Princeton Ballet School Announces The Douglas Martin Scholarship For Male Dancers

Princeton Ballet School, the official school of American Repertory Ballet, announces The Douglas Martin Scholarship for Male Dancers, which provides full tuition for boys ages 5 to 18. With this new initiative, Princeton Ballet School furthers its commitment to the training of boys who have the passion and desire to dance.

"I've always believed in having all-boy classes in order to make our young male students feel more comfortable and to build self-confidence," says Douglas Martin, Artistic Director of American Repertory Ballet and former Joffrey Ballet principal dancer. The boys' classes are designed to develop athletic skills, flexibility and strength. Dance is also great for coordination, focus, musicality and rhythm and shear physicality.

"As they progress and grow, the boys learn from one another, there's a natural competition but also a sense of togetherness and camaraderie that helps to get them to the point where they are more interested," says Martin. "When they are younger we make it fun for the boys while at the same time teaching the craft. As they get older, we focus on the special skills they need as male dancers. Eventually, they will have the necessary strength and agility to partner, jump and fly across the stage. Those are the steps the boys are most excited to master."

"It's important to have male teachers who you trust because they have been on a similar journey and understand the skill and discipline it takes to be a dancer," explains School Director Pamela Levy.

Kirk Peterson, a former principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre and now a renowned choreographer and teacher, leads the program teaching the advance boys' classes. American Repertory Ballet principal dancers Jacopo Jannelli and Mattia Pallozzi train the other divisions.

"It's great to see a growing population in dance and it's a huge benefit to the girls as they find out when they start partnering classes at around 14 years of age," adds Martin. "And, after all, what's Nutcracker without a Nutcracker prince?"

Princeton Ballet School offers all levels for boys. All school-age males are eligible for full tuition scholarships.

For more information and to register, visit arballet.org or call 609. 921.7758.

American Repertory Ballet/Princeton Ballet School is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization.

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