Princeton Ballet School Announces Restructuring of its Programs for School-Aged Students Beginning September 2017

Princeton Ballet School, the official school of American Repertory Ballet, has announced the restructuring of its programs for school-aged dancers beginning September 2017.

Under the leadership of School Director Pamela Levy, Princeton Ballet School will institute its new Conservatory Program for the serious students who are seeking a more disciplined and intense dance training program. Previously, students were selected by faculty or the director to participate in this more rigorous track, currently known as the PLUS Program. Under the new restructuring students can choose to participate until they reach the advance division.

"This approach is aligned with the vision of our founder Audrée Estey who believed that high quality dance training should be available to all. In the long-term, students who have the desire, passion and access to rigorous training will have a greater opportunity to excel and realize their potential as a dancer," explains Levy.

For students who love to dance and are seeking excellent training without the intensity and time commitment of the Conservatory Program, there is the FLEX Program. Students will still study with Princeton Ballet School's exceptional faculty and will continue to receive world class training that the school is known for but with more flexibility.

"Students who wish gain all of the benefits of studying dance, in an excellent training atmosphere, but do not want to commit to the rigor of the Conservatory Program, may opt to study in the FLEX program," says Levy. "Mrs. Estey believed that all students should have the opportunity to dance in an environment that is appropriate for their level of commitment."

Princeton Ballet School's syllabus remains the same one that was created and developed by Mary Pat Robertson over her 30-year tenure running the school. Truly a labor of love, this excellent teaching tool has catapulted many students into successful dance careers.

"The changes in the structure of the Princeton Ballet School will propel the school forward, while maintaining the traditions of the school and adhering to the training philosophy that has been established by both Audrée Estey and Mary Pat Robertson," says Interim Executive Director Charles Metcalf.

Another noteworthy change to Princeton Ballet School is the launch of the Douglas Martin Scholarship for Male Dancers which provides full tuition for all school age males interested in ballet training.

Princeton Ballet School has gained a national reputation for its excellent dance training since its founding in 1954 by Audrée Estey. It currently serves over 1,000 students, starting at age three, and includes a large open enrollment division for adults. Princeton Ballet School has studios in Cranbury, New Brunswick and Princeton and offers classes in ballet, modern dance, jazz, hip-hop, CardioBallet and CoMBo (Conditioning for the Mind and Body). Students from the school have gone on to dance in professional ballet and contemporary dance companies in the United States and abroad. Graduates have danced with such diverse organizations as New York City Ballet, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Miami City Ballet, Complexions, Mark Morris Dance Company, Twyla Tharp, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Ballet West and on Broadway.

For more information about American Repertory Ballet and Princeton Ballet School please visit arballet.org or call 609.921.7758.

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