Summer School of Excellence
premiere SUMMER SCHOOL IN THE USA
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The American Academy of Ballet (AAB)
For over 30 years, the American Academy of Ballet (AAB) has been a leading force in classical ballet education and performance. Based in New York, and held at the prestigious Purchase College, State University of New York, AAB is internationally recognized for its high standards of training, artistic excellence, and inspiring atmosphere.
Each year, hundreds of young dancers from across the United States and around the world gather to experience the joy and discipline of ballet in an environment that is both rigorous and uplifting.
Our Mission
At the American Academy of Ballet, our mission is to inspire excellence, nurture creativity, and provide transformative experiences that help every dancer discover their full potential.
Through our Summer School, Performance Awards, Teacher Training, and Junior Program, we continue the legacy of Mignon Furman — celebrating the art of ballet, the spirit of performance, and the lifelong joy of dance.
The American Academy of Ballet is licensed by the New York State Department of Health and is proud to uphold the highest standards of quality, safety, and care for every student.
Accomplish Your Ballet Dreams
Founded by Mignon Furman, the American Academy of Ballet home to one of the largest summer programs in the U.S. The AAB Summer School of Excellence has an international faculty with teachers from prestigious ballet institutions, including the Paris Opera Ballet School, the Royal Ballet School in Antwerp, and the New York City Ballet. The program brings in ballet students from across the world.
The AAB Performance Awards program is performed annually by thousands of dancers in over 18 countries.
AAB creates a high-caliber learning environment in which students have the tools to develop their technique, artistry, and stage presentation.
Summer School of Excellence
The AAB Summer School of Excellence is one of the most respected ballet training programs in the United States, offering an intensive schedule of classes six days a week. Dancers immerse themselves in a vibrant atmosphere of creativity, discipline, and friendship — studying ballet, pointe, variations, pas de deux, contemporary, character, and repertoire.
The program features distinguished AAB Faculty from world-renowned institutions including the Paris Opera Ballet, the Royal Ballet School of Europe, the Vaganova Academy (Russia), the Théâtre Colón (Argentina), and the New York City Ballet. Under their guidance, dancers are coached in artistic choreography and stage performance, developing not only strong technique but also the freedom to explore their individuality — to feel free and happy to express themselves through dance.
All classes, dormitories, meals, and performances take place on one beautiful campus at Purchase College — a safe, inspiring environment that feels like a true artistic home.
Students also enjoy opportunities to perform weekly, build lifelong friendships, and share the stage with talented young artists from around the world.
Auditions are held throughout the United States and in more than 15 countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Canada, Sweden, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Japan, Costa Rica, Guatemala, the Bahamas, South Africa, and others.
Many AAB students go on to become professional dancers, choreographers, and teachers with leading companies and schools across the globe.
auditions
The AAB Summer School of Excellence is attended by dancers from all over the world. Our international audition tour runs from January to March in over a dozen countries.
PERFORMANCE AWARDS
Created by Mignon Furman, the AAB Performance Awards program is a joyful and motivational system that has inspired thousands of dancers worldwide. It consists of 115 choreographed dances over 12 levels, each designed to develop artistry, musicality, and technical excellence.
Dancers perform all choreography on stage in front of an audience and a qualified judge, and each dancer receives a medal (Gold, Silver, or Bronze), a certificate, and may be selected for a scholarship to attend the AAB Summer School in New York.
The Performance Awards are now presented in the USA, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Japan, South Africa, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, and continue to expand internationally under the guidance of the AAB Faculty and its global network of certified teachers and adjudicators.
PERFORMANCE AWARDS
teachers' seminar
01
learn
Attend a Performance Awards seminar to become a certified AAB Performance Awards teacher.
02
teach
Bring the Performance Awards program to your school
03
grow
Join schools across the globe and watch your dance students develop their technique, artistry, and performance quality.
04
celebrate
The Performance Awards presentation is a joyful event for all. Celebrate your students' hard work and success alongside their families!
JUNIOR
SUMMER SCHOOL
The AAB Junior Program is specially designed for younger dancers aged 9 to 12, offering a perfect balance of serious training and joyful discovery. Junior students live and study in the same facilities as the AAB Summer School and work with the same distinguished AAB Faculty.
The program emphasizes correct classical technique, musical expression, and the development of confidence and stage presence. Each session concludes with a beautiful performance for friends and family, giving young dancers the opportunity to share their progress and the joy of performing.
TESTIMONIALS
-Ludmilla M, Vila Velha, Brazil
“To be taught by the high caliber of faculty teachers is to take the dancers beyond their expectations.”
-Iain M, Director, Johannesburg Ballet
“The distinguished teachers and repertoire combine to allow the dancers to make phenomenal progress. There is such a harmonious and constructive environment.”
-Vladimir S, Professor of Dance, Ball State University, Indiana.
Send us a message
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