ADVISORY COUNCIL Handbook
Fall 2025
Advisory Council Membership 2025-2026
Kellie Johnson Abreu, Co-Chair, California
Susan Frame Millstein, Co-Chair, New York
Maggie Phillips Abbot, New York
Sara Alvord, Connecticut
Nurit Amdur, New York
Elisabeth M. Armstrong, Texas
Rachel Baker, Connecticut
Susan J Campbell, New York
Laura G Carr, New York
Shannon G. Caspersen, MD, New York
Maggie Chong, New York
Wendy W. Chong*, New York
Linda S. Daines, New York
Jacqueline Erdman, Wyoming
Uzochi Ndukwe Erlingsson, Massachusetts
Frances D. Fergusson, Florida
Zara Filenbaum*, New York
Kate Finch*, New York
Daria Rose Foner*, New York
Caroline Gogolak*, New York
Karen Groeger, New York
Liz Groeger*, California
Lucy Anda Hardison, North Carolina
Christine Hessler, California
Cheryl Huntsman, Utah
Elizabeth Joyce, New Jersey
Susannah A Kagan, New York
Linda D. Kofmehl, New York
Barbara W. Lehman, New York
Elizabeth D. Leykum*, Texas
Allison Lyneham*, Oregon
Nancy S MacMillan, New Jersey
Jennifer Malherbe, New York
Lyn M McHugh, New York
Andrea Mendell, New York
Pam Miles, Illinois
Christine Morenz, Texas
Stacey C. Morse, New York
Ellen L Needham, New York
Sarah E Needham*, New York
Barbara Netter, Connecticut
Abigail Nintzel, New York
Sylvia Oberwager, New York
Susan C. Orb, California
Carolyn Parkerson, Missouri
Jeanne Phillips, Texas
Elisa Stude Pye, Texas
Caro U. Rock, Pennsylvania
Eve S. Rounds*, Massachusetts
Katherine Sakoda*, California
Sally Shreeves, New York
Candice Steller, New Jersey
Maggie Taplett, New York
Elizabeth Farran Tozer, New York
Marty Tremain, New York
Christine Underwood, Texas
Mary Van Pelt, Rhode Island
Lisa J Walsh, New York
Charmaine Waterfield, Florida
Cecily Waud, New York
Regina A. Weingarten, California
Jessie Wechsler*, New York
Felecia Weiss, New York
Barbara Wright, New York
*Denotes SAB Alumna
POLICIES
ANNUAL GIVING
Members support the Advisory Council Scholarship and Training Fund with a minimum annual gift of $5,000.
Advisory Council members who make gifts at the $10,000 level or above are included in SAB’s Chairman’s Circle. Members at this level are invited to the Chairman’s Circle Dinner hosted by the Board Chair and other private events
MEETING ATTENDANCE
Each member is encouraged to attend at least one meeting per year.
Members are welcome to visit the School at any time Please contact us to arrange a class observation or tickets to New York City Ballet performances.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
SAB’s fiscal year runs from September 1 to August 31 To help ensure the School’s financial stability, we greatly appreciate each member’s timely gift of support for the Advisory Council’s Scholarship and Training Fund.
We ask that members submit their annual membership pledge by December 31 each year. Members are also welcome to make their gifts at any point during the fall. If members choose to make a pledge, we kindly ask that it be fulfilled by the Spring meeting in June
In the event of financial hardship, members who wish to remain on the Council may request a one-year sabbatical by notifying SAB staff and Advisory Council Co-Chairs In the absence of a request or communication for 18 months, SAB will consider the membership paused and will send an email communicating this update.
A BRIEF HISTORY
Meanwhile, in the studios at Madison Avenue and 59th Street, children’s classes were soon added to the School’s curriculum, and a scholarship program was initiated The School spawned several professional companies in the early years, with the eventual establishment of the New York City Ballet. For many years, the School and the Company shared studios, and Balanchine reinforced the affiliation between the two professional organizations in 1954 when he choreographed dozens of children’s roles into his production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®
The School continued to grow and moved to studios at Broadway and 83rd Street in 1956 In the early 1960s, the School expanded its faculty, and Balanchine refined the curriculum to reflect a purely professional attitude; admission would be by audition only With the help of The Ford Foundation, a series of national scholarships was introduced. The School moved to Lincoln Center in 1969 and solidified its position as the country’s de facto national academy. By that time, the School had developed the basic structure which remains in place today: a ten-month Winter Term and a five-week Summer Course for dancers chosen in the national audition process
The School joined Lincoln Center as a legal constituent in 1987 and began to plan and build new facilities in conjunction with other Center constituents In 1991, the School moved again to expanded quarters in the new Samuel B. and David Rose Building at Lincoln Center and opened residential accommodations for out of-town students.
