the Joffrey experience

the Joffrey experience

Table of Contents
Why Attend the Joffrey Ballet School?

Life at the Joffrey Ballet School

The Mission of the Joffrey Ballet School

Which Program is Right For You?

Ballet Training
6
Jazz & Contemporary Training

Levels for All Programs 10

Do You Love to Perform? 12
Guidance & Education 16
Class Descriptions 19
National Association of Schools of Dance Accreditation

20

Our Artistic Staff 23

Guest Faculty 24
Brief History of the Joffrey Ballet School

27

The Facilities 28

The school
cultivates your vision
of becoming a
professional artist

photography: opposite and cover, Raphael Buchler

tuition and Housing Fees 31

International Students 31
The Next Step 32
Administrative Staff 32

Why Attend the Joffrey Ballet School?

ithout question, the Joffrey Ballet School takes you beyond your local dance studio. Its intense, say
the trainees year after year. But, oh, so worth it. Here, we transform passionate dance students into versatile,
individualistic artists able to collaborate and evolve fluidly in todays fast-changing societywhether your goal
is jazz & contemporary dance or ballet.
Think of the Joffrey Ballet School as an intimate conservatory where you will be exposed to all facets
of the dance world - from choreography and music to staging and costuming. The atmosphere is professional.
Youll see firsthand how it all comes together, at the school, through guest teachers and visiting artists with
respected dance companies. As one trainee puts it, Joffrey makes dance class seem like a real job, with the
staff more like employers than teachers. You have a lot of people to impress.
Trainees also have the opportunity to serve as teaching assistants to the Joffrey Ballet Schools
Childrens Program and dance alongside their young counterparts during the schools semi-annual performances. Its nice to know that little kids look up to you. You can see the desire in their eyes to be what you
are, reflects a trainee.
Were all here to make the dance students experience the best it can be. Beyond the girls in black leotards,
buns and pink tights or boys in black tights and white shirts lives a passion that brings us together.
The bulletin boards that line the walls of the school are usually crowded with information leading to casting
calls and dance-related jobs. Opportunities also come by word of mouth from students and teachers. Ive had
extra opportunities that would never be available to me if it werent for being in New York and having the Joffrey
Ballet Schools connections, explains a final semester trainee.
The passion dates back to 1953, when Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino began the Joffrey Ballet School. As
it was then, the Joffrey Ballet School remains one of the most authentic New York experiencesin the midst of
the latest cultural issues and activities. We promise, you wont be hidden away from the real world.
The school itself is housed in its original Greenwich Village location and continues to strive for its founders
vision, realizing purity and form through a well-rounded dance curriculum that includes rigorous training in classical and contemporary ballet as well as Jazz & Contemporary Dance.

Whats most unique about the Joffrey Ballet School?

Raphael BuchleR

ts deconstruction of dance to allow dancers the ability to perfect their technique and form so it flows naturally and passionately from within. This lets the dancer and teacher work closely to concentrate on individual
potential, just as Robert Joffrey intended.
For more than 50 years, we have remained accessible and open to discussion and challenge, while establishing the Joffrey Ballet School as a thoroughly American institution. Simply, the Joffrey Ballet School is
about the dancer.

The Joffrey Ballet

School is one of
the very few dance
institutions that
uses live musicians
for every class

Housing is located
only four blocks
from the school

Life at the Joffrey Ballet School

re you ready to train hard, dance hard but do what you love for six to eight hours per day Monday
through Friday? Want to work with a phenomenal faculty on a daily basis with exceptional guest instructors
who complement your training? The Joffrey Ballet Schools faculty are well-known professionals, and the guest
instructors are world-renowned professionals who are currently on tour and taking time out of their busy schedules to come and help train you.
At the Joffrey Ballet School we understand that dance training is incomplete without dance instructor training. In order to gain that critical experience you will be mentored by our faculty to instruct Childrens Program
classes. After six months of careful guidance and mentoring you may be instructing the children yourself.
Be prepared to perform, perform and perform some more. The fall performance is held in the heart of Manhattan at a theater with seating for over one thousand packed attendees. You will have three consecutive days
of performances with months of rehearsals. The performance is an extravaganza that places you center stage.
The spring semester brings the in-house choreographic workshop. Choreographers will be guiding you to create your own personal masterpiece. You will display your work in-house, set the score, sell tickets and watch
your work come to life. Then, the spring performance will capture your days and nights rehearsing on a select
group of famous vignettes from current choreographers all set on stage at the Skirball theatre.
All other programs begin at training and end at performing. We are the premiere dance educational center in
the country and recognize the need for guidance and mentoring. Each core instructor reviews your progress
several times per year with the Artistic Director and submits to you a highly personalized report. This process
reveals your strengths and weaknesses. We then craft specialty private classes to work with you to master
your skills. You will also be assigned a personal guidance counselor with fifteen plus years of real world dance
experience. The counselor will assist you in your decisions and provide you with the benefit of their experience
and vast network of professionals. We must warn you, be prepared to work, train, and get hired after your experience at the Joffrey Ballet School. We look forward to seeing you in the fall of 2010.
The Mission of the Joffrey Ballet School
The Joffrey Ballet School transforms passionate dance students into versatile, individualistic artists able to collaborate and evolve fluidly in a fast-changing society.
Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino founded the Joffrey Ballet School in 1953. The school continues to strive
for its founders vision by deconstructing dance to allow dancers the ability to perfect their technique and form
so it flows naturally and passionately from within. We cultivate the individual artist within you.

