New York City Ballet corps de ballet member Abi Stafford has been named the Company’s first Janice Levin Dancer, a new honor announced by NYCB’s Ballet Master in Chief Peter Martins.

Each year the title of Janice Levin Dancer will be bestowed upon one of the most promising young members of the NYCB corps de ballet. Only students who have studied at the School of American Ballet are eligible for consideration. Mr. Martins will select the Janice Levin Dancer each year.

The Janice Levin Dancer is made possible by an extraordinary endowment gift from Janice H. Levin to the Campaign for New York City Ballet. A member of NYCB’s Board of Directors, Mrs. Levin has been a stalwart supporter of young artists. Mrs. Levin’s generosity has also included the creation of the Philip and Janice Levin Foundation Scholarship for gifted students at the School of American Ballet, where she also serves on the board.

"For years Janice Levin has been a great champion of young dancers, both at the School of American Ballet and at New York City Ballet. Her interest in, and commitment to, these talented youngsters is extraordinary and truly inspiring," said Mr. Martins.

Regarding his choice of Ms. Stafford, Mr. Martins said, "Abi is an extremely gifted young dancer, whose dedication and hard work make her the ideal inaugural choice for this award."

Abi Stafford became an apprentice with New York City Ballet in November 1999 and subsequently joined the Company as a member of the corps de ballet in January 2000. Within two weeks of being named a member of the Company, Miss Stafford performed the principal role in George Balanchine’s Valse-Fantaisie. During the 2000 spring season she also performed the principal role in Mr. Balanchine’s Ballo della Regina. For the 2000 Diamond Project, Miss Stafford originated a role in Kevin O’Day’s Swerve Poems.

Miss Stafford began her dance training at the age of six with the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet under the direction of Marcia Dale Weary. After attending the School of American Ballet Summer Programs in 1996 and 1997, Ms. Stafford entered SAB full time in the fall of 1998.

New York City Ballet is currently performing George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker through December 31, 2000 at the New York State Theater. The Company’s 2001 Winter Repertory Season will open on January 2 and continue through February 25. For information on tickets for any New York City Ballet performance call 212-870-5570.