In 1997, SAB’s Student Choreography Workshop was created to provide students with the opportunity to hone their choreographic skills by creating an original piece on their peers This program has served as a springboard for some of today’s most renowned choreographers, including Melissa Barak, Gianna Reisen, and Justin Peck.
In 2012, the School launched its Diversity Initiative to widen recruitment, strengthen relationships with alumni of color, and create an inclusive environment for students and families Students of color increased from 29% of the student body in 2012 to 60% in 2024 Today, this initiative has become a schoolwide, lived priority
In 2019, Jonathan Stafford became the School’s Artistic Director, marking the first leader of SAB who is a graduate of the School itself. He is the third person to hold this role.
In 2024, the School celebrated its 90 anniversary Jonathan Stafford created a new artistic leadership team to guide the School, and the team began their roles in the fall of 2024 Aesha Ash was promoted to Head of Artistic Health and Wellness; Katrina Killian was promoted to Director of Children’s/Preparatory Division; and Jenifer Ringer was appointed to Director of Intermediate/Advanced Divisions and Artistic Programming. For the first time, SAB Advanced students and NYCB apprentices performed the entirety of Serenade in NYCB’s Fall Season to celebrate the School’s 90 anniversary and its relationship to the Company Later that year, SAB acquired a 5,000 square foot space on the 6 floor of the Samuel B. and David Rose Building, which would be transformed into the new Artistic Health and Wellness Student Center. The Center opened in the fall of 2025.
th
Alumni include Suzanne Farrell, Patricia McBride, Edward Villella, Gelsey Kirkland, Fernando Bujones, Maria Tallchief, and Arthur Mitchell, as well as the directors of over 20 professional companies in America and Europe over the years The School is recognized as the pre-eminent academy in the United States, and the peer of state-supported schools in Russia, Denmark, France, and England. In 2010, SAB was awarded the National Medal of Arts.
FACT SHEET
Mission
Vision
Founded
Enrollment
Curriculum
Facilities
To train, develop, and nurture talented young dancers from diverse backgrounds for careers in classical ballet with New York City Ballet and companies around the world
The School’s vision affirms its goals: as the premier ballet academy in the country, SAB aspires to uphold the values of equity and inclusion and to enrich the lives of its students and the art form.
Founded 1934 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein
600+ students in the Winter Term (10 months); 200+ students during the Summer Course (5 weeks); 120+ students during New York Junior Session.
Classical ballet for beginners through advanced students in 18 different levels. Separate classes for boys and girls. Also character dance, contemporary, gymnastics, music classes, Pilates, Physical Therapy, Strength and Conditioning, and weight training to complement classical studies.
Facilities at Lincoln Center include 7 state-of-the-art studios; an Artistic Health and Wellness Student Center with rooms for Pilates, physical therapy, conditioning, and counseling; a nurse’s station; study rooms; locker rooms; artistic and administrative offices; and more. There is an on-site residence hall for 60+ students during Winter Term and 200+ during Summer Course
Faculty
Scholarships
Zita Ezpeleta Artistic Director and Chair of Faculty: Jonathan Stafford
World-renowned faculty of classical dance comprised of 22 teachers, including current and former New York City Ballet dancers, plus guest faculty and one associate faculty contemporary dance faculty member. Additional instructors for Gymnastics, Music, Pilates, PT, and Weight Training.
Student aid totals roughly $2 million annually Includes SAB tuition, residence hall/room and board fees, academic (high school) subsidies, pointe shoe and wardrobe subsidies, and travel expenses.
Admission
Demographics
Alumni
Affiliations
By audition only. 2,000-3,000 students audition each year in New York and 16 other major cities throughout the country International students can audition by video
Students aged 6-19. On average, Advanced students come from 25 states and 3 foreign countries each year. The ratio of female students to male students is approximately three-to-one, overall. Students of color comprise 60% of the 2025-2026 Winter Term
Approximately 15-25 students leave the School each year to begin their careers with professional companies, more than any other school in the country. In past years, they have joined New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Ballet Arizona, Ballet Austin II, Boston Ballet, Semperoper Ballet in Dresden, Kansas City Ballet, Los Angeles Ballet, Miami City Ballet, New Jersey Ballet, Oklahoma City Ballet, Oregon Ballet Theater, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet and San Francisco Ballet, among many others.