Raphael BuchleR

Which Program is Right For You?

The information that follows will help you determine which program is best for you. The trainee programs
are our advanced level pre-professional programs. We focus on preparing students for a professional career
through technical training Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00PM, performing with months of rehearsals,
choreography training, mentoring by assigned guidance counselors, annual evaluations per core instructor and
educating you with a comprehensive understanding of the dance field. Each program caters to students ranging from 14 to 22 years of age. Please review the two different training programs that follow to determine which
best suits your goals, dreams and aspirations.

The school helps

develop perseverance
that produces
individual perfection

Ballet Training

he ballet program is designed to develop pre-professional students with a classical ballet background,
balancing consistency and versatility in both classical and contemporary ballet. Students will be given performing opportunities through Student Choreography Workshops, The Nutcracker, and a Spring Performance.
Students may also be involved in lecture demonstrations in and around our community. Trainees will be cast
in performances at the discretion of the Artistic Director. The students of the Joffrey Ballet School have been
coached in and performed the works of founders Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, as well as George Balanchine, Twyla Tharp, William Forsythe, and the Petipa repertoire, among others. Students take at least three
technique classes daily which may include ballet, contemporary, pointe, partnering, variations, modern, improvisation, composition, jazz, character, body conditioning, yoga, Pilates, or stretching.
Ballet classes have live music performed on baby grand pianos by a trained musician.
A typical day for the Ballet Trainees:
9:00 Instructor Mentoring /Yoga/Stretch
10:00 Ballet
11:30 Partnering, Pointe
12:30 Lunch
1:30 - 3:00 Contemporary Dance or Classical Variations
4:30 Guest Instructor Slot
Course Name

Days
Hours
Ballet

Monday Saturday
9.0 hrs
Pointe or Partnering

Monday Saturday
6.0 hrs
Contemporary

Monday Friday
7.5 hrs
Classical Variations or class

Wednesday Friday
7.5 hrs
Modern Technique
Tuesday Thursday
3.0 hrs
Dance History

Wednesday or Thursday
1.0 hr
Improvisation Monday 1.0 hr
Nutrition
Wednesday or Thursday
1.0 hr
Dance Composition/Choreography Friday 1.0 hr
The schedule for the Ballet year round training program consists of 20 to 25 classes weekly for a total of 23
to 25 hours of dance per week. Students will have four classes per day, starting with a technique class every
morning, followed by a Pointe or partnering class. Students will be able to choose between contemporary and
classical ballet class Monday through Friday in the afternoon. Tuesday and Thursday will be a modern class
where students will focus on a technique such as Limon, Graham, Horton, and Cunningham.
In addition to technique classes, students may be required to attend classes and lectures that include dance
history, kinesiology, nutrition, and instructor training and injury prevention.

Raphael BuchleR

For Class Descriptions See Page: 28

Another caption about

the school ballet
program or something
to do witht his pages
information or photo.
7

Broadway legacies
inform the
Jazz program

JAZZ AND CONTEMPORARY Training

his new and exciting division at The Joffrey Ballet School is geared towards those dancers who want to
focus their training on jazz and contemporary style of movement. The program offers instruction in jazz and innovative and cutting edge contemporary movement, while incorporating classical training in ballet and modern
dance. Students are exposed to a diverse range of styles of movement from past to present. Attention is paid to
development of body awareness, and creativity that will help develop the students into teachers, performers, and
choreographers of jazz and contemporary dance. Students will be encouraged to embrace and explore a broad
range of material that will help each of them develop his or her own individual voice as an artist in an evolving art
form. The curriculum will consist of both technical and academic/creative classes designed to fully prepare students for a career as dancers, teachers, and choreographers. Classes will be offered in various styles of jazz, contemporary jazz, classical modern, contemporary modern, modern partnering, choreography and improvisation. In
order for the students to gain practical experience, they will be given performance opportunities through a student
choreography workshop, a winter performance (In the Mix), and a spring concert. This program will provide the
most diverse training in jazz and contemporary available in the country.
The program prepares dancers for the competitive, working world of dance as artists in professional companies, Broadway shows, commercial industrials, and both national and international tours.
A typical day for the Jazz & Contemporary Trainees:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday Tuesday and Thursday
10:00-11:30 Ballet
10:00-11:30 Ballet
11:30-12:30 Jazz
11:30-12:30 Improvisation
12:30-1:30 Lunch
12:30-1:30 Lunch
1:30-3:00 Contemporary Modern
1:30-3:00 Modern Technique
3:00-4:00 Contemporary Jazz
3:00-4:00 Dance History

james culp

Note: The schedule above is a general schedule, not the actual one. The class schedule is subject to change.
Ballet Monday-Thursday 6.0 hr
Jazz Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 4.5 hr
Contemporary Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri 5.5 hr
Modern Technique Tuesday- Thursday 3.0 hr
Dance History Wednesday 1.0 hr
Improvisation Tuesday-Thursday 2.0 hr
Dance Comp/Choreography Friday 1.0 hr
9:00 Instructor Mentoring
4:30 Guest Instructor Slot
The schedule for the Jazz & Contemporary year-round training program consists of 20 to 22 classes weekly
for a total of 23 hours of dance per week. Students will have four classes per day, starting with a technique
class every morning. Tuesday and Thursday will be a modern technique focus. Students will focus on a classical modern technique such as Limon, Graham, Horton, and Cunningham, as well as present modern styles of
movement from Elisa Monte, Sean Curran, Larry Keigwin, and Sidra Bell. Fridays, the jazz and contemporary
students will take a specialty class. This class focuses on various styles of dance and/or studies to enhance a
dancers training, such as theater dance, cultural dance, and special interest.
In addition to technique classes, students may be required to attend classes and lectures that include dance
history, kinesiology, nutrition, instructor training, and injury prevention.

