In the time between the end of SAB’s Winter Term and the start of the Summer Course, exists one of the School’s most vibrant programs – the week-long New York Junior Session. Tailored especially for dedicated ballet students ages ten to twelve, the New York Junior Session provides participants with an introduction to the Balanchine aesthetic and a taste of what it’s like to attend an SAB summer intensive. While they don’t stay on campus during the week, each day of the program is packed with ballet classes – including variations, pointe, and even beginner partnering – Pilates and conditioning classes, character classes, various seminars, and extra activities to provide students with a robust, fun-filled experience.
Each year we are always so impressed with how much the students are able to soak up and learn from the SAB faculty in just one week. They always bring such an inquisitive and open perspective to every class, along with an infectious enthusiasm for every aspect of the experience. Not only that, the New York Junior Session is always a fantastic opportunity for these young dancers to meet new, ballet-loving friends from all over the world! It all adds up to one incredible week they are sure to look back on fondly for years to come.
This year, among the dance classes on the schedule, our participants also toured Lincoln Center – getting the chance to go backstage and even on stage at some of the campus’s iconic theaters. They were treated to interactive seminars on pointe shoes, the history of the School, and proper nutrition for young athletes. And they even got the chance to meet New York City Ballet principal dancers Isabella LaFreniere and Anthony Huxley during exclusive Q&A sessions.
Despite the fact that the week is always brimming with exhilarating activities, it does seem to fly by and, before we know it, we’re bidding farewell to these talented youngsters. We hope this year’s New York Junior Session students enjoyed the week as much as we did and we look forward to doing it all again next June!
July 18, 2023
If a picture is worth a thousand words, take a look at the photo gallery from last month's New York Junior Session and we think you'll agree - there aren't enough words to describe what an amazing week it was for all our students.
August 10, 2022
SAB's New York Junior Session is designed with young dancers in mind who are ready to get a taste of SAB's training in an intensive style but aren't quite ready to spend a full five weeks on their own. Get an inside look at this year's program with our video and photo galleries!
July 14, 2021
What happens when 120 dancers between the ages of 10 and 12 descend on our studios at Lincoln Center for a week of ballet classes, seminars, workshops and fun? We call it our New York Junior Session and this year was especially memorable.
