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Combining an artistic staff of some of the world's greatest dancers with a glorious setting, the New York State Summer School of Ballet offers 60 of New York State's most gifted young dancers an unforgettable dance experience, and your talent could ensure that you will be one of them next summer.

The school operates during the month of July, when the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, the National Dance Museum studios, and the New York City Ballet make Saratoga Springs a dance paradise.  Under the direction of internationally acclaimed NYCB Principal Jenifer Ringer, you will work every day with members of the company and will attend all of the New York City Ballet performances at night.  Students are housed at Skidmore College.  The School of Ballet provides not only intensive, professional ballet training for you, but also presents informative lectures on dance and the opportunity to work with some of the greatest dancers in the world.

In addition to the permanent staff, guest artists from the New York City Ballet teach classes as a regular part of the program. Students receive intensive instruction in ballet, pointe, character, jazz, variations, and pas de deux. In addition, a physical therapy program focuses on the needs of developing dancers.

Application Process

Each audition will consist of a 20-minute to one hour period of classroom work.  Please bring leotards, tights, and ballet slippers to the audition. Girls should also bring pointe shoes. Adjudicators will evaluate and rate your performance on the basis of their observations during the audition session. You will be notified by mail in early April about the outcome of your audition.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The School of Ballet will hold its annual four-week program from June 29 to July 26, 2008. Total cost of tuition, room, and board will be $1,500.

NYSSSA’s summer programs are open to all New York State students enrolled in any public or private school who qualify through the audition process. Tuition, room, and board costs should not discourage any talented young artist from auditioning. A student who auditions is under no obligation to attend and every effort will be made to allocate suitable financial aid.

We want any talented young artist who is accepted through our audition process, regardless of his or her ability to pay for the summer program, to be able to attend, so tuition assistance is available. Tuition assistance forms are mailed to students after the audition process. NYSSSA awards financial assistance based upon individual need.

For more information, please contact:

NYSSSA School of Ballet
State Education Department
89 Washington Avenue
Room 866 EBA
Albany, NY 12234
(518) 474-8773
e-mail: nysssa@mail.nysed.gov