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Training

Dancer Training

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Dancer Training

ABT’s primary mission is to continue the legacy of classical dance, and that legacy lives in the movements of today’s young dancers. That’s why we are proud to provide educational programming of the highest quality.

At ABT, an education in classical dance is so much more than excellent technical training – our students are nurtured by instructors who care. Instructors who understand that dance is one part athleticism, one part artistry, and ten parts self-expression; and who are dedicated to fostering a student’s passion for dance to bloom.

ABT is honored to guide and support maturing dancers with training, exposure, and celebration. Discover our education and training programs on the pages below.

ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School

The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, named after the prior First Lady and longtime ABT Honorary Chairman, is a ballet training program for young dancers that promotes creativity and discipline, enabling children to reach their highest potential. At its inception, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School had only 10 students and has since grown to enroll nearly 350 dancers per academic year. Under the direction of former ABT Principal Dancer and current ABT JKO School Artistic Director Stella Abrera, students receive the best technical training with ABT’s National Training Curriculum, and are guided by caring instructors who nurture their students’ love for dance.

Photo: Richard Corman

Pre-Professional Division

The Pre-Professional Division of the American Ballet Theatre Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School is a ballet training program for students, ages 12-17. Under the direction of Acting Artistic Director Stella Abrera, students thrive in an elite atmosphere dedicated to the success of each student. Admission is by audition only.

 

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Photo: Richard Corman

Children’s Division

The Children’s Division of the American Ballet Theatre Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School focuses 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.

The Children’s Division is subdivided into Primary Classes (ages three to seven) and Levels 1A-3B (ages eight to twelve).

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Summer Programs

Photo: Rosalie O' Connor

Summer Intensive

American Ballet Theatre’s Summer Intensive has earned a reputation for being the most thorough and rewarding dance experience a student can have during the summer. Under the supervision of ABT’s Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie and Artistic Director of Summer Intensives Kate Lydon, the program offers top quality teachers and master guest teachers that are dedicated to the learning process and growth of each individual student.

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Photo: Rosalie O' Connor

Young Dancer Summer Workshop

This workshop provides the opportunity for serious young dancers (ages 9-12) to flourish in a professional yet nurturing environment. The Young Dancer Summer Workshop focuses on building a solid foundation in ballet technique and educating younger dancers about related topics in the world of dance.

 

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Photo: Rosalie O' Connor

Collegiate Summer Intensive

This program is designed for the mature artist in pursuit of higher education. Dancers will have daily ballet technique classes and will participate in classes focused on ABT repertory, pointe work, partnering and modern dance. This is a chance for college-aged dancers to further develop their artistic talents in a challenging and professional environment, while intensively training with world-class ABT faculty.

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ABT William J. Gillespie School

The American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School was founded in 2015 and combines the traditions of American Ballet Theatre with the resources of Segerstrom Center for the Arts, in Orange County, where the program is located. The ABT William J. Gillespie School utilizes ABT’s National Training Curriculum and classes include ballet technique, pointe, character, conditioning, and boys’ classes.

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