Princeton Ballet School Offers Full Scholarships For Boys

PRINCETON, NJ — The Princeton Ballet School, the official school of American Repertory Ballet, is now offering a scholarship that provides full tuition for boys ages 5 to 18. The Douglas Martin Scholarship for Male Dancers furthers the school’s commitment to the training of boys who have the passion and desire to dance, the school said in a release.

“I’ve always believed in having all-boy classes in order to make our young male students feel more comfortable and to build self-confidence,” Artistic Director of American Repertory Ballet and former Joffrey Ballet principal dancer Douglas Martin said.

The boys classes are designed to develop athletic skills, flexibility and strength, as well as coordination, focus, musicality and rhythm, and shear physicality.

“As they progress and grow, the boys learn from one another, there’s a natural competition but also a sense of togetherness and camaraderie that helps to get them to the point where they are more interested,” Martin said. “When they are younger we make it fun for the boys while at the same time teaching the craft. As they get older, we focus on the special skills they need as male dancers. Eventually, they will have the necessary strength and agility to partner, jump and fly across the stage. Those are the steps the boys are most excited to master.”

Kirk Peterson, a former principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre and now a renowned choreographer and teacher, leads the program teaching the advance boys classes. American Repertory Ballet principal dancers Jacopo Jannelli and Mattia Pallozzi train the other divisions.

“It’s important to have male teachers who you trust because they have been on a similar journey and understand the skill and discipline it takes to be a dancer,” School Director Pamela Levy said.

Martin said it was great to see more boys interested in dance. It also helps girls when they begin partnering classes at the age of 14. “And, after all,” Martin said, “what’s “Nutcracker” without a Nutcracker prince?”

Princeton Ballet School offers all levels for boys. All school-age males are eligible for full tuition scholarships.
For more information and to register, visit arballet.org or call 609-921-7758.

Patch file photo