Every year, as we reflect on our annual Workshop Performances, we find ourselves marveling at the accomplishments of our students, the camaraderie of our Capstone class, and the brilliance of our alumni. This year was no different. With a shimmering program that included Balanchine’s bright and technical tour-de-force, Raymonda Variations, and an excerpt of Cortège Hongrois, alongside a new ballet by SAB alumna Laine Habony, and topped off with the Workshop premiere of an excerpt from Glass Pieces by Jerome Robbins, it’s safe to say this year’s Workshop was one for the ages!
While the series of performances over the course of a few days in June are the pinnacle of the SAB Workshop experience, the process leading up to those moments on stage is just as valuable to our students. From rehearsals in the studio, to tech-week in the theater, the months-long preparation to the curtain rising is a crucial learning experience. The dancers learn how to tackle challenging choreography, how to pace themselves, how to take care of their bodies, how to work with stagers and choreographers, how to work with each other, and how to mentally prepare for a performance, all while getting a taste of what it’s like to be a professional dancer – each day with a full schedule of classes and rehearsals.
For the students who are finishing up their training at the School – whom we refer to as our Capstone class – Workshop takes on even more meaning. For them, it’s the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination. It’s the end of an era and the beginning of a whole new chapter of their lives as dancers and as young adults. For them, the performances hold the bittersweetness of a graduation, and the excitement of one final backstage experience with their closest friends. To mark that importance, this year’s Saturday shows included an expanded ceremony and video tribute to this year’s Capstone students.
But of course, SAB’s Workshop Performances are ultimately about the dancing. Audiences were blown away by this year’s display of technical precision, artistic prowess, and joyful energy which engulfed the Peter Jay Sharp Theater at every performance. That magical combination of attributes swept patrons onto their feet for standing ovations as each showing concluded with the sensational finale of Glass Pieces. It felt undeniably special.
As always, the third and final Workshop Performance was part of the School’s annual Workshop Benefit. Board members, supporters, alumni, and dozens of luminaries from the ballet world joined us for dinner and dancing in David Geffen Hall after the Monday evening performance. The students themselves also joined the party and kept the dance floor hopping for hours (as if they hadn’t danced enough already!) Everyone who attended had a simply marvelous time!
SAB’s Workshop continues to be a highlight of our school year, as well as a major milestone for our students. We are so grateful to everyone who supports this crucial program – from the stagers, to the staff, students, parents, SAB members and every person who bought a ticket.
May 21, 2025
We asked a few of our students to share some of the simple ways they are taking extra care and leaning into their Workshop Wellness routines. See what they had to say and incorporate some of these ideas into your own busy, end-of-year schedules!
May 15, 2025
We asked SAB alumna and current Joffrey Ballet company member Lindy Mesmer to share her memories of her SAB Workshop Performance and how that experience resonates for her now, looking back as a professional dancer.
July 3, 2024
The experience of seeing SAB's Workshop live is like no other. The bubbling energy of young dancers bringing their enthusiasm and passion for dance to the stage is electric and we photographed the rehearsals and performances - from backstage and in the house - to try to capture a bit of that magic. Join us as we recount this year's fabulous Workshop Performances through our photo galleries...
