Welcome to the world of ballet in the bustling city of New York! Known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, New York City is home to a plethora of ballet schools, each offering unique training programs and opportunities for aspiring dancers to refine their skills and pursue their passion.
From world-renowned institutions to smaller, specialized academies, the options are vast for those seeking top-notch ballet education in the Big Apple.
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In this article, we will explore the topic of ballet schools in New York, highlighting 20 diverse and reputable establishments that provide exceptional training for dancers of all ages and levels.
Whether you’re a budding ballerina dreaming of a professional career or simply looking to further your ballet technique, this comprehensive list of ballet schools in New York City will serve as a valuable resource to help you discover the perfect fit for your dance education needs.
The List of Ballet Schools in New York
So, let’s dive into the world of ballet in the concrete jungle, as we uncover the wide array of ballet schools that grace the streets of New York City!
School of American Ballet
The School of American Ballet is a renowned ballet school located in New York City. Established in 1934, it is the official training academy of the New York City Ballet, one of the world’s most prestigious ballet companies.
The school has produced numerous famous alumni who have gone on to have successful careers in ballet, including dancers such as Maria Tallchief, Jacques d’Amboise, and Merrill Ashley. Located at Lincoln Center in Manhattan, the School of American Ballet offers rigorous training in classical ballet techniques for aspiring dancers. Find more information here.
American Ballet Theatre Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School
The American Ballet Theatre Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, located in New York City, is the official school of the American Ballet Theatre, one of the leading ballet companies in the United States.
Established in 2004, the school provides comprehensive ballet training to students from around the world. It has a strong focus on developing dancers who are versatile and capable of performing a wide range of classical and contemporary repertoire.
The school’s alumni include accomplished dancers such as Misty Copeland and David Hallberg. Find more information here.
New York City Ballet School
The New York City Ballet School, located in Manhattan, is affiliated with the New York City Ballet and offers training to young dancers aspiring to join the renowned ballet company.
Established in 1933, the school provides a rigorous curriculum that focuses on classical ballet technique and repertoire.
Many of its alumni have gone on to have successful careers as professional ballet dancers, including Wendy Whelan, Maria Kowroski, and Ashley Bouder. Find more information here.
Joffrey Ballet School
The Joffrey Ballet School, located in New York City, is a prestigious ballet school that offers comprehensive ballet training for students of all ages and levels.
Established in 1953, the school has a rich history of producing accomplished dancers who have gone on to perform with major ballet companies around the world.
It also offers programs in other dance styles such as jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop. Notable alumni of the Joffrey Ballet School include Gelsey Kirkland, Kevin McKenzie, and Francesca Hayward. Find more information here.
Steps on Broadway
Steps on Broadway is a renowned dance studio located in the heart of New York City that offers training in various dance styles, including ballet.
Established in 1979, it has become a popular destination for dancers from around the world to hone their skills in a supportive and professional environment.
Many accomplished ballet dancers have trained at Steps on Broadway, including Julie Kent, Ethan Stiefel, and Misty Copeland. Find more information here.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, located in New York City, is a world-renowned dance company that also has a prestigious dance school.
Established in 1958, the school offers comprehensive training in various dance styles, including ballet, modern, and jazz.
It has produced many successful dancers who have gone on to perform with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and other major dance companies. Notable alumni of the school include Judith Jamison, Robert Battle, and Troy Powell. Find more information here.
Ellison Ballet – Professional Training Program:
Located in New York City, Ellison Ballet – Professional Training Program is a prestigious ballet school that provides rigorous training for aspiring dancers.
Founded in 2010 by Edward Ellison, a former principal dancer with San Francisco Ballet, the school focuses on classical ballet technique and offers a comprehensive curriculum for pre-professional students.
Some of its famous alumni include dancers who have joined renowned ballet companies around the world. Find more information here.
Broadway Dance Center:
As a leading dance studio in New York City, Broadway Dance Center offers a wide range of classes for dancers of all levels, including ballet.
Established in 1984, the center has a rich history of providing professional dance training and has been a hub for choreographers, dancers, and instructors from all over the world.
Many successful dancers, including Broadway performers and commercial dancers, have trained at Broadway Dance Center. Find more information here.
Ballet Hispanico School of Dance:
Located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Ballet Hispanico School of Dance is a renowned school that celebrates the diversity of Latinx cultures through dance.
Established in 1970, the school offers ballet, flamenco, salsa, and other dance forms, as well as a comprehensive pre-professional program.
