NYCB Workout High School

Students warm up for NYCB Workout Master Classes at the NYCB studios. Photo by: NYCB Education Department

The New York City Ballet Workout high school program (a Physical Education alternative) is administered within the New York City public school system through the Board of Education’s Director of Special Projects.

Dance and physical education teachers from public high schools in New York City are trained to teach the NYCB Workout to their students. Teachers selected for the program, must have prior dance experience, attend NYCB Workout classes at New York Sports Clubs (which co-sponsor the program), as well as intensive training sessions at New York City Ballet. Once teachers begin to offer the NYCB Workout in their classes a New York City Ballet teaching artist makes evaluation visits and is available to teach master classes at the schools.

Participating students and teachers are also invited to attend selected New York City Ballet rehearsals and performances in order to further their understanding of the Company and its repertory.

In NYCB Workout classes, students practice basic ballet technique strengthening and stretching exercises. They also learn movement combinations inspired by ballets the Company performs. Through the classes, students develop physical fitness, begin to learn ballet vocabulary, and become familiar with the variety of movement and music in New York City Ballet’s repertory. Students achieve a sense of accomplishment as they master challenging technique and movement. Knowledge of the Company’s repertory is increased by the students’ visits to New York City Ballet, where they connect the movement and music from their own classes to the performance of professional dancers. Students observe the experienced ballet dancers’ strength, discipline, training and dedication necessary for success. They also see ballet as a collaborative effort among choreographers, dancers, musicians, designers, and technicians.

At present 2,057 students benefit from NYCB Workout classes offered in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens public high schools, taught by 16 trained teachers.

For more information on New York City Ballet Workout public high school program contact the New York City Ballet Education Department at (212) 870-4079.