A Brand-New Space for SAB’s Artistic Athletes

The School of American Ballet proudly announces the official opening of its new Artistic Health and Wellness Student Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to support the physical and mental well-being of its students. Located on the sixth floor of the Rose Building, the Center spans over 5,000 square feet and represents a significant expansion of the school’s commitment to its dancers.

The new space, which opened to students this September, features a dedicated strength and conditioning studio, a fully equipped Pilates studio, two private physical therapy treatment rooms, and a student commons. It also includes offices for SAB’s nutrition and counseling professionals. The Center addresses a long-standing need for student-focused amenities, including quiet study areas and a communal lounge for Intermediate and Advanced students.

This initiative marks a major step forward in SAB’s ability to support the whole dancer. Beginning in the 2025-26 Winter Term, students will have expanded access to physical training, injury rehabilitation, and nutrition and mental health services. Planned program enhancements include open coaching hours with Strength and Conditioning staff, a fourfold increase in weekly physical therapy treatment hours, expanded Pilates studio hours, and daily floor barre classes.

As SAB’s Head of Artistic Health and Wellness Aesha Ash explains:

“Dancers are athletes—artistic athletes. It’s imperative they have the right tools. You’d never see a professional sports team training with the bare minimum… and neither should our dancers”

SAB provides these resources to meet the physical demands of rigorous ballet training and to empower its students to achieve their ambitious artistic goals.