levels for all programs

The goal is to
have dance flow
uniquely from
within each dancer

he levels are intended to help elevate each dancer to achieve his or here goals of transforming into a
professional dancer. Each level concentrates on elevating the dancer to the next level and then finally to that of
becoming a professional dancer. The school strives to maintain class sizes between 15 25 students.
Trainee A
Students placed in this most advanced level are at the height of their pre-professional training and will be proficient in major styles of ballet, modern, or jazz and contemporary dance. Students will be actively auditioning
and seeking professional opportunities during each semester. They work closely with the artistic staff to determine which companies are best for their talents.
Trainee B
In this advanced level, dancers are expected to be proficient in major styles of ballet, modern, or jazz and contemporary dance. Students begin to focus on specific areas of dance interest as they advance into the final
and highest level of the training program.
Trainee C
In this advanced-intermediate level, classes focus on solidifying foundational dance technique. These classes
prepare dancers for further advancement in our pre-professional program. Students in this level are expected
at the completion of the program to have correct placement and consistent technique. They are also expected
to have a good balance between classical and contemporary movement ability and repertoire.
Student Evaluations
Students are provided with evaluations and the opportunity for one-on-one meetings with the Artistic Director
each semester. Evaluations will include assessments of technical progress, focus, comprehension of concepts,
application and retention of corrections, work ethic, performance quality, and attendance.

Personal Instruction
Students have the opportunity to receive private or semi-private instruction. The purpose of this instruction is to
work carefully with your evaluations. In addition to their normal training any student who desires such instruction
may request it from any of the Joffrey Ballet School staff. Please note private or semi-private instruction is only
available at an additional fee.

10

Raphael BuchleR

Evaluation & Advancement

Students are evaluated upon arrival at the Joffrey Ballet School and/or at the beginning of each semester, as
well as at the end of each semester and placed in levels according to their score. After the first semester, students will receive a written evaluation from each core instructor and will have an opportunity to advance to the
next level through the advancement evaluation process. The purpose of the evaluations is a discovery process.
We reveal your strengths and weaknesses to determine changes that will maximize your training. We work with
you to transform you into a professional dancer and advance you into your career. At the end of the second
semester students will receive their final evaluations for the year.
The Advancement & Evaluation Process
The artistic staff will monitor students closely and report their assessments. Students may also meet independently with instructors or the artistic director to better understand their personal needs for advancement.
The goal of the Joffrey Ballet School is to have all students fully prepared to advance to the next level at the
end of the year.

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Cultivating your
talent center stage
in the heart of
New York City

DO YOU LOVE TO PERFORM?

he Joffrey Ballet School prides itself on providing our students with several opportunities to perform.
Being a part of a production provides the critical real-world experience necessary to begin a professional dance
career. Students perform to sold-out venues in New York City. Rehearsals are intense and will drive you to your
own personal level of perfection. Performing is a key element in any dancers experience, knowledge, and preprofessional training. The casting is talent-based, but everyone will be given a role and/or an opportunity for an
understudy position.

STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

This workshop is an opportunity to learn about the intricacies and challenges of choreography. You will be mentored by faculty and choreographers to develop, refine, and rehearse your piece. Students are provided with the
opportunity to further explore/develop choreographic and performing talents, as well as elements of production.
The workshop is open to all year-round trainees. Students are responsible for creating their own work, casting
dancers, rehearsing, and costuming. Each choreography piece will be showcased in a studio performance,
where it will be reviewed by a panel of faculty members. From this studio performance, six choreographers will
be chosen to showcase their work in a New York City theater space. From this showcase, two student choreographers will be invited to perform in the winter showcase IN THE MIX* (Jazz & Contemporary Trainee Program
Only). Students may choose to choreograph their own piece or assist another student in developing his or her
own work. This is an invaluable experience for every dancer.
As a continuation of their classroom technical study, students participating in this workshop will deepen
their artistic voice as they experiment with a variety of stimuli to create dance and refine their understanding of
the elements and skills of both technique and composition. The Student Choreography Workshop provides a
stable foundation from which the student is encouraged to take risks in order to gain knowledge of themselves
and others as multi-leveled individuals and artists. They are encouraged to awaken all the senses through a
thorough awareness of the body, in communication with the mind. Students are mentored by the Artistic Staff,
working one-on-one with our faculty each week leading up to the in-house performance.
* Disclaimer: IN THE MIX is being developed and the launch date is subject to change

