JKO School Faculty reserve the right to adjust a student’s placement based on age, ability, and previous experience. All students interested in enrolling in Level 2A, 3A, and 3B will need to participate in a Placement class on the first day of the semester.

The class schedules and levels are as follows:

*Students in Levels 3A and 3B attend a Character dance class in addition to their technique class. Students in Level 2 have an optional Character dance on Saturdays immediately following their technique class.

**Saturday technique class for Level 3A and 3B students includes one half-hour of beginning pointe work.

Financial Aid:
Financial aid for the Children’s Division is awarded based on need. There is an application process (which includes family financial information to determine eligibility). Applications are available upon request after a child has registered for the program.