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Dancer Training

ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School

Children's Division

ABT JKO School Children's Division

The ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, named after the former 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. Not only do students receive the best technical training with ABT’s National Training Curriculum, but they are guided by caring instructors who nurture their students’ love for dance.

At its inception, the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School had only 10 students and has since grown to enroll over 350 dancers per academic year. Under the direction of former ABT Principal Dancer and current ABT JKO School Artistic Director Stella Abrera, the Children’s Division 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 3 to seven) and Levels 1A-3B (ages eight to 12). To learn more about the School and how to enroll your young dancer, please browse our Children’s Division class information.

Photo: Rosalie O'Connor.

Primary

ABT students ages three to seven are introduced to music and movement in our Primary Levels. The emphasis in these courses is on rhythm, dynamic, and placement, so that students graduate from Primary with an understanding of spatial awareness, correct alignment, teamwork, and focus. Each level is divided by age in order to accommodate the developmental needs of every student. No auditions are necessary for Primary classes.

Photo: Rosalie O'Connor.

Levels 1A-3B

Serious ballet students ages eight to twelve may audition for Levels 1A through 3B to continue their training at the ABT JKO School. ABT faculty follow a specific graded curriculum designed to strengthen technique, stamina, and discipline through practical training and lessons in theory. Girls and boys have separate classes once a week Levels 2A-3B to address the specific techniques and physical strength of each individual dancer.

Photo: Rosalie O'Connor.
Photo: Rosalie O'Connor.

Curriculum & Schedules

At the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, our students are trained with ABT’s National Training Curriculum, which combines scientific principles with elements of classical French, Italian, and Russian schools of ballet. The goal of our Curriculum is to train students to use their bodies correctly by educating them on anatomy, kinetics, coordination, and alignment. Artistically, the ABT National Training Curriculum strives to provide for students both a rich knowledge of classical ballet technique and the ability to adapt to all styles of dance.

As each level follows our carefully planned Curriculum throughout the year, students are expected to attend all their assigned classes. Students enrolled in the Children’s Division are not permitted to seek outside ballet training or private lessons.

Pre-Primary for 3's

Tuition: $1412

Age: 3

Students must turn 3 years old by September 1, 2023.

2023-2024 Class Schedules

Students may enroll in one of the following class sections.

Section 1

Thursday 3:30 pm - 4:15 pm

Section 2

Saturday 10:30 am - 11:15 am

Pre-Primary for 3'sPhoto: Rosalie O'Connor.

Pre-Primary for 4's

Tuition: $1412

Age: 4

Students must turn 4 years old by December 1, 2023.

2023-2024 Class Schedules

Students may enroll in one of the following class sections.

Section 1

Wednesday 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm

Section 2

Saturday 9:00 am - 9:45 am

Pre-Primary for 4'sPhoto: Richard Corman.

Primary A

Tuition: $1622

Ages: 5 - 6

Students must turn 5 years old by December 1, 2023.

2023-2024 Class Schedules

Students may enroll in one of the following class sections.

Section 1

Thursday 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Section 2

Saturday 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Primary APhoto: Rosalie O'Connor.

Primary B

Tuition: $1622

Ages: 6 - 7

Students must turn 6 years old by December 1, 2023.

2023-2024 Class Schedules

Students may enroll in one of the following class sections.

Section 1

Monday 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Section 2

Saturday 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Primary BPhoto: Rosalie O'Connor.

Primary C

Tuition: $3040

Ages: 7 - 8

Students must turn 7 years old by December 1, 2023.

2023-2024 Class Schedules

Students must attend all classes listed for their level.

Students may enroll in one of the following class sections.

Section 1

Monday 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Thursday 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Section 2

Tuesday 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Saturday 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Primary CPhoto: Rosalie O'Connor.

Level 1A

Tuition: $3670

Ages: 8 - 10

An audition is required for Level 1A.

Please keep in mind that the age range is given as a guideline. Students will be placed by the ABT JKO School artistic faculty in the appropriate level based on technique demonstrated at the open audition.

2023-2024 Class Schedules

Students must attend all classes listed for their level.

Students may enroll in one of the following class sections.

Section 1

Monday 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Thursday 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Section 2

Tuesday 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Friday 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Level 1APhoto: Rosalie O'Connor.

Level 1B

Tuition: $3670

Ages: 8 - 10

An audition is required for Level 1B.

Please keep in mind that the age range is given as a guideline. Students will be placed by the ABT JKO School artistic faculty in the appropriate level based on technique demonstrated at the open audition.

2023-2024 Class Schedules

Students must attend all classes listed for their level.

Students may enroll in one of the following class sections.

Section 1

Monday 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Thursday 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Section 2

Tuesday 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Friday 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Level 1BPhoto: Rosalie O'Connor.

