American Youth
Dance Theater
Where joy and technique take center stage
Ballet
American Youth Dance Theater is proud to include the AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE® National Training Curriculum. This breakthrough 8-level program combines high-quality artistic training with the basics of dancer health and child development. The ABT® National Training Curriculum, taught by ABT® Affiliates & ABT® NTC Fellow Teachers, consists of a comprehensive set of age-appropriate, outcome-based guidelines to provide the highest quality ballet training to dance students of all ages and skill levels.
Attentive, caring, inspiring
Students are trained at the highest national standards while learning in a positive, developmentally sound environment. Class sizes are kept small, providing individual attention by highly experienced dance education professionals with a motivational and caring approach. We place strong emphasis on technique, proper alignment, and safety in relation to the individual physicality of each student.
A fit for every dancer
Readiness skills are introduced in our Early Childhood and Junior Division Pre-ballet program. Foundational skills begin once children enter First Grade, followed by progressing levels, with a choice of programs from recreational to pre-professional.
We pride ourselves on offering various training options to a wide range of dance interests, from strong weekly recreational classes through our graded level pre-professional program, as well as beginner classes for older children and teens. To determine the appropriate class for your child, scroll down to see our complete list of offerings.
Develop confidence through performance.
Students in elementary through high school perform in our annual Nutcracker, danced entirely by children and teens, as well as our Senior Division Spring Recital, both performed in a professional theater.
Students in Pre-K through Kindergarten are showcased in our Junior Division Holiday and Spring Recitals, performed in an intimate setting at our Upper East Side studio.
Recent Senior Division Spring Recital performances include selections from Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, Giselle, Cinderella, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Gaiete Parisienne, La Fille Mal Gardee, La Bayadere, and Raymonda.
Class Offerings
|
Ballet 1A * |
1st and 2nd grades |
|
Ballet 1B * |
2nd and 3rd grades |
|
Ballet 2 * |
3rd and 4th grades |
|
Open Level Ballet 3 * |
Open to students in grades four and up wishing to take ballet recreationally or as an additional class to complement their training in another dance style. This class is a 2- to 3-year program. |
|
Open Level Ballet 4 * |
Open to students in grades six and up who have completed 2-3 years of Open Level Ballet 3 or equivalent. Older beginners are welcome but may need to take a few private lessons to catch up. |
|
Open Level Ballet 5 ** |
Open to students in grades 8-12 who have completed 2-3 years of Open Level Ballet 4 or equivalent. Older beginners are welcome but may need to take a few private lessons to catch up. |
|
Open Intermediate Ballet ** |
Open to students in grades 8-12 who have completed 2-3 years of Open Level Ballet 5 or equivalent. This level requires a second weekly class in either Open Level Ballet 5 or Technique 1 (the teacher recommends a second class). |
|
Graded Ballet 3 ** |
Grades 4-7. Placement is by faculty recommendation or audition only. The class meets twice a week. |
|
Graded Ballet 4 ** |
Grades 5-8. Placement is by faculty recommendation or audition only. The class meets twice a week. |
|
Graded Ballet 5 ** |
Grades 6 and up. Placement is by faculty recommendation or audition only. The class meets 3 times a week. The third class is Ballet 4, Open Level Ballet 4-5, or Technique 1, as recommended by the teacher. |
|
Intermediate Ballet A & B ** |
Two levels of Intermediate Ballet for upper-level students in grades 7-12. Placement is by faculty recommendation or audition only. The class meets 3 times a week. Third class is Technique 1, 2, 3. |
|
Adv/Inter Ballet ** |
Upper-level students in grades 10-12; placement is by faculty recommendation or audition only. This level requires three ballet classes and one non-ballet class (Broadway or Contemporary only). |
|
Technique 1, 2, 3 * |
Three levels of mandatory technique classes for students in Ballet 5, Int, and Adv/Intermediate Ballet. There is no recital dance; concentration is purely on improving technique, strength, and stamina. |
|
Pre-Pointe *, Beg, Beg/Int, Int/Adv Pointe * |
Pointe is offered to select students in Ballet 5, Open Level Intermediate, Intermediate, and Adv/Int. Ballet students who are technically strong enough to begin Pointe instruction. Level-based classes meet directly following Ballet 5, Open Level Intermediate, Intermediate Ballet & Advanced/Intermediate Ballet. |
* Placement in higher-level classes is by teacher recommendation or audition.
* See Calendar for dates of mandatory Saturday Holiday and Spring recital rehearsals.