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james culp

THE NUTCRACKER
What does The Nutcracker mean to you and your training? It represents long training hours, three months of
rehearsals, and three days of multiple performances, all requiring extreme dedication, willingness to work hard,
and a love of dance. It means placing you center stage in a lavish production in the heart of the city in a winter
performance extravaganza. This is a professional performance that provides you the necessary stage experience to begin your career.
The Nutcracker is a rite of passage. A favorite of the holiday season, The Nutcracker is a treat for audiences
of all ages. In the beautiful NYU Skirball Theater, the Joffrey Ballet School presents its own version with choreography by Associate Executive Director, Davis Robertson, adapted from classic versions by Marius Petipa and
Lev Ivanov. Additional choreography is done by Cameron Basden (former Ballet Mistress of the Joffrey Ballet
Company). This production provides an excellent showcase for the students of the Joffrey Ballet School.
From the moment the lights dim, you will be transported to a magical place filled with adorable children,
marching toy soldiers, a glowing thirty foot Christmas tree that seemingly grows forever, mischievous mice,
crystalline waltzing snowflakes, the Land of Sweets, and some of the most glorious dancing on earth.
Trainee students are required to participate in our annual Nutcracker Performance. Auditions are held early
on within the Fall Semester, and rehearsals begin around October 4th. The fall semester will conclude with the
performance in mid-December.

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DO YOU LOVE TO PERFORM?

SPRING PERFORMANCE
Our annual Spring Performance is a joy to behold! Students from our Young Dancers and Trainee Programs perform repertoire and new works that they have prepared over the Spring Semester. Located at the picturesque
Skirball Theater, the Spring Performance is a culmination of a years worth of hard work and dedication.
For Trainee students, in particular, our Spring Performance provides amazing opportunities to work with
up-and-coming and already well-established choreographers and artists. Trainees are showcased during their
pieces, which offer particular experience and exposure necessary for preparing students to be successful performers.
Trainee students are required to participate in our annual Spring Performance. Rehearsals begin around March
1st, following the Choreography Workshop. The Spring Semester will conclude with the performance in June.
STUDENT PERFORMANCE GROUP
The performance group will be a touring contemporary group of the Joffrey Ballet School - New York City. This
group will be formed by invitation only and be comprised of 10 dancers, five males and five females. The group
will travel and perform in the US and abroad. Invitation will be extended after completion of at least two years
of training in the Jazz and Contemporary year-round program.

14

Contemporary dance
opportunities will
shape your training

james culp

Instructor Training Methods of Childrens Dance

As a dancer, your career will progress and take you from opportunity to opportunity. A vast majority of dancers
supplement their income with instruction. In order to be a well-rounded dancer, you will need the skills to survive
in this highly competitive environment. The Joffrey Ballet School provides a dance instruction curriculum. This
is one of the most unique programs in the country. We teach basic principles of philosophy and methodology,
using the creative process and the application of teaching dance to young children. You will be mentored by
Childrens Program Faculty members in a real-world childrens class environment and assist the instructor in
class. The class goes beyond the teaching assistant role. It explores age-appropriate dance technique and creative dance in a studio setting. The students will build connections between creative dance and classical ballet.
The course introduces students to early childhood education, child development, the principles of Rudolf Labaan and various teaching philosophies, including those of Ms. Jo Matos, the Director of the Childrens Dance
Department, and how each can be applied in the studio setting. It identifies methods used in teaching children
age-appropriate technique using the creative process, as the Joffrey Ballet School provides the laboratory for
students to observe, assist, learn, and teach children. In the end you will have the instructional experience and
education that will empower you to teach children at any dance institution.
Training Goals and Objectives:
1. Learn & Demonstrate methods of teaching age-appropriate technique to young children.
2. Integrate the elements of dance - Specifically space, time, force, the body, and relationships with the
teaching of young children.
3. Learn to evoke creative problem-solving responses from the children using creative dance.
4. Demonstrate teaching competency through experiences in planning, writing and teaching children in the
lab setting.
5. Incorporate teaching experiences and feedback from Joffrey Ballet School faculty into classroom
discussion.
6. Develop a positive philosophy of the value of dance for young children.

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guidance and education

Career Counseling & Guidance Counselors
The Joffrey Ballet School faculty meets regularly to discuss students needs and progress, and each student
will receive career counseling. In addition, students are provided with evaluations and one-on-one meetings
with the Artistic Director during each semester. Evaluations will include assessments of technical progress,
focus, comprehension of concepts, application, and retention of corrections, work ethic, performance quality,
and attendance. We recognize the need to be mentored and guided beyond corrections and conversations
with faculty. When training at the Joffrey Ballet School, you are assigned a guidance counselor to assist you in
your numerous career decisions, as well as to guide you through your day-to-day life. The mentors are dancers
themselves with over fifteen years of professional dance experience. You will be assigned a guidance counselor
within the first few weeks of attending the program.

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Raphael BuchleR

Online High School Education

For over 70 years, the name Kaplan has been synonymous with increased student achievement and performance. In the fine arts and talent world, exceptional students and their parents strive to provide their children
every possible edge for success. While these incredible kids are spending thousands of hours training, they
must also make time for their education. Often, decisions about training versus schooling can lead to sacrifices
on either or both sides. Kaplan Virtual Education can deliver an educational experience that obviates the need
to make a choice between a high quality education and high intensity training. Students and their families can
have both.
In 2008, Kaplan Virtual Education (KVE) established its first partnership with Joffrey Ballet School. It takes
years of hard work, planning, monitoring, evaluating, and goal setting to help each performer reach his or her
full potential as a dancer and student. It also demands a serious commitment on the part of the artist, the artistic instructors, and the educators. Joffrey Ballet Schoolis dedicated to helping its students achieve their full
potential in every facet of their life. While preparing students for a professional career, they also accept the responsibility of nurturing their students socially, academically, and as individuals. A typical day is divided between
intense training, education, traveling, and being a teenager or young adult. A great deal of flexibility, planning,
and patience is required and, as we look to our new partnership, a coordinated educational program can make
a significant difference in helping these students achieve.
Realizing that the structure of Joffrey Ballet School is unique, KVE has designed a customized program to
ensure students needs are met and to further the goals of the artistic program. Beyond this years collaborative
promotion of Kaplan College Preparatory School, KVE will help create a customized version of KCPS at Joffrey
Ballet School and allow you to embed what we do into your training culture and create the ultimate combination
of artistic and college preparatory education.
There is an additional fee for the Kaplan programs.
Parents and students are free to choose educational programs other than KVE to meet their objectives. KVE
is the preferred online high school of the Joffrey Ballet School.

