The School of American Ballet

The School of American Ballet (SAB), the official training academy of the New York City Ballet, was established in 1934 by legendary choreographer George Balanchine and philanthropist Lincoln Kirstein as the first and most essential step in their quest to create an American classical ballet company. SAB, located at New York City's Lincoln Center, is today the premier ballet academy in the United States, training more students who go on to become professional dancers than any other school. SAB alumni fill the ranks of the New York City Ballet and other leading U.S. and international ballet companies.

The School's mission remains the same today as when it was founded-to train dancers in preparation for professional careers-while its vision has broadened: SAB aspires to attract, retain, and develop the best talent in ballet, while doing its part to enhance the vitality of the art form.