SAB has its own Board of Directors and is financially independent. Yet, it has been affiliated artistically with New York City Ballet since NYCB was established in 1948 98% of the current members of NYCB are SAB alumni. SAB is also one of 11 constituents of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
ADVANCED DIVISION
Each week, SAB Advanced Division students take technique, variations, partnering, and weight training classes Additionally, girls take Pointe and Pilates Each student takes class six days per week for an average of three hours each day in addition to rehearsing for various programs Most of these young dancers are still in high school and a few have begun college, but all of them must balance their ballet training with their academic classes.
GIRLS D
D is the most advanced level of training for girls at SAB, for students aged 16 to 19 Many of them live in the SAB residence hall which is also in the Rose Building In addition to technique classes taken six days a week, D students take Adagio (partnering), Contemporary, Toe (pointe), and Variations classes
GIRLS C2
C2 is the second advanced training level for girls at SAB. Students work to develop stamina as well as speed, lightness, and artistically. In addition to technique classes six days a week, C2 students take Adagio (partnering), Contemporary, Toe (pointe), and Variations.
ADVANCED MEN
Advanced Men is the highest level of boys’ training at SAB Students are mastering more complex steps and combinations In addition to technique classes six days a week, Advanced Men take Adagio (partnering), Contemporary, and Variations classes
GIRLS C1
C1 is the first training level in the girls Advanced Division at SAB. These girls take 11 classes each week, including Adagio and Variations. In addition to technique classes six days a week, C1 students take Adagio (partnering), Contemporary, Toe (pointe), Variations, and Music.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
The School of American Ballet trains exceptional dancers for professional careers on stage and in life. Our commitment to excellence compels us to search for extraordinary talent from the broadest possible pool of young dancers from all backgrounds and experiences. We match our dancers' talent and hard work by providing access to the highest quality training and investing in holistic student support.
As the official and independent school of New York City Ballet, SAB embraces our leadership in the ballet field as our alumni join and lead 80+ dance organizations worldwide. Our impact on the lives of our students and on the ballet field is profound, as is our responsibility to create opportunities that remove longstanding barriers in our field. By fostering an inclusive culture that embraces diverse talent and innovation, we meet our mission and advance the art form.
CORE VALUES AND COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS
SAB's Core Values Artistic and Teaching Excellence, Holistic Student Well-Being, Anti-Racist, Inclusive, and Equitable Organizational Practices, and Collaboration and Interdependence are what guide the school in the pursuit of its mission and the development of its policies and practices SAB’s Community Agreements are behaviors we agree to embrace and embody for the good of our community Integrated into student programming and visible in our hallways and handbooks, these agreements serve as important guidelines for the entire SAB community
TRANSFORMATION TEAM
Established in 2018-2019 as part of our participation in The Equity Project, SAB’s Transformation Team is a cross-departmental group of staff and faculty that advocates for and supports organizational change related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Transformation Team is responsible for pursuing cultural improvements and advising on organizational changes related to policies and practices that benefit the entire SAB community (i.e., community agreements, inclusive dress code, etc) The team oversees annual schoolwide surveys for students and their families
ALUMNI ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Established in 2015-2016, the Alumni Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (AACDI) is comprised of 25 SAB alumni of color who are active dance professionals (directors, choreographers, performers, and teachers) In their consultative role, they support institutional changes at SAB, while also serving as ambassadors and collaborators with the greater dance community. The committee established the AACDI Scholarship Fund in 2022 to support an Intermediate or Advanced Division student.
NATIONAL VISITING FELLOWS PROGRAM & ALUMN
The National Visiting Fellows program was established in 2015 with the intention of cultivating relationships with teaching professionals from around the country who are committed to training students from diverse backgrounds. This aids in our effort to build partnerships with dance institutions around the country and investigate potential strategies for national development. SAB has awarded fellowships to nearly 50 teaching professionals across the United States. Fellows' alumni engage with SAB through the National Audition Tour and other National Outreach programs, which include free workshops for students and teachers hosted by Fellows alumni across the U S Students of National Visiting Fellows alumni successfully enroll in SAB training programs
SERVICE TO THE FIELD
The School of American Ballet is a leader in the field and continuously engages in conversations and efforts to advance the art form Through conference participation and collaborations with other national dance organizations and schools, SAB works directly with students and dance leaders to expose them to SAB’s training philosophy and to gain industry insights from peers in the field. By using SAB’s platform to advocate for and elevate others, it ensures mutual learning and sustained improvement for the betterment of ballet and its participants.
