The Manhattan Youth Ballet program is modeled after the great European schools of ballet wherein students progress through levels of training that are carefully designed to address their physical, technical and artistic development.  The syllabus at each level progressively builds a solid technical and artistic foundation.  These schools have long-proven records of training the world’s greatest dancers.  This time-tested approach to training young dancers is in the best interests of the student as well as the future of ballet.

     At Manhattan Youth Ballet our curriculum is taught in eight levels, each of which has a specific set of skills that the student must master in order to advance to the next level. It is expected for a student to spend 2 years in the same level.

     The school program is divided into three levels.  The Lower School is a 5 level (Level 1 through 5) syllabus for students ages 8 to 12 years of age.  Students are offered comprehensive training in classical ballet and begin pointe work in Level 4.

     The Upper School continues the comprehensive syllabus in classical ballet for students 13 to 17 years-of-age (Level 5 through 7).
  In addition to classical ballet, they study pas de deux, variation, repertoire, character, modern.

    The Advanced (Pre-Professional) Division Manhattan Youth Ballet
Students are admitted to the pre-professional program by audition, the recommendation of their teacher, the results of final exam and upon the recommendation of the Artistic Director. These students make up the Manhattan Youth Ballet Company. They are taught in a nurturing environment in which developing self-awarness, confidence and individuality are as important as developing artistry and technique. It is in this division that the young student has the greatest potential for securing technical strength, musical sensitivity and artistic awareness. The varied curriculum and progression of levels allows for the development of a strong, versatile dancer. In addition, students will have an opportunity to perform in the performances, if they decide to enroll.

     Auditions for Lower School and Upper School levels take place during the Summer Term.  Successful applicants are offered a place beginning in September.  Students are assessed regularly throughout each semester to monitor their progress.

     Our school year has two semesters:  September through January and February through mid-June.  The Artistic Director, in consultation with the principal faculty, makes the assignments.  Students are carefully placed in the appropriate level based upon technical skills, physical development, strength and age.  Length of study is not necessarily a criterion for placement.  The physical and artistic well-being of the student is the main consideration in determining level placement.  It is not unusual to spend more than one year in the same level.