Many of its alumni have gone on to have successful careers in both classical ballet and contemporary dance. Find more information here.
Peridance Capezio Center:
Founded in 1983, Peridance Capezio Center is a renowned dance school located in the heart of New York City’s Union Square. The school offers a wide range of ballet classes for dancers of all levels, from beginners to professionals, as well as a variety of other dance styles.
The center has a strong emphasis on contemporary ballet and has produced numerous successful dancers and choreographers. Find more information here.
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Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet:
Named after the esteemed ballet dancer Gelsey Kirkland, the Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet is a renowned ballet school located in DUMBO, Brooklyn. The academy offers a rigorous training program based on the Vaganova method, a Russian ballet technique.
Many of its alumni have gone on to have successful careers in major ballet companies around the world. Find more information here.
Ballet Academy East:
Established in 1979, Ballet Academy East is a prestigious ballet school located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
The school offers a comprehensive curriculum for dancers of all ages and levels, including a pre-professional program.
Its alumni have gone on to join major ballet companies and have successful careers in the dance industry. Find more information here.
Mark Morris Dance Group
Located in Brooklyn, New York, Mark Morris Dance Group is a renowned ballet school known for its innovative choreography and diverse repertoire.
Founded by Mark Morris in 1980, the school has produced numerous critically acclaimed performances worldwide.
Some famous alumni of the Mark Morris Dance Group include Mikhail Baryshnikov, Julie Atlas Muz, and Melissa Toogood. Find more information here.
The Ailey School
The Ailey School, based in Manhattan, New York, is a leading ballet school that offers training in modern dance and African-American cultural dance.
Established in 1969 by Alvin Ailey, the school has nurtured many talented dancers who have gone on to have successful careers in the dance industry.
Notable alumni of The Ailey School include Judith Jamison, Robert Battle, and Jamar Roberts. Find more information here.
The Juilliard School Dance Division
Located in Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in Manhattan, The Juilliard School Dance Division is a prestigious ballet school that offers comprehensive training in classical ballet and contemporary dance.
Founded in 1951, the school has a rich history of producing world-class dancers and choreographers. Famous alumni of The Juilliard School Dance Division include Lar Lubovitch, Pina Bausch, and Jessica Lang. Find more information here.
Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance
The Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance, situated in Manhattan, New York, is a renowned ballet school that specializes in the Martha Graham technique, a pioneering form of modern dance.
Established in 1926 by Martha Graham, the school has a legacy of shaping the modern dance landscape. Notable alumni of the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance include Merce Cunningham, Paul Taylor, and Erick Hawkins. Find more information here.
The School at Steps
Based in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, The School at Steps is a prominent ballet school that offers training in classical ballet, contemporary dance, and jazz.
Founded in 1979, the school has a reputation for its esteemed faculty and comprehensive curriculum.
Many notable dancers, including Misty Copeland, have trained at The School at Steps. Find more information here.
Ballet Tech:
Ballet Tech, also known as the New York City Public School for Dance, was founded in 1978 by renowned ballet dancer Eliot Feld. It is a unique tuition-free ballet school that provides training to talented students from diverse backgrounds.
Located in Manhattan, Ballet Tech’s mission is to identify and nurture young dancers with potential, regardless of their financial means.
The school has a rigorous curriculum that combines classical ballet techniques with contemporary dance training.
Over the years, Ballet Tech has produced numerous successful alumni who have gone on to join prestigious dance companies and pursue successful careers in the performing arts. Find more information here.
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The School of Dance at The New School:
The School of Dance at The New School, located in the heart of New York City’s Greenwich Village, offers a cutting-edge dance education for aspiring dancers. Established in 1919, the school has a rich history of innovation and creativity in dance education.
It offers a diverse range of dance styles, including contemporary, modern, and ballet, taught by world-class faculty.
The School of Dance at The New School has a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and encourages students to explore their unique artistic voices.
Many notable dancers and choreographers have graduated from this esteemed institution.
The Ballet Club:
The Ballet Club, located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, is a boutique ballet school that offers classes for dancers of all ages and levels.
Founded by former New York City Ballet dancer Francia Russell, The Ballet Club provides top-notch training in classical ballet technique, as well as contemporary dance and jazz.
The school is known for its personalized approach and small class sizes, allowing for individual attention and guidance. The Ballet Club has a strong focus on technique, artistry, and performance skills, preparing dancers for a professional career in dance. Find more information here.
