Our Philosophy
In contrast to ballet schools which demand that
a child's body conform to rigid expectations of
technique, ARB's Princeton Ballet School is
known for nurturing the developing dancer in a safe
and progressive way. Our approach is to coach our
students in discovering for themselves how their
bodies relate to ballet technique, and then, as they
mature, to help them grow technically by "feeling
the dance" from within.
Our children's classes go
slowly and allow plenty of time for imagination and
exploration, even as the children are mastering the
basic concepts. For the older student, we continue to emphasize understanding
the technique so that safe work habits, personal responsibility, and concentration
become second nature. The outcome of this approach is that our older students
acquire the tools of mind and body
they will need to not only become
professional dancers or lifelong
friends of the arts, but to foster
self-esteem, self-discipline, and
fitness that provide a powerful
edge in any future endeavor.
What Sets Us Apart
For 54 years, ARB's Princeton Ballet School has taught students of all ages
dance, discipline, physical fitness, and the enjoyment of music and
movement. Founded in 1954 by Audrée Estey, the school enrolls students
from ages three through senior citizens.
- ARB's Princeton Ballet School has an outstanding team of dance educators, many of them current or former professional dancers.
- Live music performed by professional pianists accompanies ballet classes, broadening the students' learning through exposure to classical music.
- ARB's Princeton Ballet School is the official school of American Repertory Ballet, offering students the opportunity to learn from professional dancers.
- The school has facilities in Cranbury, New Brunswick, and Princeton, each of which has special dance flooring, designed to reduce risk of injury.
- ARB's Princeton Ballet School is one of the nation's finest non-profit dance schools. Many foundations, corporations and individuals acknowledge this by their continued generous support.
Outstanding Faculty
ARB's Princeton Ballet School has more than 30 specialized faculty members.
Many have attained graduate degrees in dance education and have won major
teaching awards. All are committed to our philosophy of dance education and to
helping students achieve their best. Members of our outstanding faculty have
performed professionally with companies including:
- American Ballet Theatre
- Joffrey Ballet
- New York City Ballet
- Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet
- North Carolina Dance Theatre
- American Repertory Ballet
Live Music
All ballet classes have live musical accompaniment. This is particularly fun for the children's classes, where frequent improvisational exercises provide an opportunity for students to interact and collaborate with our staff of professional musicians.
Facilities
ARB's Princeton Ballet School has studios in Cranbury, New Brunswick, and Princeton, New Jersey. All studios feature state-of-the-art dance floors that are shock absorbent and slip proof, and Cranbury and Princeton are wheelchair accessible.
Cooperative Program with Rider University
ARB's Princeton Ballet School has a unique relationship with Rider University. Students from Rider's main campus in Lawrenceville and Rider's Westminster Choir College campus in Princeton are able to take classes at ARB's Princeton Ballet School for academic credit toward a concentration or minor in dance, or for free elective credit. A model partnership, this program enables Rider students to study with the conservatory-level faculty of Princeton Ballet School while receiving a quality liberal arts education.
