ADVISORY COUNCIL Handbook
Spring 2025
Advisory Council Membership 2024-2025
Kellie Johnson Abreu, Co-Chair, California
Stacey C. Morse, Co-Chair, New York
Nurit Amdur, New York
Elisabeth M. Armstrong, Texas
Susan J. Campbell, New York
Laura G. Carr, New York
Shannon G. Caspersen, MD, New York
Maggie Chong, New York
Linda S Daines, New York
Jacqueline Erdman, Wyoming
Uzochi Ndukwe Erlingsson, Massachusetts
Frances D. Fergusson, Florida
Zara Filenbaum*, New York
Daria Rose Foner*, New York
Katherine Finch*, Texas
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
Emily Lau, 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
Susan Frame Millstein, New York
Christine Morenz, Texas
Ellen L Needham, New York
Sarah E Needham*, New York
Barbara Netter, Connecticut
Sylvia Oberwager, New York
Susan C. Orb, California
Carolyn Parkerson, Missouri
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
Felecia Weiss, New York
Barbara Wright, New York
*Denotes SAB Alumna
POLICIES
ANNUAL GIVING
Members support the Advisory Council Scholarship 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.
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 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 announced the acquisition of 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 is scheduled to open in the fall of 2025. th th 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. The School is recognized as the preeminent 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
535+ 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, gymnastics, music, Pilates, contemporary, and Strength and Conditioning, Physical Therapy, and weight training to complement classical studies.
Facilities at Lincoln Center include 7 state-of-the-art studios, a Pilates/physical therapy room, nurse’s station, 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
Admission
Demographics
Zita Ezpeleta Artistic Director and Chair of Faculty: Jonathan Stafford World-renowned faculty of classical dance comprised of 22 teachers, including former New York City Ballet principal dancers, plus guest faculty and two associate faculty contemporary dance faculty members. Additional teachers 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.
By audition only. 2,000-3,000 students audition each year in New York and 16 other major cities throughout the country International students audition by video
Students aged 6-19. Advanced students come from on average about 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 comprised 60% of the 2024-2025 Winter Term
Alumni
Affiliations
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, Boston Ballet, Semperoper Ballet in Dresden, Kansas City Ballet, Los Angeles Ballet, Miami City Ballet, 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 for 75 years. 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, and partnering classes. Additionally, girls take Pointe and Pilates while boys take weight training. 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), Toe (pointe), and Variations classes.
GIRLS C-2
C-2 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, C-2 students take Adagio (partnering), 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), Variations, and Weight Training.
GIRLS C-1
C-1 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), Toe (pointe), Variations, and Music
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION
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 exceptional talent, which can be found in young dancers from all backgrounds and experiences. We are likewise committed to fostering an inclusive art form that removes longstanding barriers in our field to enable all participants to belong and succeed. Talent and hard work are matched by SAB’s investment in providing access to the highest-quality training and holistic student support.
As the official yet 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 foster an inclusive culture that embraces diverse talent and fosters innovation.
ALUMNI ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
SAB’s Alumni Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion was formed in 2015 to provide essential support and guidance for the School’s Diversity Initiative The Committee is comprised of diverse alumni with significant ties to the professional dance world who have been invited by SAB’s leadership to serve in this consultative role They help to shape and guide SAB's ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, while also serving as SAB ambassadors and collaborators with the greater dance community
NATIONAL VISITING FELLOWS PROGRAM
The National Visiting Fellows Program engages five U S -based classical ballet instructors who teach diverse populations for a one-year fellowship The program exposes fellows to SAB’s teaching philosophy, establishes a network of dance professionals, and provides critical monetary support to local studios across the country so that more young dancers are equipped to succeed in ballet. SAB has awarded fellowships to over 40 teaching professionals across the United States and continues to maintain strong relationships with program alumni. Since 2018 and in partnership with Fellows alumni, SAB has held National Teachers Workshops in Atlanta, New Orleans, Chicago, and Lubbock, Texas for local students and dance educators.
