American Ballet Theatre's JKO School Receives $2 Million Gift

The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (JKO) School at American Ballet Theatre has received a $2 million donation from an anonymous donor to expand the School's training programs, fund operations and establish additional scholarship programs. The donation, announced yesterday by Rachel Moore, CEO of American Ballet Theatre, represents the largest gift made to the JKO School to date.

To increase giving, $1 million will be used to match gifts from other donors through the Friends of JKO Challenge over the next three years, on a 2:1 basis. The Friends of JKO Challenge, which was issued today, will raise needed funds to supplement the training of dancers in the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School.

"This gift will be absolutely transformational for the JKO School, which trains diverse, versatile dancers from across the country and around the world," said Moore. "In just nine years, the JKO School has grown from 11 young dancers to a student body of over 350. This donation is an enormous testament to the School's growth and quality and will enable us to engage the most promising and advanced students with crucial scholarships to make their continued training possible."

The donation of $2 million to the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School will allow American Ballet Theatre to strengthen and broaden its training curriculum through a variety of programs, including, but not limited to:

- Expanded programming for JKO School pre-professional division and Studio Company dancers
- Injury prevention and strength training
- Master classes with guest faculty and noted ABT alumni
- Creation and production of new works by emerging choreographers
- Specialized immersion training in specific styles of choreography
- Tuition-free scholarships, tuition assistance, housing stipends and academic tutoring for eligible JKO School and ABT Summer Intensive students

Funds received will also assist in infrastructure improvements needed to maintain the JKO School's day-to-day operations, including technology enhancements, rehearsal equipment and costuming, additional personnel and physical maintenance of the JKO School facility. In addition, the funds will provide financial assistance for the continued operation of the JKO School's annual exchange program with The Royal Ballet School.

For information on participating in the Friends of JKO Challenge, call the ABT Development office at 212.477.3030, ext. 3241.

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