The school builds

life long friendships

17

Limber minds and bodies

preparing for training

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Ballet Technique Designed to maximize the students technique in preparation for a career in dance.
Classes focus on alignment, fitness, style, virtuosity, and individual expression.
Pointe Emphasizes much longer combinations and strengthening exercises to prepare the student for the
physical demands of classical variations and contemporary choreography.
Mens Class Elevation, power, virtuosity, stamina, and elegance are stressed.
Contemporary Dance This class will focus on innovative philosophies of movement while simultaneously
drawing on concepts from both modern dance and ballet. Emphasis will be on moving in and out of traditional
techniques, while picking up on new, subtle movement challenges. Students will learn how to find their own stylistic and artistic voice in their interpretations of movement. Ideas and movement philosophies that are current
in the dance world will be shared with students, to prepare them for the professional dance world that demands
versatility and adaptability from its dancers.
Contact Improvisation Contact Improv involves the awareness and use of weight, gravity, and body
pathways and mechanics. The investigation into these issues with a partner or with our surroundings becomes
contact improvisation.
Character Students learn the source of most forms of dance through traditional folk dances. This knowledge is required in most ballet companies.
Pas De Deux Students study the art of partnering, mastering the techniques of balance, supporting, and lifting.
Students learn both classical and contemporary pas de deux repertoire.
Variations/Repertoire A broad range of classical ballet variations and contemporary repertoire are taught.
Each variation/rep piece is polished and coached to suit the students technical and artistic personality.
Conditioning Classes Yoga, Pilates, Stretching and other physical training classes that are designed to
complement the students dance training.
Mind Body DancerTM Yoga Thsi class incorporates classical yoga (hatha vinyasa or flowing style) into a
structure sensitive to a dancers kinetic awareness and injury prevention needs. Students gain a deeper understanding of their own unique body strengths and weaknesses using breathing and safe practice through proper
alignment. Because students develop stability, flexibility, and focus the benefits of their yoga practice can be
directly applied to dance technique and performance.

18

Raphael BuchleR

Jazz and Modern These classes are offered several times a week. In todays dance world, it is important to
train well-rounded dancers that are thoroughly acquainted with other disciplines in addition to ballet.
Jazz Exploring various styles of jazz dance and technique, this class will focus on traditional jazz vocabulary
to commercial jazz styles. Dancers will gain a sense of individuality in style and originality. Students will be exposed to jazz teachers from both the east to west coasts. Energetic and fun, jazz dance will develop dancers
ability to move quick, think fast, improve flexibility, and musicality.

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Talent is
molded daily

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Lectures Lectures are offered on the history of dance and other pertinent topics. Guests including physical
therapists, psychologists, and nutritionists discuss mental and physical well-being. A variety of topics are covered, including injury prevention, kinesiology, and other health related topics of interest to dancers.
Teaching Assistantship Trainees of an advanced level who show particular aptitude for teaching are
offered the opportunity to work as teaching assistants. Assistants work in the Childrens and Young Dancer
Program classes, for which they receive essential information and experience to prepare them for a future of
teaching. After sufficient experience as an assistant, certain students may be selected to teach a childrens
class under the supervision of a full-time faculty member.
Composition Choreography is the language of our art form. We encourage all our students to choreograph,
whether or not they intend to be a choreographer. Understanding the challenges and complexities of creating
movement phrases and successfully communicating those to other dancers is indispensible for a professional
in our field.
Modern Technique Modern dance technique is designed to develop the mind, body, and spirit to expressively communicator through movement. This class will focus on classical modern technique ranging from
Limon, Graham, and Horton.
Contemporary Jazz/Modern Classes will consist of modern and jazz base technique.
Contemporary Jazz class will explore the musicality of gesture type movement while using jazz steps.
Dancers will be expected to push the envelope and step out of the box.
Contemporary Modern incorporate a variety of techniques that focus on fall and recovery, movement
on and off center, slow and fast movement, which are developed through warm up and center floor work.
Students begin to explore the process of abstraction and pedestrian-type movement that will develop their
performance skills.
Musical Theatre This class is a jazz base dance class that focuses on singing, dance, and acting. Dancers
will learn dance combination from Broadway shows.
Floor Barre The Zena Rommett Floor-Barre Technique (TM) incorporates innovative dance movement with
anatomical principles of alignment and kinetic usage in a pure technique of solid placement. Years of training
can be accelerated in a brief period of study. With this unique and patented technique sequence, which works
without the pull of gravity, correct alignment and movement become part of the dancers muscular memory.
The muscular structure is corrected, lengthened and strengthened. Working internally and centered, tension is
released developing maximum turnout and extension.

