The School of American Ballet, summer school

- 70 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023

Located within the world-renowned Lincoln Center in the heart of New York City, The School of American Ballet (SAB) stands as a pinnacle of classical dance education. Founded by the visionary George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, it is the official training academy for the New York City Ballet. While the school operates year-round, its summer programs, including the five-week Summer Course and the one-week New York Junior Session, are particularly iconic. These programs are a pivotal part of the institution’s mission to find and train the next generation of professional ballet dancers, drawing talented students from across the United States and the world. For aspiring young dancers in New York and those visiting the city, SAB's summer offerings represent an unparalleled opportunity to train in a professional, nurturing, and historically significant environment.

The experience at SAB, particularly its summer programs, is often described as world-class. One parent who enrolled their daughter in a week-long program at Lincoln Center shared their overwhelmingly positive experience, noting the "impressive organization and world-class facilities." They were especially impressed with the strong emphasis on security, which provided peace of mind in a bustling city like New York. The review highlights that the staff was "attentive, and security measures were clearly in place, providing peace of mind to all the parents." Furthermore, the amenities, including a "cafeteria and locker options available to the dancers," were praised for their convenience and quality. Communication was also excellent, with staff being "consistently prompt, informative, and helpful." This parent's glowing recommendation positions SAB as a truly outstanding institution for young dancers looking to enhance their skills in a "nurturing and professional environment."

However, the highly selective nature of SAB's programs can also be a source of frustration for some families. A second review, expressing a very different sentiment, details a "really bad experience with the audition process." This family, whose sons had years of ballet training, questioned the school's audition criteria, speculating whether a family's wealth or connections were factors in the selection process. This review, while expressing a sense of discrimination, underscores the fact that admission to SAB is by audition only and is extremely competitive, often considered one of the most selective ballet summer programs in the country. The school's public non-discrimination policy, which can be found on its website, states that it respects all students regardless of background, but for some families, the rigor and exclusivity of the process can be a difficult experience.

The School of American Ballet is centrally located at 70 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, USA. This address places the school in a cultural epicenter, within the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, a prestigious venue that is also home to the New York City Ballet. For New Yorkers and visitors, the location is a major advantage. It is easily accessible by multiple modes of transportation, including several subway lines and bus routes, and is situated in a vibrant neighborhood. The school's commitment to accessibility is evident with its wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that the facility is welcoming to all who visit. Its location in a pristine campus, with an on-site residence hall and cafeteria, provides a safe and convenient "home away from home" for students attending the summer program, with everything they need in one secure building.

SAB offers a variety of specialized and comprehensive services designed to train dancers for professional careers. The summer programs, in particular, provide an intensive and immersive experience.

• Summer Course (5-week program): This is SAB's flagship summer offering for intermediate and advanced students aged 12 to 18. The curriculum includes a rigorous schedule of classes six days a week, covering Ballet Technique, Pointe, Pointe Variations, Partnering, Character, Contemporary, Music, and Pilates. Students also have access to a wellness program with licensed physical therapists and a nutritionist.

• New York Junior Session (1-week program): A shorter, intensive program for students aged 10-12, offering an introduction to the school's curriculum and faculty. It includes daily technique classes with SAB's faculty and guest teachers, as well as wellness seminars and cultural enrichment activities, providing a taste of the SAB experience.

• Boys Classes: SAB has a dedicated program for boys, which is a key part of its curriculum, ensuring they receive the specialized training needed for a career in classical ballet. The summer programs include a dedicated men's program that provides comprehensive training in technique and partnering.

• Ballet Education: Beyond the physical training, SAB offers a broad dance education that includes seminars on music, anatomy, and dance history, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of the art form.

• Ballet Productions: The school provides its students with invaluable performance opportunities, including the annual Workshop Performances where advanced students perform at Lincoln Center. Younger students also have the chance to perform in New York City Ballet productions, such as George Balanchine's "The Nutcracker."

• Training Programs: The school's summer programs are a critical point of entry into its year-round Winter Term. Students in the summer course are evaluated as potential candidates for the year-round program, a key opportunity for those aspiring to professional careers.

The School of American Ballet boasts several key features and highlights that reinforce its status as a world-class institution.

• Good for Kids: The school is highly regarded as a positive and safe environment for children, with a focus on not only dance training but also the overall well-being and development of young dancers. The one parent's review emphasizes the "nurturing and professional environment" and robust security measures that provide "peace of mind."

• World-Class Facilities and Organization: The facilities at Lincoln Center are state-of-the-art and are consistently praised for being "remarkable." The on-site residence hall, cafeteria, and security measures demonstrate a high level of organization and care for the students. The seamless organization of the programs ensures a smooth and productive experience for both students and parents.

• Distinguished Faculty and Curriculum: SAB's faculty is composed of renowned teachers, including principal dancers from the New York City Ballet. The curriculum is rooted in the Balanchine aesthetic, which is known for its precision, speed, and musicality, providing a distinctive and highly-respected style of training.

• Holistic Student Life Program: The summer programs include a comprehensive Student Life program with professional staff who oversee the residence hall 24/7. This program offers cultural excursions, wellness seminars, and social activities, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching experience beyond the dance studio.

• Direct Connection to Professional World: SAB is the official school of the New York City Ballet. This direct pipeline provides students with unparalleled opportunities to be seen by and train with professionals from one of the world's most prestigious ballet companies. Many graduates go on to join the NYCB and other top companies worldwide.

For more information on The School of American Ballet, including its audition process and programs, you can use the following contact information.

Address: 70 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, USA

Phone: (212) 769-6600

Mobile Phone: +1 212-769-6600

Choosing The School of American Ballet for a summer program is a significant decision for any aspiring dancer, and for good reason. It offers an experience that is unmatched in its rigor, its professional environment, and its connection to the highest levels of the dance world. For dancers in New York who have the talent and dedication, attending a program at SAB is an incredible opportunity to hone their skills under the guidance of world-class instructors. The school's reputation for providing a nurturing yet demanding environment makes it an ideal place for young artists to grow.

While the admission process can be challenging, the rewards of training at such an institution are immense. The unparalleled facilities, the focus on student safety, and the comprehensive curriculum that includes both artistic and personal development make SAB a truly outstanding choice. The school's commitment to finding and training a racially diverse student body is also a significant factor, showing its dedication to creating an inclusive and representative future for classical ballet. For a serious young dancer and their family in New York, a summer at The School of American Ballet is not just a dance program; it is a life-changing experience that can set the stage for a professional career.

The School of American Ballet, summer school

70 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, USA