RECRUITMENT & RETENTION
Recruitment of a diverse student body and workforce is paramount to SAB’s continued success The Director of People and Culture partners closely with the Auditions and Enrollment Team to support the recruitment goals and processes needed to improve access to and participation in annual auditions and outreach programs. Members of the Alumni Advisory Committee and the National Visiting Fellows are part of a growing network that aids in promoting and recruiting for SAB. Audition fee waivers for the National Audition Tour ensure that SAB reaches diverse student populations and that cost is not a limitation The Director of People and Culture partners closely with Artistic and Administrative Leadership to identify future colleagues and board members from different backgrounds and experiences that will enhance SAB’s community and its ability to further its mission
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT AND CULTURE
Engaged employees ensure that SAB is operating at its best and meeting its mission. Through annual workshops and organization-wide training, employees are exposed to different viewpoints and professional practices to enhance their development SAB strives to create a culture that centers dialogue and fosters belonging, while strengthening systems for feedback and collaboration As a resident organization of Lincoln Center, SAB and its employees are eligible for participation in cross campus working groups, Community Circles, and conferences and events The Lincoln Center List provides employees with exclusive access to ticketed events to enhance the employee experience
PRINCIPAL GUEST TEACHERS
Established in 2017 with initial funding from the Ford Foundation, Principal Guest Teachers are SAB alumni who are accomplished instructors that increase the presence of faculty of color in the SAB studios for the benefit of all our students. Principal Guest Teachers teach Intermediate & Advanced Division students for 3 weeks annually and serve a one or two-year term This year's Principal Guest Teachers are Francesca Harper and Kiyon Ross
LEADERSHIP
Carrie W. Hinrichs
Executive Director 212 769 6601 chinrichs@sab.org
Aesha Ash*
Head of Artistic Health and Wellness Faculty member since 2020
Jonathan Stafford* Zita Ezpeleta Artistic Director and Chair of Faculty 212.769.6717 jstafford@sab.org
Jenifer Ringer* Director of Intermediate/ Advanced Divisions and Artistic Programming Faculty member since 2024
Katrina Killian* Director of Children’s/ Preparatory Division, Mae L. Wein Faculty Chair Faculty member since 1998
DEVELOPMENT STAFF
Heather Norgard
Director of Development and Marketing
212.769.6615
hnorgard@sab.org
Alexandria Arbeitel
Manager of Individual Giving
212.769.6614
aarbeitel@sab.org
L. Michelle Palmour
Director of Individual Giving 212.769.6611
mpalmour@sab.org
Riley Sullivan
Individual Giving Coordinator 212.769.6672
rsullivan@sab.org
FACULTY
Dena Abergel*
Faculty member since 2009
NYCB Children’s Repertory Director
Classes: Girls III, IV, V; B-2
Faculty member since 2016
Classes: Girls I, II, III, IV, V, VI; B2
Tyler Angle*
Faculty member since 2025
Classes: D; Advanced Men
Abigail Concannon*
Faculty member since 2025
Classes: Littlest Dancers; Little Dancers; Preparatory; Girls I, II, III, IV
Michael Crawford
Faculty member since 2025
Classes: Preparatory; Boys I, II, III, V; Girls II, III; Contemporary
Meaghan Dutton-O’Hara*
Faculty member since 2022
Classes: Little Dancers; Girls I, II, III, IV, VI
Megan Fairchild*
Faculty member since 2018
Classes: D, C2
Marimba Gold-Watts
Associate faculty member since 2022
Classes: Pilates
Adrienne Gregorek
Faculty member since 2025
Classes: Physical Therapy
Craig Hall*
Faculty member since 2018
Classes: Intermediate & Advanced Men
Jason Harrison