Level 2A

Tuition: $5245

Ages: 9 - 11

An audition is required for Level 2A.

Please keep in mind that the age range is given as a guideline. Students will be placed by the ABT JKO School artistic faculty in the appropriate level based on technique demonstrated at the open audition.

2023-2024 Class Schedules

Students must attend all classes listed for their level.

Monday 4:45 pm - 6:15 pm Ballet Technique

Monday 6:15 pm - 7:15 pm Character Dance

Tuesday 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Level 2 & 3 Boys’ Class +

Wednesday 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Girls' Pre-Pointe *

Wednesday 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Ballet Technique

Saturday 9:15 am - 10:45 am Ballet Technique

+ Boys in Level 2 attend a mandatory 1.5-hour boys' class, in addition to their technique classes, as part of the ABT MENtor program.

* Girls in Level 2 attend a mandatory one-hour pre-pointe class in addition to their weekly classes to help prepare them for pointe work.

Level 2APhoto: Rosalie O'Connor.

Level 2B

Tuition: $5245

Ages: 9 - 11

An audition is required for Level 2B.

Please keep in mind that the age range is given as a guideline. Students will be placed by the ABT JKO School artistic faculty in the appropriate level based on technique demonstrated at the open audition.

2023-2024 Class Schedules

Students must attend all classes listed for their level.

Monday 4:45 pm - 5:45 pm Character Dance

Monday 5:45 pm - 7:15 pm Ballet Technique

Tuesday 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Level 2 & 3 Boys’ Class +

Wednesday 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Ballet Technique

Saturday 9:00 am - 10:00 am Girls' Pre-Pointe *

Saturday 10:00 am - 11:30 am Ballet Technique

+ Boys in Level 2 attend a mandatory 1.5-hour boys' class, in addition to their technique classes, as part of the ABT MENtor program.

* Girls in Level 2 attend a mandatory one-hour pre-pointe class in addition to their weekly classes to help prepare them for pointe work.

Level 2BPhoto: Rosalie O'Connor.

Level 3A

Tuition: $6380

Ages: 10 - 12

An audition is required for Level 3A.

Please keep in mind that the age range is given as a guideline. Students will be placed by the ABT JKO School artistic faculty in the appropriate level based on technique demonstrated at the open audition.

2023-2024 Class Schedules

Students must attend all classes listed for their level.

Monday 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Modern

Monday 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Ballet Technique

Monday 7:00 pm - 7:30 pm Pointe *

Tuesday 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Level 2 & 3 Boys’ Class +

Wednesday 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Character Dance

Wednesday 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Ballet Technique

Wednesday 7:00 pm - 7:30 pm Pointe *

Friday 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Ballet Technique

Friday 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm Pointe *

Saturday 10:15 am - 11:15 am Girls' Strength *

Saturday 11:15 am - 12:45 pm Ballet Technique

+ Boys in Level 3A attend a mandatory 1.5-hour boys' class, in addition to their technique classes, as part of the ABT MENtor program.

* Girls in Level 3A attend a mandatory one-hour girls' strength class and (3) half-hour pointe classes in addition to their technique and adjunct classes.

Level 3APhoto: Rosalie O'Connor.

Level 3B

Tuition: $6715

Ages: 11+

An audition is required for Level 3B.

Please keep in mind that the age range is given as a guideline. Students will be placed by the ABT JKO School artistic faculty in the appropriate level based on technique demonstrated at the open audition.

2023-2024 Class Schedules

Students must attend all classes listed for their level.

Monday 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Ballet Technique

Monday 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Modern

Tuesday 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Level 2 & 3 Boys’ Class +

Wednesday 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Ballet Technique

Wednesday 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm Pointe *

Wednesday 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Character Dance

Thursday 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Ballet Technique

Thursday 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm Pointe *

Thursday 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Girls' Strength *

Saturday 9:15 am - 10:45 am Ballet Technique

Saturday 10:45 am - 11:45 am Pointe *

+ Boys in Level 3B attend a mandatory 1.5-hour boys' class, in addition to their technique classes, as part of the ABT MENtor program.

* Girls in Level 3B attend a mandatory one-hour girls' strength class, (2) half-hour pointe classes, (1) full-hour pointe class, and (1) girl’s technique class in addition to their technique and adjunct classes.

Level 3BPhoto: Rosalie O'Connor.

Bridge Class

Ages: 8 - 10

The Children’s Division Bridge Class provides a bridge from ABT to the New York City community and also serves to identify and train talented young students with potential for careers in dance.

Students who train at one of our Project Plié Partner Schools are eligible to audition for this program. Students can also be nominated to audition by an ABT Certified Teacher or an ABT Teaching Artist. For more information about the Bridge Class and our Project Plié Partner Schools, please click here.

