Support America’s National Ballet Company® DONATE NOW

ABT News

October 29, 2009

AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE TO RECEIVE
$500,000 MATCHING GIFT FROM
THE ARISON ARTS FOUNDATION

FUNDS TO SUPPORT
PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS
AT AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE

American Ballet Theatre is the recipient of a matching grant in the amount of $500,000 from the Arison Arts Foundation. The gift, announced on October 7at the opening night gala of ABT’s Fall season at Avery Fisher Hall, will support ABT’s pre-professional programs including the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, ABT II and apprentices in ABT’s corps de ballet.

With the matching gift, the Arison Foundation and American Ballet Theatre will also establish a new partnership between ABT and YoungArts, the core program of the National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts (NFAA). In partnership with ABT, YoungArts will support promising young dancers in taking the next step in their training through The ABT/Gold Scholar Partnership. Each year, an ABT/Gold Scholar, selected at the discretion of ABT II’s artistic director, will be eligible for a one-year fellowship with ABT II. This fellowship will enable a young dancer to further their training through stage experience and coaching with ABT artistic faculty.

“The Arison Arts Foundation is dedicated to nurturing and supporting young artists as they pursue their dreams, and we are thrilled to make this gift to American Ballet Theatre,” said Sarah Arison, President of the Arison Arts Foundation. “We commend the Company for its commitment to identifying and encouraging the most promising talent of classical ballet through its training programs. Together, ABT, YoungArts, and The Foundation will move forward, recognizing today’s talent and providing the very best training for the future generation of the world’s greatest dancers.”

“We are delighted by the Foundation’s generosity,” said Rachel Moore, ABT Executive Director and 1982 YoungArts scholarship recipient. “NFAA/YoungArts has
had a long-term relationship with ABT. Since 1996, eight ABT dancers have been supported through the YoungArts program. Continued support is crucial to the future of young artists.”

YoungArts, the core program of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, is the signature national organization that recognizes and supports America’s most talented 17-18 year olds in the visual, literary and performing arts. YoungArts is the sole nominating agency for Presidential Scholars in the Arts. The foundation provides emerging artists with financial support and life changing experiences with internationally renowned artists. YoungArts alumni go on to become leading professionals in their fields. Alumni include Emmy nominated actress Vanessa Williams, three-time Tony Award nominee Ra≈õl Esparza, star of HBO’s Entourage Adrian Grenier, Warner Brothers Recording Artist Josh Groban and visual artist Doug Aitken.

Back To ABT News >>