National Association of Schools of Dance Accreditation

The Joffrey Ballet School is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Dance
and meets the US Department of Education standards for a school of vocational training. The trainee program
leads to a certificate. The certificate is conferred on Trainees who complete 3450 hours of training over a
minimum of four (4) years and a maximum of six (6) years and maintain satisfactory progress.

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james culp

Lectures Dance History, Music, Anatomy and Kinesiology, Improvisation, Dance Composition/Choreography

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Our Artistic Staff

embers of our outstanding faculty have danced with world-class companies such as the Joffrey Ballet,
American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Twyla Tharp Dance, David Parsons Dance, Ballet Frankfurt, the
Forsythe Company, the Kirov Ballet, the Bolshoi Ballet, the State Ballet of Perm, the Moiseyev Dance Company,
and Ballet Preljocaj, to name a few.

Robert Ray Artistic Director, Ballet

Robert Ray is one of Australias most respected Classical Ballet pedagogues. He received his initial training at
the Scully-Borovansky School in Sydney, where he attained his Solo Seal through the Royal Academy of Dancing system. He then studied at the Australian Ballet School in Melbourne, under its founding Director, Dame
Margaret Scott, and the founding Director of The Australian Ballet, Dame Peggy van Praagh. After dancing
with London Festival Ballet, The Sydney Dance Company, and the West Australian Ballet, he studied Ballet and
Modern Dance at the Juilliard School in New York, and Modern Dance and Composition with Merce Cunningham at Westbeth. He returned to the Australian Ballet School as its first full time Modern Dance tutor.
He remained on the faculty of the Australian Ballet School for 15 years, transferring back to tutoring in Classical Ballet. He studied the Vaganova System of training through a 6 year period, with Professor Evgeny Valukin,
Dean of Teacher Training at Moscows GITIS Institute. For the Australian Ballet School he developed a 5 Year
Training Curriculum, based on his study with Professor Valukin. In 1996 he transferred to the Victorian College
of the Arts, a faculty of the University of Melbourne, where he wrote and and co-ordinated the Postgraduate
Diploma in Classical Ballet Teaching.
Mr Ray has taught most of Australias present leading dancers, directors and choreographers. As a choreographer himself, he has several notable works in the repertoire of The Australian Ballet, including The Sentimental Bloke and Poems which was performed at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, in 2007 by the
Royal Ballet School. He has worked extensively in opera, choreographing for San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera
of Chicago, Canadian Opera, Dallas Opera, Opera Australia, Victoria State Opera and Canterbury Opera. He
formed and directed his own company Melbourne Dance Theatre, which played to several sold out seasons
during it tenure. He has a Masters Degree in Education (Arts Administration) from RMIT University, Melbourne,
as well as Postgraduate Diploma in Visual & Performing Arts.
For the Joffrey Ballet School he has written an integrated 8 Year Classical Ballet Training Program, from
the Young Dancers Program, through to the Junior Trainees and the Senior Trainees. This also links with the
Childrens Program, the Adult Program and the Postgraduate Program in Performance, Teacher Training and
Choreography. His vision is to interconnect all aspects of training of Contemporary Dance and Ballet at the
Joffrey Ballet School, and revive the legacy left by Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino.

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james culp

A favorite instructor,
Era Jouravlev, received her
training at the Perm
Ballet Academy in Russia

Michael Blake Director, Jazz and Contemporary

Michael Blake began his dance career in the Murray Louis Dance Company where he danced from 1982-1984.
In 1986 he joined the Jos Limn Dance Company, dancing principal roles until 1991. Michael danced with
Donald Byrd/The Group from 1991-1998. He has also danced with the Joyce Trisler Danscompany, Shapiro
and Smith, The Glue Factory Project Crning Works, and Janis Brenner and Friends. He has appeared on
stage at the Supper Club NYC, national tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and in the
films The Adventures of Cri Cri, and Unsettled Dreams. He has taught numerous workshops both nationally
and internationally, and is on the theater arts faculty at HB Studio NYC, teaching Movement for Actors. Michael
is Director of the Joffrey Ballet School Jazz and Contemporary Program, and currently dances with Paradigm
Dance. He is also a recipient of the 2010 Besse Award for dance and performance.

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Our Artistic Staff

Davis Robertson Artistic Director of Joffrey Ballet School Performance Company
Mr. Robertson trained at the Joffrey Ballet School and School of American Ballet before joining the Joffrey Ballet
in 1991, where he danced for over a decade. He has also danced for Miami City Ballet, David Parsons Company, Pennsylvania Ballet, Lar Lubovitch and Twyla Tharp.
During his tenure with the Joffrey, his principal roles included the Cavalier in Robert Joffreys The Nutcracker,
George Balanchines Prodigal Son, Petruchio in John Crankos Taming of the Shrew, Death in Kurt Joos The
Green Table and David Parsons Caught. His portrayal of the Faun in the Joffreys reconstruction of Vaslav Nijinskys LAprs-Midi Dun Faune prompted the Chicago Sun-Times dance critic to write, Robertson gives the
finest performance Ive seen, including that of Rudolf Nureyev for whom the Joffrey re-created this masterpiece
in 1979.
Mr. Robertson has appeared in film, television and on Broadway in Save the Last Dance, The Company,
Law and Order, Movin Out and Dirty Dancing. He is also a member of the ballet company of the Metropolitan
Opera, where he has worked with world-renowned directors and choreographers such as Anthony Minghella
and Carolyn Choa, Julie Taymore, Christopher Wheeldon, and Alexei Ratmansky.
A versatile and prolific choreographer, he has created works for the Joffrey Ballet, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Milwaukee Ballet, Gus Giordano Jazz Dance, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra among many others. He is also
the board president and Dance Director of Live Arts Collaboration. As a director of the Joffrey Ballet School in
New York, he is committed to continuing the vision of Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino.