Bridge ClassRichard Corman
Former ABT Principal Dancer Julio Bocca with Cynthia Harvey and ABT JKO School students.
Former ABT Principal Dancer Julio Bocca with Cynthia Harvey and ABT JKO School students.

ABT MENtor

Launched in the fall of 2017, under the direction of former ABT JKO School Artistic Director Cynthia Harvey, ABT MENtor is an initiative intended to support our male students in the ABT JKO School as they progress through the ABT Training Ladder.

Male students will participate in seminars and workshops with current and former professional dancers in American Ballet Theatre and other prestigious companies, as well as observe the Pre-Professional Division and ABT Studio Company.

ABT MENtor strives to develop a supportive and educational environment for the boys and their families in the Children’s Division. Boys in Levels 2A-3B take a separate boys’ technique class each week as part of the ABT MENtor program.

Enrollment

The American Ballet Theatre Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School Children’s Division offers enrollment in classes September – May at ABT’s Studios located at 890 Broadway, New York, NY.

Photo: Rosalie O'Connor.
Photo: Rosalie O'Connor.

Pre-Primary & Primary Levels

For students ages 3-7 (students must turn 3 years old by September 1 and must remain 7 years old through December 1)

Pre-Primary and Primary levels in the Children’s Division at the ABT JKO School require no prior dance experience. Placement in each level is based solely on the child’s date of birth.

Enrollment for the 2023-2024 school year for new students is now closed. Please check back for 2024-2025 enrollment information. Please direct any enrollment questions to jkochildren@abt.org.

Children’s Division Pre-Primary & Primary Levels:

Level Age Group Cutoff Dates
Pre-Primary for 3’s Age 3 Students must turn 3 by September 1, 2023
Pre-Primary for 4’s Age 4 Students must turn 4 by December 1, 2023
Primary A Age 5 Students must turn 5 by December 1, 2023
Primary B Age 6 Students must turn 6 by December 1, 2023
Primary C Age 7 Students must turn 7 by December 1, 2023

Note: Students who turn 8 by December 1 must attend an Open Audition for Level 1A+

Photo: Rosalie O'Connor.
Photo: Rosalie O'Connor.

Open Auditions

For students ages 7-12 (*students must turn 8 years old by December 1, 2023, and must remain 12 through December 1, 2023)

Auditions are required for new students who wish to enroll in Levels 1A through 3B of the ABT JKO School. These levels are for students ages seven to twelve* with previous ballet training. Upon acceptance, students will be placed into the appropriate level by the Artistic Faculty.

The ABT JKO School Children’s Division has no further auditions for the 2023-2024 school year. Please check back for information about 2024-2025 auditions. Please direct any enrollment questions to jkochildren@abt.org.

Faculty & Musicians

American Ballet Theatre strives to provide educational programming of the highest quality, and it all starts with our faculty. ABT JKO School faculty includes members of the ABT Artistic Staff, ABT Alumni and graduates of the ABT/NYU Master’s Program in Ballet Pedagogy.

All Children’s Division faculty members are certified in each level of the National Training Curriculum.

Photo: Fabrizio Ferri.

Susan Jaffe

Artistic Director, American Ballet Theatre

View Susan's Profile

Photo: Sophie Elgort, courtesy Lafayette 148.

Stella Abrera

Artistic Director, ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School

View Stella's Profile

Faculty

Photo: Chris Hardy.

Rubén Martín

Principal Teacher, ABT JKO School Pre-Professional Division

View Rubén's Bio

Photo: Michael Cairns.

Yan Chen

Principal Teacher, ABT JKO School Pre-Professional Division

View Yan's Bio

Photo: Hanna Bass.

Franco De Vita

ABT National Training Curriculum Artistic Associate

View Franco's Profile

Photo: Hanna Bass.

Raymond Lukens

ABT National Training Curriculum Artistic Associate

View Raymond's Profile

Musicians

The ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School is supported by our accomplished musicians.

Michael Cherry, Stephanie Chun, John Epperson, Ayako Hirasawa, Shimako Horii, Sofiya Leavsie, Renne Ong, Benjamin Pawlak, Alex Perry, Dmitry Polischuk, Victor See Yuen, Mihoko Suzuki, Laura Tishchenko, Mira Tsidulko, Raisa Umanskaya, Tracy Yang

ABT JKO School Children's Division Online Community Classes

In the Spring of 2020, @ABTSchool launched virtual classes taught by former ABT dancers, ABT JKO School faculty and ABT teaching artists – all certified in the ABT National Training Curriculum.

Recommended for ages 2-4 and 5-8, these classes engage ABT’s youngest students and their families, as well as the global community at large, by exploring musicality, fostering creativity and imagination, and teaching ballet fundamentals.

View the full series on @ABTSchool IGTV or ABT’s YouTube Channel.

@ABTSchool IGTVYouTube

Photo: Richard Corman.

 


ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School students wear Capezio leotards.

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