Princeton Ballet School, the official school of American Repertory Ballet, is entering its 65th year of operation with the start of the 2019-2020 school year. The school was founded in Princeton by Audrée Estey in 1954 and now provides dance instruction to approximately 1,000 students each year at its Princeton, Cranbury and New Brunswick studios. In addition, with its Access & Enrichment initiatives, the school reaches into the community through its DANCE POWER program, signature On Pointe lecture series, and with free programming, master classes, residencies, lecture demonstrations and school-time matinees.
“This year, as Princeton Ballet School celebrates its 65th anniversary, we remain committed to Audrée Estey’s legacy of providing excellence in dance education,” said Julie Diana Hench, executive director of Princeton Ballet School and the American Repertory Ballet. “We teach students of all ages, from our hand-in-hand youngsters starting at age 3 to our pre-professional and adult dancers. We believe dance should be accessible to all, and our special programs and scholarships ensure that we continue our mission.”
Ms. Hench emphasized that PBS prides itself on offering dance instruction for everyone – regardless of one’s age or expertise or dance goals. PBS meets the needs and goals of those who intend to make dance their profession to those who simply want to feel the joy of dancing.
Through its Open Enrollment program at its Princeton, Cranbury and New Brunswick studio locations, students can choose from beginner, intermediate and advanced ballet as well as contemporary dance, hip-hop, tap, Bharatanatyam, flamenco, cardio ballet and more. No experience is needed for beginner levels. Open classes are intended for students ages 13 and over; the classes feature outstanding faculty, live music and flexible schedules. Dancers can drop in for one class or enroll in a series of classes. All levels are welcome.
“While adhering to Princeton Ballet School’s traditions, School Director Aydmara Cabrera has also introduced more modern and contemporary dance classes, coordinated a black box theater performance for advanced students, staged a new version of Don Quixote, separated classes to allow for more personalized attention, and attracted new teachers to the school such as José Manuel Carreño, Ana Novoa, Valerie Amiss and Elvis Ferrera.”
Today the school’s trainee division has over 30 aspiring professional dancers. In addition to trainees from throughout the United States, the program attracts dancers from many countries across the globe, including Brazil, Uruguay, Italy, Australia, South Korea, China and Japan. These students represent the top level of dancers at Princeton Ballet School.
As Princeton Ballet School commemorates 65years of excellence of dance education, its company, American Repertory Ballet, will be celebrating its 40th anniversary in the coming year as well.
For more information about Princeton Ballet School, call 609.921.7758 or visit www.arballet.org. For class schedules or to register, visit http://bit.ly/PBSOpenEnrollment or call 609.921.7758.
About American
Repertory Ballet and Princeton Ballet School
American Repertory Ballet’s
mission is to bring the joy, beauty, artistry and discipline of classical and
contemporary dance to New Jersey and nationwide audiences and to dance students
through artistic and educational programs. The organization comprises: the preeminent
professional classical and contemporary ballet company in the state; Princeton
Ballet School, one of the largest and most respected non-profit dance schools
in the nation; and ARB’s Access & Enrichment initiatives, including the
long-running and acclaimed DANCE POWER program. Princeton Ballet School – A
Place for Everyone! To learn more, visit arballet.org.