Photos: Rosalie O'Connor

Click here to read about Boys' Class at the JKO School!

The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School
at American Ballet Theatre

Registration for 2012-2013 Children’s Division classes will begin June 18, 2012.

Schedules and fees for 2012-2013 are now available. Please see below.

*NEW for 2012-2013 – Auditions required for Levels 1A and up.

Children's Division

The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School Children's Division is a ballet program for children ages 4-12 that promotes discipline and creativity while encouraging each child to reach their highest potential. Classes focus 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.

Faculty:
Led by Franco De Vita, Principal, and Melissa Allen Bowman, Assistant Principal, the faculty of the Children’s Division includes members of ABT’s Artistic Staff, ABT alumni, and graduates of the ABT/NYU Masters Program in Ballet Pedagogy. Every faculty member of the JKO School Children’s Division is certified in all levels of ABT’s National Training Curriculum . Learn more about our faculty by clicking on the links below.

Accompanists:
Each class at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School is accompanied by one of our accomplished pianists:

Levels and Schedules:
The School follows a specific graded curriculum, divided by age, which is outlined in ABT’s National Training Curriculum. Each level is designed to be sensitive to the developmental needs of the age group. Class size is limited. The curriculum combines scientific principles with elements from the classic French, Italian, and Russian schools of training. Students must attend all classes listed for their level. Primary classes are open enrollment and no prior experience is necessary. Classes for Level 1A and above require an audition.

NEW for 2012-2013 - Auditions

All students interested in enrolling in Level 1A and above must participate in one of the Children's Division auditions. Students will be placed by the faculty into the appropriate level of the program.

Auditions will be held at ABT on the following dates:
Saturday, May 19, 2012 and Saturday, September 8, 2012

Students are encouraged to attend the May audition as space is limited.

*Must turn 8 by September 15, 2012

Registration will begin one hour prior to the audition time. Girls should wear full-length pink tights and a solid color leotard with ballet slippers. Boys should wear white leotard or t-shirt, black shorts and ballet slippers. The registration fee is $15 and students should bring an informal headshot.

*Students in Levels 3A, 3B and 4A attend a Character dance class in addition to their technique classes.

**Saturday technique class for Level 3A, 3B and 4A students includes one half-hour of beginning pointe work.

***Boys in Level 1A and up attend a weekly one-hour boys class in addition to their technique classes.