90 and Counting

For 90 years, the School of American Ballet has represented the pinnacle of American ballet training, nurturing talented students across the globe as they achieve their dreams on the professional stage and beyond. We have been honored to carry out the vision of our founders, George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein. With eager students entering SAB’s studios every fall, our commitment to excellence is unwavering and extends to all aspects of the student experience.

Today, SAB continues to lead the field by producing more professional dancers than any other American ballet school, and this has been made possible by our generous community of supporters.

In our 90th Anniversary year, help us raise $90,000 to honor SAB’s legacy, inspire new generations, and develop the ballet dancers of the future. Thank you for your partnership in transforming the artform and the lives of thousands of students.

Ways to Give

Personalize your giving by supporting a cause meaningful to you. Learn more about our special funds below, and select your choice on the next page by using the “I would like my gift to support” dropdown menu.

Donate Today
Monthly Recurring Gift

For stock or wire transfers, mutual funds gifts, or corporate matches, please contact development@sab.org for more information.

Direct Your Impact

Faculty – The Heart and Soul of SAB

Honor their commitment to our students and the ballet artform!

“For me to join a group of incredible teachers… that have set a lasting footprint for the future, it meant a lot to me.”
– Gonzalo Garcia, SAB Faculty

Student Scholarships

Support nearly 40% of our student body who depend on need-based scholarships, totaling $2 million annually!
“My grandmother and mother always wanted to be ballerinas but did not have the resources to do so, but because of [my scholarship], I have the opportunity to live out my dream.”
– Current SAB Student

Alumni Scholarship Giving

Champion the next generation by supporting scholarships for students just learning their first tendu to those preparing to become professional dancers!

“Nothing is more satisfying than seeing new generations embrace and care for an art form that has given so much to me.”
– Andrew Scordato, SAB Alum & Faculty

Alumni – Click here to update your contact information.

Pointe Shoes – A Ballerina’s Essential Tool

Our students need over 3,000 pairs of handcrafted pointe shoes each year, each costing nearly $100. Ensure that they have affordable access to pointe shoes all year long!

“Pointe shoes are mindbogglingly expensive for something so vital, yet short lived. I am grateful for our donors’ efforts to lessen the financial burden for our students.”
– Julia Price, SAB Registrar

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

60% of SAB’s student body identifies as students of color – a 31% increase since we started this work in 2012. Make ballet training possible for everyone and transform the future of our artform!

“I believe it is crucial for Black and brown students at SAB to see someone who looks like them standing at the front of the classroom – an individual who not only trained at SAB but also ventured forth to have a successful career in ballet.” 

– Aaron Jackson, SAB Alum & Principal Guest Teacher

See the Music, Hear the Dance

Live music is a crucial part of SAB’s training. Show our incredible pianists and teachers what their music means to you!

“Music plays the most important element at our School – almost. To begin on time, to end on time, to be on time is essential to a Balanchine student, a Balanchine dancer, a Balanchine teacher.”
– Suki Schorer, SAB Faculty

Celebrate with SAB in 2024

Below is a list of featured events in 2024! Check back regularly for updates.

Jan 19 & 25 Behind-the-Scenes Class Visits for Partner Members $250 and up
Feb 14 Valentine’s Day Open House for Association Members $100 and up
Feb 26 90th Anniversary Ball Enjoy SAB’s glamourous, black-tie dinner dance celebrating nine decades of excellence and influence in ballet.
Mar 18 The George Balanchine Foundation Celebrates the 90th Anniversary of the School of American Ballet
Celebrate SAB’s 90th Anniversary with the NYPL for the Performing Arts and The George Balanchine Foundation.
Apr 24 & 25 Studio Showing: Workshop Preview See Workshop Performance pieces by Balanchine in progress with our stagers!
May 10 – June 2 New York City Ballet Spring Season Watch as SAB students perform with New York City Ballet in Christopher Wheeldon’s Scènes de Ballet and George Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream! Click here for tickets.
June 7 90th Anniversary Alumni Cocktails Inviting all alumni to join us at SAB for a celebration of the alumni community who carry the legacy of our 90 years on their shoulders. Click here for tickets!
June 8 Workshop Performances See our students performing Balanchine’s works with lights, costumes, and a live orchestra at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater.
June 11 Workshop Performance Benefit Celebrate with our students, alumni, and faculty the magic of live performance that will include an exclusive piece for the Benefit performance. Click here for tickets!
July 20 Lincoln Center Summer for the City Family Workshop Check back for more details!
Oct 1 New York City Ballet Tribute Performance SAB students perform George Balanchine’s Serenade at the Koch Theater in honor of SAB’s 90th Anniversary. Click here to learn more!
Oct 7 Guggenheim Works & Process Check back for more details!

Need help or have questions?

Email development@sab.org with any questions.