To finish off our 2024 SAB Alumni Spotlight series we spoke to iconic Balanchine ballerina Suzanne Farrell about her own experience as an SAB student. Watch as Ms. Farrell shares what it was like to audition for Mr. B, why the number 29 holds special significance to her, and how proud she is of what the School has accomplished over the past 90 years.
One of the most celebrated performers of our time, Ms. Farrell auditioned for the School of American Ballet at age 15 and was awarded a full scholarship from the Ford Foundation in 1959. Mr. Balanchine invited her to join the New York City Ballet in the fall of 1961, and she quickly rose through the ranks to become a principal dancer. Mr. Balanchine created several masterpieces for her and she originated starring roles in many ballets including DON QUIXOTE, MOZARTIANA, and CHACONNE, to name only a few. Ms. Farrell’s illustrious career as a performer, répetiteur, company director, and teacher is a true inspiration.
December 18, 2024
To wrap up our 90th Anniversary year, we asked members of our alumni community and faculty to sum up what SAB means to them in one word. See what they had to say, and join us in celebrating nine decades of pursuing the vision of Lincoln Kirstein and George Balanchine.
November 21, 2024
Our November SAB Alumni Spotlight shines on former Miami City Ballet principal dancer, choreographer, and Broadway producer Patricia Delgado, who spent two summers training at SAB.
October 28, 2024
We're shining our October SAB Alumni Spotlight on Debra Austin, a renowned ballerina who made history when she became the first Black female dancer to join New York City Ballet in 1971.