GUEST FACULTY
he Joffrey Ballet School faculty train you daily and provide written evaluations, leveling, run rehearsals
and are your daily inspiration. The guest instructors are here to complement your training. Guest faculty are
busy professionals who are currently traveling and touring but have taken time out of their amazing careers to
share their talents with you. Expect to be exposed to a variety of fabulous guest instructors.
Throughout the year, Joffrey Ballet School students have the opportunity to work with guest artists who are of
the highest caliber in the dance world. In the past guest faculty have included:
Daniel Ulbricht Principal, New York City Ballet
Desmond Richardson Artistic Director, Complexions Dance Co.
Wendy Whelan Principal, New York City Ballet
Matthew Prescott Principal, Morphoses, The Chris Wheeldon Co.
Trinette Singleton Principal, Joffrey Ballet and Professor, Desales University
David Parsons Artistic Director, Parsons Dance Co.
Nilas Martins Principal, New York City Ballet
Jacquelyn Elder Martha Graham Co.
Nicole Wolcott Keigwin & Company
In addition to guest instructors, the Joffrey Ballet School works hard to expose students to the real professional
world and to Artistic Directors who desire to hire dancers for their companies. In the past they have included:
Christopher Wheeldon Artistic Director, Morphoses
Charles Jude Artistic Director, Ballet de lOpera National de Bordeaux
Adam Sklute Artistic Director, Ballet West
Yorgos Loukos Artistic Director, Lyon Opera Ballet
Janet Eilber Artistic Director, Martha Graham Dance C

24

james culp

Passionate instructors
will guide your training:
Davis Robertson in class
25

Robert Joffrey
reviewing
rehearsal notes

he Joffrey Ballet School, located in New York Citys Greenwich Village, was founded in 1953 by Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino to develop and train professional dancers. The School continues to strive for
the founders vision of dance based on intensive training that is imbued with a sense of movement, clarity,
and exuberant energy.
For more than 57 years, the Joffrey Ballet School has remained on the forefront of American dance education. Graduates of the School have gone on to dance for major classical ballet companies, as well as for
numerous modern and contemporary companies, both in the United States and abroad.
Joffrey was the first to sanction rock music in a ballet company, beginning with his trailblazing Astarte in
1967 and then with Billboards set to Princes music. The Joffrey Ballet continued its rock ballets by Gerald
Arpino, the companys resident choreographer, as well as Twyla Tharp. Peter Pucci and Margo Sappington,
both principal choreographers for the ballet, have taught and choreographed for the Joffrey Ballet School in
the past three years.
Joffreys talent as a teacher was apparent early in his career; soon after moving to New York City from Seattle,
he began teaching at American Ballet Theater School and the High School for the Performing Arts. In 1956,
Joffrey and Arpino founded their first company, which would share a home with the Joffrey Ballet School at 434
Avenue of the Americas, in the same landmark building where the School continues its mission today.
In the 1960s, talented students as well as world-renowned professionals from both the ballet, modern and
postmodern dance worlds flocked to the School to study with Joffrey and other faculty members, including
Rudolf Nureyev, Erik Bruhn, Carmen de Lavallade, and Yvonne Rainer. In the citation of the prestigious Capezio
Award, conferred on Robert Joffrey in 1974, he is commended as an ardent spokesman for and a stern but
loving guide to youth, be they gifted children, teenage students with dreams, or dedicated young professionals,
whom he has servedas dancer, teacher, director. The School is a testimony to his merit.
For over 57 years, Joffrey Ballet School students have graduated and gone on to dance with world-class ballet companies, including the Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theater, New York City Ballet, Houston Ballet, San
Francisco Ballet, and other companies throughout North America and Europe. Students and graduates have
won countless grants and scholarships, including the pre-eminent Princess Grace Foundation Award. Dancers
and choreographers from all over the world regard the Joffrey Ballet School as one of the premiere institutions
of dance instruction.
Until recently, the daily operations of the school were overseen by Edith DAddario, Director of the School
since 1962.

richard tichich

26

a brief history of the joffrey ballet school

27

The facilities

15,000 square feet

of artistic excellence

he School is located in picturesque Greenwich Village at 434 Avenue of Americas (6th Avenue) between
West 9th and West 10th streets. Our building is an historic landmark within the Village. The school occupies
15,000 square feet on the third, fourth and fifth floors, with seven air-conditioned studios, equipped with sprung
Marley dance floors.

Dance studios
The studios are beautiful spaces, filled with natural light, offering views of the Village and the historic Jefferson
Market building across the street. Each studio is equipped with a piano and stereo. The fifth floor is newly acquired and completely remodeled with two studios are 2,000 square feet each, which can be opened to one
large space occupying 4,000 square feet.
Ladies Dressing Room & Restroom
Our ladies dressing room and restroom is located on the 3rd floor. It is fully equipped with bathroom facilities,
showers, dressing areas, and student lockers.
Mens Dressing Room & Restroom
Our mens dressing room and restroom is located on the 4th floor. It is fully equipped with bathroom facilities,
showers, dressing areas, and student lockers.

