The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School
ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School
The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT JKO School) is one of the foremost ballet training institutions in the world, dedicated to cultivating the next generation of ballet dancers. Named in honor of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, a longtime supporter of the arts and ABT, the school provides an exceptional education that blends classical ballet training with the artistic vision of the American Ballet Theatre. Located in New York City, ABT JKO School has become synonymous with excellence in dance education, offering a comprehensive curriculum for students ranging from early childhood to pre-professional levels.
History and Mission in ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School
The ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School was founded in 2004 as a tribute to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’s commitment to nurturing young talent and her long-standing relationship with American Ballet Theatre. The school’s mission is to train dancers to the highest standards of classical ballet, providing them with the technical proficiency and artistic expression necessary to succeed in professional ballet companies worldwide.
ABT JKO School aims to instill in its students not only the physical skills required for ballet but also a deep understanding of the art form, its history, and its future. By emphasizing both the rigor of ballet technique and the emotional depth of performance, the school prepares students to become versatile and expressive artists.
Curriculum and Training
The curriculum at ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School is rooted in the classical ballet tradition, but it is also designed to prepare dancers for the demands of contemporary choreography. The training is based on the ABT National Training Curriculum, a nine-level program that combines elements of French, Italian, and Russian ballet techniques. This curriculum emphasizes correct body alignment, strength, flexibility, coordination, and musicality, ensuring that students develop a solid technical foundation.
Pre-Primary and Primary Levels in ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School
At the pre-primary and primary levels, the focus is on introducing young children to the fundamentals of ballet in a nurturing and supportive environment. These early levels are designed for students ages 3 to 8, and the classes emphasize basic ballet vocabulary, rhythm, coordination, and body awareness. The aim is to develop a love of movement and an understanding of ballet as a form of expression. At this stage, children also learn the discipline and focus required for more advanced training.
Levels 1 through 3
As students progress through Levels 1 through 3 (typically ages 8 to 12), they begin to receive more structured and formal ballet instruction. These levels build on the foundation established in the earlier stages, with a focus on improving strength, flexibility, and technique. Students learn the fundamental positions of the arms and feet, as well as basic ballet movements such as pliés, tendus, and relevés.
In addition to ballet technique classes, students at these levels also take classes in character dance, which introduces them to folk dance styles from various cultures, and classes in modern dance, which helps them develop a broader movement vocabulary. This well-rounded approach ensures that students develop the versatility needed for today’s ballet world, where classical and contemporary styles often intersect.
Levels 4 through 7
Levels 4 through 7 (typically ages 12 to 16) are designed for intermediate students who are preparing for more serious and intensive training. At these levels, the focus shifts to refining technique, building endurance, and mastering more complex movements. Students begin to work on turns, jumps, and more intricate footwork, while continuing to develop their artistry and musicality.
In addition to ballet technique classes, students take pointe classes (for girls), men's classes (for boys), and variations classes, where they learn solos from the classical ballet repertoire. Character dance, modern dance, and partnering classes are also part of the curriculum. The goal at these levels is to prepare students for the rigors of professional ballet training while continuing to nurture their artistic development.
Pre-Professional Division in ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School
The Pre-Professional Division is the highest level of training at ABT JKO School and is designed for students who aspire to careers in professional ballet. This division is divided into two groups: Upper 1 and Upper 2. Students in this division are typically ages 16 to 20 and are either completing their high school education or transitioning into full-time dance training.
Training in the Pre-Professional Division is intense and rigorous, with students taking multiple classes each day. The curriculum includes advanced ballet technique, pointe, partnering, variations, character dance, modern dance, and Pilates. Students also have the opportunity to participate in master classes taught by guest artists, choreographers, and former ABT dancers, providing them with valuable insights into the world of professional ballet.
The Pre-Professional Division places a strong emphasis on performance, and students have the opportunity to perform in various productions throughout the year, including the ABT JKO School’s annual spring performance. This performance experience is crucial in preparing students for the demands of a professional career, as it helps them develop stage presence, confidence, and the ability to connect with an audience.
Faculty and Artistic Leadership in ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School
One of the key strengths of the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School is its world-class faculty, which includes some of the most respected names in ballet. The school’s artistic staff is composed of former ABT dancers and other renowned ballet professionals, all of whom bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their teaching. The faculty is committed to providing students with the highest level of training while nurturing their individual artistic growth.
Cynthia Harvey, a former Principal Dancer with ABT, served as the Artistic Director of ABT JKO School from 2016 to 2022, guiding the school through a period of growth and artistic excellence. Under her leadership, the school continued to build on its reputation as a premier training institution, preparing students for careers with leading ballet companies around the world.
The faculty members at ABT JKO School are not only expert teachers but also mentors who take a personal interest in each student’s development. They work closely with students to help them achieve their individual goals, whether that be joining a professional ballet company or pursuing other paths within the arts.
Performances and Opportunities in ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School
Performance is an integral part of the training at ABT JKO School, and students are given numerous opportunities to showcase their talents throughout the year. The annual spring performance is a highlight of the school’s calendar, featuring students from all levels in a program of classical and contemporary works. This performance allows students to gain valuable stage experience while also showcasing the results of their training.
In addition to the spring performance, students in the Pre-Professional Division have the opportunity to perform in ABT’s productions at the Metropolitan Opera House and other venues. These opportunities provide students with invaluable real-world experience and give them a taste of what it is like to perform with a professional company.
ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School also offers students the chance to participate in international ballet competitions, such as the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and the Prix de Lausanne. These competitions provide students with the opportunity to be seen by directors of major ballet companies and can serve as a springboard to a professional career.
Alumni Success in ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School
ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School has a strong track record of producing dancers who go on to successful careers with major ballet companies around the world. Many graduates of the school have joined American Ballet Theatre as members of the ABT Studio Company, ABT’s junior company, or as full members of the main company.
In addition to ABT, graduates of the JKO School have gone on to dance with companies such as the Royal Ballet, New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and Paris Opera Ballet, among others. The school’s reputation for excellence has made it a top choice for students seeking a pathway to a professional career in ballet.
The success of ABT JKO School alumni is a testament to the quality of the training they receive and the school’s commitment to nurturing not only technically proficient dancers but also artists with a deep understanding of the art form.
Scholarships and Financial Aid in ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School
ABT JKO School is committed to making its training accessible to talented students, regardless of their financial circumstances. The school offers scholarships and financial aid to students based on both merit and need. These scholarships are funded through donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations, and they provide essential support to students who might not otherwise be able to afford the cost of tuition.
In addition to full and partial scholarships, ABT JKO School provides need-based financial aid to help cover the costs of tuition, uniforms, and other expenses associated with ballet training. The school’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in its efforts to ensure that talented students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue their dreams of becoming professional dancers.
Conclusion
The ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School stands as one of the world’s premier institutions for ballet training, offering a comprehensive and rigorous program that prepares students for the demands of professional ballet. With a curriculum rooted in classical ballet tradition, a commitment to artistic excellence, and a focus on the development of well-rounded artists.
By fostering a supportive and nurturing environment, the ABT JKO School ensures that its students not only develop the technical skills required for ballet but also the emotional depth and artistic expression that are the hallmarks of a true artist. With a world-class faculty, numerous performance opportunities, and a commitment to making ballet accessible to all, ABT JKO School continues to inspire and train the next generation of ballet dancers, carrying forward the legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and American Ballet Theatre.
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