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With its vast and unique history of showcasing diverse American artists and traditional works, American Ballet Theatre’s rich classical repertoire is the cornerstone for creating lasting cultural and learning possibilities.
Partnering with schools and local organizations, ABT provides an array of accessible opportunities to experience world-class repertory and artistry. Aligned with our mission to bring the magic of ballet to the widest audience possible, programs are designed to introduce the classical repertoire and a proficiency in movement vocabulary. We are committed to bringing the best in dance to all. Through single or multi-day workshops, the strength of our engagement lies in the individually designed lesson plans that cater to the needs of each individual classroom or community.
The centerpiece of American Ballet Theatre’s education and outreach initiatives is its award-winning Make a Ballet program. Helping to meet the need for arts education in underserved schools and communities, this model program also introduces students to all aspects of the creative and administrative theatrical experience.
Learn MoreEach year approximately 6,500 students from the New York metropolitan area attend ABTKids: Schools (formerly Young People’s Ballet Workshop) at the Metropolitan Opera House and the Tony Bennett Concert Hall at the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts. As in past years, Company members perform excerpts of ABT repertory with narration by ABT’s artistic staff. The spring Workshops also feature pieces by students participating in ABT’s Make a Ballet program, providing the young dancers the opportunity to perform at the Metropolitan Opera House in front of an audience of their peers.
Learn MoreIntegral to the mission of American Ballet Theatre is the ambition to bring the magic of ballet to the widest possible audience through world-class performances and educational programming.
ABT is proud to offer world-class dance and design residency programs for students of varying ages and abilities. We also proudly provide over 5,000 complimentary tickets to Spring season performances at the Metropolitan Opera House through our ticket distribution program for New York City public schools.
Please click on the appropriate links below for more information on a particular offering.
Photo: Sharon Navre
American Ballet Theatre proudly offers world-class artist-in-residency programs to schools in New York City and across the country. We offer residencies in dance-making, choreography and design. We serve grades K-12, and our residency programs are tailored to suit each school’s needs.
Photo: Dennis Walters
Each year, ABT distributes thousands of complimentary tickets to New York City public schools, for use by their students and families. Tickets are distributed free of charge to schools enrolled in our programs. Requests are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ballet for the New Audience (BNA) is ABT’s program for private schools: a workshop series to promote, educate and develop young audiences grades Pre-K through 6. Through three interactive workshops, students explore dance vocabulary, choreography, music and design inspired by a piece of ABT repertoire. The workshop culminates in a field trip to ABT’s rehearsals studios.
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