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nancy brooke smith

Housing
The Joffrey Ballet School provides apartment-style accommodation to its students. The apartments are located on the corner of Grove Street and 7th Avenue, approximately two blocks from the Joffrey Ballet School
in Greenwich Village.Each apartment houses four to six students in single- and double-rooms and is equipped
with a full bath and kitchen. A live-in Head Resident and Resident Advisors supervise the residents. Students
are required to stay in our housing unless it is full. Exceptions may be granted upon request.
The apartments are located in the Western portion of Greenwich Village. The West Village is usually defined as
bounded by the Hudson River and Sixth Avenue extending from 14th Street down to Houston Street. Bordering
neighborhoods include Chelsea to the North, the South Village, the newly invented area called Hudson Square
to the South, and Greenwich Village to the East. The neighborhood is primarily residential, with a multitude of
small restaurants, shops and services. Everything from supermarkets to pharmacies to 24 hour convenience
stores, are located within walking distance of the apartments.Additional housing information can be found in
the Housing Handbook.

29

Life in student
housing is
comfortable
and fun

TUITION AND HOUSING FEES

uition includes all classes offered to Trainees at the School. Trainees are required to take a minimum
of 15 classes per week, but they may take an unlimited number of classes (up to 17 additional) for the same
tuition payment. Workshops and lectures are often included; however, some require an extra fee depending on
the costs incurred by the School to support them. Students are awarded significant scholarships, grants, loans,
work-study amounts by the Joffrey Ballet School and the federal government. Below is a sample of program
pricing and is subject to change year-over-year.
TUITION
Academic Year (Sept. June):
$12,999.00 (U.S. National)
$14,999.00 (International Students)
Annual Registration:$75.00
Housing
Rental Rates - Grove Street Apartments
Rental Term - 9 months & 2 weeks
Single
1st Semester: $5,024.00
2nd Semester: $6,851.00
Monthly Rent: $1,250.00
Annual Rent: $11,875.00
Double
1st Semester: $4,364.00
2nd Semester: $5,611.00
Monthly Rent: $1050.00
Annual Rent: $9,975.00
Triple/Quad
1st Semester: $3,883.00
2nd Semester: $4,992.00
Monthly Rent: $934.25
Annual Rent: $8,875.00

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nancy brooke smith

Security Deposit: $500.00

Utilities: (Depending on apt occupancy) Approx $65 - $75/month
Additionally, there is a one-time Application Fee of $50.00. All rates are subject to change.
International Students
The Joffrey Ballet School is approved by the U.S. Department of Immigration to enroll full-time foreign students
on the F-1 student visa. International students may participate in our Trainee Program or our Summer Intensive in New York City. International students who wish to attend ONLY the summer intensive do NOT require
a student visa - they may enter the country on a tourist visa. Students staying for longer than 3 months must
apply for an F1 Student Visa. The minimum period for such visas is one year. Student visas must be renewed
one month prior to the date of the visa expiration. Renewals are granted subject to satisfactory attendance,
prompt payment of fees, and evidence of sufficient financial support. Visa Trainees are required to take the full
20 class Trainee schedule.
To begin the visa process please contact Elizabeth DAnna at: ldanna@joffreyballetschool.com

31

Theres an unmistakable
freshness about
a Joffrey dancer

The Next Step

lease fill out the registration form and financial aid package. Then, mail, email or fax the forms using
one of the below addresses. We will process the aid package within 10-15 business days and present a customized financial aid package that is based upon merit and need. The aid will be in the form of scholarships,
work-study, grants, and loans. We will then send a special welcome letter and orientation packet. The Joffrey
Ballet School has an open and ongoing enrollment process. We have a limited amount of space in the program
coupled with a high demand. The program fills quickly so please return the registration and financial aid forms
promptly to secure a place in the program. If you have any additional questions please feel free to call or email
the Executive Director, Christopher DAddario.
Mailing Address:
Attention: Trainee Registration
434 Ave of the Americas, 3rd Floor
New York, New York 10011

Email: registrar@joffreyballetschool.com
Registration Fax: 718.228.9612
Executive Director - Christopher DAddario
Email: cdaddario@joffreyballetschool.com
Phone: 212.254.8520

Administrative Staff
Our office is located on the 3rd floor of 434 Avenue of the Americas between West 9th & West 10th Streets.
Office hours are Monday through Friday from 10am 7:00pm and Saturday from 9am 3pm.
Executive Director - Christopher DAddario
Email: cdaddario@joffreyballetschool.com
Accounts Payable & Financial Aid - Nancy Cole
Email: ncole@joffreyballetschool.com

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Raphael BuchleR

Foreign Student Coordinator- Elizabeth DAnna

Email: ldanna@joffreyballetschool.com

The Joffrey Ballet School

Founded by Robert Joffrey in 1953
434 avenue of the americas, 3rd floor, new york, ny 10011 usa
OFFICE NUMBER: 212.254.8520 FAX NUMBER: 212.614.0148
DISCLAIMER: The Joffrey Ballet School does not guarantee future employment as a professional dancer. The professional dance profession is extremely competitive and requires intense commitment from the student. The Joffrey Ballet School provides the training and support an aspiring dancer needs to prepare properly for auditions, however it is up to the dancer to work hard and persevere through the
audition process until an opportunity presents itself.