PRINCIPAL GUEST TEACHERS
The Principal Guest Teachers support the diversification of SAB's faculty, serving in residency at SAB, teaching Intermediate/Advanced students and participating in student programming across divisions. These positions engage SAB alumni from diverse backgrounds and career experiences to enhance the studio experience. The 2024-2025 Principal Guest Teachers are SAB alums Kareen Pauld Camargo and Kiyon Ross
RECRUITMENT
Recruitment of a diverse student body is paramount to SAB’s continued success. 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
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & EXPOSURE
Exposure to cultural events and opportunities to build camaraderie contribute to one's sense of belonging in our community. Throughout the year, SAB faculty and staff receive information about networking opportunities and cultural events on the Lincoln Center Campus, including Community Circles, which are "shared interest groups spearheaded by employees across various dimensions of diversity ” Additionally, students participate in cultural programs across the city, which provide them with opportunities for meaningful discussions and connection that energizes them and inspires new interests
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
The Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion works closely with Student Life to support the student experience at SAB. Examples include advocating on behalf of student and parents, serving as a student advisor, and leading programming for all divisions. SAB's Alumni Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion as well as the National Visiting Fellows Program ensure that all students are able to network and and work with current and diverse dance professionals, broadening students' perspectives and illustrating multiple pathways for success in dance Annual events outside of SAB such as the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference and the MoBBallet Symposium provide increased access to dance opportunities and professional development
TRANSFORMATION TEAM
Established in 2018-2019 as part of our participation in The Equity Project, SAB’s Transformation Team is a cross-departmental staff group that advocates for and supports organizational change related to diversity, equity, and inclusion The Transformation Team, in partnership with SAB’s consultant partners, established SAB’s first Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan in January 2020 and continues to ensure its implementation and development at the School Team efforts that support an inclusive and equitable school environment include annual pulse surveys, an expanded dress code and hair policy, and enhanced school communication and engagement
ACCESS & BELONGING
SAB invests in providing access to the highestquality training and holistic student support. In addition to robust scholarship support for students with demonstrated financial need, this includes subsidized pointe shoes, wardrobe subsidies for Preparatory and Children's Division students, subsidized audition support for Capstone students, and access to a Beyond Tuition Fund for Intermediate and Advanced students with unexpected expenses directly related to their SAB training
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
Amanda Metzger
Assistant, Individual Giving 212.769.6672 ametzger@sab.org
FACULTY
Alexander Anderson
Associate faculty member since 2023
Classes: Contemporary
Marika Anderson*
Faculty member since 2016
Classes: Little Dancers; Preparatory; Girls I, II, III, IV, V, VI; B-2
Megan Dutton-O’Hara*
Faculty member since 2022
Classes: Little Dancers; Preparatory; Girls I, III, IV
Megan Fairchild*
Faculty member since 2018
Classes: C-2
Gonzalo Garcia
Faculty member since 2018
Classes: D; Intermediate & Advanced Men
Marimba Gold-Watts
Associate faculty member since 2022
Classes: Pilates
Craig Hall*
Faculty member since 2018
Classes: C-2; Intermediate & Advanced Men
Dirk Hartog
Associate faculty member since 2018
Classes: Weight Training/Conditioning
Adam Hendrickson*
Faculty member since 2018
Classes: Girls V, VI; B-2, C-1, C-2; Boys I, II, III, IV, V; Intermediate & Advanced Men
Arch Higgins*
Faculty member since 2010
NYCB Associate Children’s Repertory Director
Classes: Boys III, IV. V; Intermediate & Advanced Men
Phoebe Higgins*
Associate faculty member since 2000
Classes: Pilates
Anthony Huxley*
Faculty member since 2018
Classes: Boys III, IV, V; Intermediate & Advanced Men
Sterling Hyltin*
Faculty member since 2016
Classes: Girls III; B-2
Emily Kikta*
Associate faculty member since 2022
Female Choreography Fellow
Lauren King*
Faculty member since 2018
Classes: Girls V, VI; B-2
Caroline Krumm
Associate faculty member since 2022
Classes: Conditioning
Taylor LaBruzzo
Associate faculty member since 2023
Classes: Contemporary
Olivia MacKinnon*
Faculty member since 2024
Classes: Little Dancers; Preparatory; Girls I
Meagan Mann*
Faculty member since 2018
Preparatory Curriculum Coordinator
Classes: Little Dancers; Preparatory; Girls I, II, IV, VI; B-2, C-1
Kay Mazzo*
Faculty member since 1982
Classes: C-1, C-2, D
Christopher Charles McDaniel
Faculty member since 2023
Classes: Preparatory; Girls II; Boys IV; Intermediate Men
Juliana Nikolich
Associate faculty member since 2024
Classes: Strength/Conditioning
Justin Peck*
Associate faculty member since 2022
Student Choreography Advisor
Allen Peiffer*
Faculty member since 2015
Professional Placement Manager
Classes: Preparatory; Girls II, III, VI; B-2, C-1, C-2, D; Boys I, II, IV, V, Intermediate & Advanced Men
Suki Schorer
Faculty member since 1972
Classes: C-1, C-2, D
Andrew Scordato*
Faculty member since 2014
Classes: Girls I, III; Boys I, II, III, IV, V; C-1; Intermediate & Advanced Men
Aaron Severini*
Associate faculty member since 2021
Classes: Music
School of American Ballet
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Carrie Hinrichs, Executive Director
Jonathan Stafford*, Zita Ezpeleta Artistic Director and Chair of Faculty
Officers:
Zita J. Ezpeleta, Chairman of the Board
Elisabeth M. Armstrong, Vice Chairman
Jim Brennan, Vice Chairman
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
Frances D Fergusson
Helen Haje*
Karen Adams Horton
Coco F. Kopelman*
Ida Kristensen
Lyn M. McHugh
Elizabeth R. Miller
Garfield L. Miller, III
Susan Frame Millstein
Nicole Murphy
Ellen L Needham
Gregory E Ostling
Hilary Peek
David R Pruner
Hon Susan Phillips Read
Suzanne Allen Redpath
Morgan P Richardson*
Naomi O Seligman
Sally Shreeves
Alyssa Cohen Tablada
Eric Taylor
Phoebe Tudor
Alice Vilma
Barbara M. Vogelstein
Olivia C. Wassenaar
Ellis Whipple
Carolyn Wright-Lewis
Laura Zeckendorf*
Artistic Advisory Committee
Peter Boal*
Helgi Tomasson*
Edward Villella*
Chairmen Emeriti
Mr Albert C Bellas
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: Serenade at the 2024 Workshop Performances. Choreography by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust.
Page 3: Boys Level IV and Girls Level B1
Page 4: Advanced Men and Girls Level D
Page 6: Archival
Page 7: Advanced Men
Page 8: Advanced Men and Girls Level C2
Page 10: Alumni Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion Talkback
Page 12: Intermediate Men
Page 13: Preparatory Division
Page 14: Girls Level III
Photography Credits:
School of American Ballet
70 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY 10023
P 212-768-2200
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sab.org
Rosalie O’Connor, George Platt Lynes, Heather Toner, Annalise Boese