The American Ballet Theatre ® (ABT) Certified School of Ballet at Rutgers University follows a specific graded curriculum divided by age, which is outlined in ABT’s National Training Curriculum (NTC). The program promotes discipline and creativity while encouraging each child to reach their highest potential. Classes focus on building a solid foundation in ballet technique with an emphasis on proper placement and safe progressions of movement while remaining sensitive to the developmental needs of young dancers at every level.
The ABT National Training Curriculum (NTC) combines scientific principles with elements from the classic French, Italian, and Russian schools of training. All students who meet the appropriate age guidelines are invited to participate in annual ABT Affiliate Examinations. Students must attend all classes listed for their level in order to participate in examinations. Students who participate in exams receive an evaluation rubric outlining their proficiency both technically and artistically with comments from a member of ABT’s Board of Examiners. Students successfully passing their examination will receive an official certificate listing the level of the examination class that they took along with their level of distinction. Students can pass successfully on 4 levels: pass, pass with merit, pass with honors, and pass with high honors.
All ABT Certified School of Ballet students are exposed to live performance opportunities at the conclusion of each semester. Performances are held in the Loree Dance Theater and the Victoria J Mastrobouno Theater in the Mason Gross Performing Arts Center. Participation in performances is optional. Rehearsals are minimal and held during regularly scheduled class times whenever possible.
The ABT Certified School of Ballet at Rutgers University hosts American Ballet Theatre every spring for ABT Day. ABT Day is open to the public and includes a series of master classes, workshops, and lectures conducted by ABT faculty members. The American Ballet Theatre Studio Company concludes the event with a live performance in the Loree Dance Theater. Additionally, students may have the opportunity to participate in ABT affiliated events in New York City.
Course Offerings:
Primary A, ages 4 – 5
No evaluation is necessary; placement is determined by age.
Day & time: Saturdays, 10 – 11 a.m.
Tuition: $700 per academic year
Required uniform: click here.
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Primary B, ages 6 – 8
No formal evaluation is necessary; placement is determined by age and skill.
Day & time: Saturdays, 11:05 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.
Tuition: $1,130 per academic year
Required uniform: click here.
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Level 1A, ages 8+
Placement is by faculty evaluation.
Days & time:
Saturdays, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Tuesdays, 5:30 – 7 p.m.*
Tuition: $2,300 per academic year
*Combined with Level 1B students
Required uniform: click here.
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Level 1B, ages 9+
Placement is by faculty evaluation.
Days & time:
Saturdays, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Tuesdays, 5:30 – 7 p.m. *
Tuition: $2,300 per academic year
*Combined with Level 1A students
Required uniform: click here.
Register now
Level 2, ages 9 +
Placement is by faculty evaluation.
Days & time:
Wednesdays, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Fridays, 5:30 – 7 p.m. *
Saturdays, 12:15 – 1:45 p.m.
Saturdays (Levels 2/3/4 Stretch & Strength), 1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
Tuition: $2,900 per academic year
*Combined with Level 3 students
Required uniform: click here.
Register now
Level 3A, ages 10+
Placement is by faculty evaluation.
Students must attend technique class 4 days per week including pointe or pre-pointe class.
Days & time:
Tuesdays, 7 – 8:30 p.m.*
Wednesdays, 7 – 8:30 p.m.*
Fridays, (Levels 2/3 technique) 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM (includes .5 hour pointe/pre-pointe class)
Saturdays (Levels 2/3/4 Stretch & Strength), 1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
Tuition: $3,300 per academic year
*Combined with Level 4 students
Required uniform: click here.
Register now
Level 3B, ages 11+
Placement is by faculty evaluation.
Students must attend technique class 4 days per week includes pointe work following technique 2 days per week.
Days & time:
Tuesdays, 7 – 9 p.m. (includes .5 hour pointe class)*
Wednesdays, 7 – 9 p.m. (includes .5 hour pointe class)*
Fridays, (Level 3b/4 technique) 7-8:30 p.m.*
Saturdays, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Saturdays (Levels 2/3/4 Stretch & Strength), 1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
Tuition: $3,300 per academic year
*Combined with Level 4 students
Required uniform: click here.
Register now
Level 4, ages 12+
Placement is by faculty evaluation.
Students must attend 4 technique classes per week including pointe work following technique class 3 days per week.
Days & time:
Tuesdays, 7– 9 p.m. (includes .5 hour pointe class)*
Wednesdays, 7– 9 p.m. (includes .5 hour pointe class)*
Fridays, 7 – 8:30 p.m. (combined with Level 3B)*
Saturdays (Levels 2 – 4 Stretch & Strength), 1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
Saturdays, 2:45 – 4:45 p.m. (includes .5 hour pointe class)
Tuition: $4,800 per academic year
*Combined with Level 3 students
Required uniform: click here.
Register now