Faculty member since 2025
Classes: Strength and Conditioning
Susan Harrison
Faculty member since 2025
Classes: Strength and Conditioning
Adam Hendrickson*
Faculty member since 2018
Classes: Girls V, VI; Boys II, III, IV, V; C1, C2; Intermediate & Advanced Men
Arch Higgins*
Faculty member since 2010
NYCB Associate Children’s Repertory Director
Classes: Boys III, IV; Intermediate & Advanced Men
Phoebe Higgins*
Associate faculty member since 2000
Classes: Pilates
Anthony Huxley*
Faculty member since 2018
Classes: Girls V; Boys IV, V; Intermediate & Advanced Men
Sterling Hyltin*
Faculty member since 2016
Classes: Girls III; B2, D
Emily Kikta*
Faculty member since 2025
Female Choreography Fellow
Classes: Preparatory; Girls II
Taylor LaBruzzo
Associate faculty member since 2023
Classes: Contemporary
Olivia MacKinnon*
Faculty member since 2024
Classes: Little Dancers; Preparatory
Meagan Mann*
Faculty member since 2018
Preparatory Curriculum Coordinator
Classes: Little Dancers; Preparatory; Girls I, II, III, IV, VI; Boys I; B2, C1
Kay Mazzo*
Faculty member since 1982
Classes: C1, C2, D
Juliana Nikolich
Associate faculty member since 2024
Classes: Physical Therapy
Justin Peck*
Associate faculty member since 2022
Student Choreography Advisor
Allen Peiffer*
Faculty member since 2015
Professional Placement Manager
Classes: Girls II, III, IV; Boys I, II, III, IV, V; B2, C2; Intermediate & Advanced Men
Suki Schorer
Faculty member since 1972
Classes: C1, C2, D
Andrew Scordato*
Faculty member since 2014
Classes: C1; Intermediate & Advanced Men
Aaron Severini*
Associate faculty member since 2021
Classes: Music
Kerry Shea
Associate faculty member since 2025
Classes: Pilates
School of American Ballet
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Carrie Hinrichs, Executive Director
Jonathan Stafford*, Zita Ezpeleta Artistic Director and Chair of Faculty
Officers:
Elisabeth M. Armstrong, Co-Chair
Jim Brennan, Co-Chair
Kellie Johnson Abreu, Vice Chair
David R. Pruner, Vice Chair
Alyssa Cohen Tablada, Vice Chair
Nancy S. MacMillan, Treasurer
Stephanie Sharp*, Secretary
Omar Abdel-Hafez
Rosemary T Berkery
Amanda Brotman-Schetritt*
Catherine Doyle Callaway
Maximilian Cascante
Shannon G. Casperson, MD
Chelsea V. Clinton
Ashly Nikkole Davis
Benan Ozakbas Ellis
Zita Ezpeleta
Frances D. Fergusson
Helen Haje*
Karen Adams Horton
Coco F Kopelman*
Ida Kristensen
Lyn M McHugh
Garfield L Miller, III
Susan Frame Millstein
Nicole Murphy
Ellen L Needham
Gregory E Ostling
Justin Peck*
Hilary Peek
Hon. Susan Phillips Read
Suzanne Allen Redpath
Morgan P. Richardson*
Naomi O. Seligman
Sally Shreeves
Eric Taylor
Phoebe Tudor
Alice Vilma
Barbara M Vogelstein
Olivia C Wassenaar
Ellis Whipple
Carolyn Wright-Lewis
Laura Zeckendorf*
Chairmen Emeriti
Mr Albert C Bellas
Ms Zita J Ezpeleta
Mr. Robert Fribourg
Mr. Roswell B. Perkins+
Mr. Max R. Shulman
Ms. Barbara M. Vogelstein
Mr. Philip S. Winterer
Directors Emeriti
Stuart H. Coleman
Mrs. Mark Hampton
Kent Stowell
Elizabeth Farran Tozer
Directors in Memoriam
Nathalie Gleboff
Karen T Hughes
Nancy N Lassalle*
Mr John E Lockwood
Mr W McNeil Lowry
Natalie Molostwoff
Eugenie Ouroussow
Roswell B Perkins
Lionel I Pincus
Mr. Edward M.M. Warburg
*SAB Alumnus/Alumna
+Deceased
Cover: Glass Pieces at the 2025 Workshop Performances
Page 3: Intermediate Men and Girls Level C1
Page 4: Advanced Men
Page 6: Archival
Page 7: Boys V and Girls VI
Page 8: Advanced Men and Girls Level D
Page 10: Alumni Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion Talkback
Page 12: Intermediate Men
Page 13: Preparatory Division
Page 14: Girls Level B2
Photography Credits:
School of American Ballet 70 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY 10023
P 212-768-2200
F 212-768-4897
sab.org
Rosalie O’Connor, George Platt Lynes, Heather Toner