Kids Dance Programs in NYC

Kids Dance Programs in NYC includes the Dance Performance Program for children ages 510. Young dancers learn choreography, explore theatrical characters, rehearse with friends, and participate in selected Ajkun Ballet Theatre performances. It also includes the Featured & Soloist Performance Program for children ages 510, with role-specific coaching and rehearsals.

Programs

• Dance Performance Program — Children ages 5–10 · No previous dance experience necessary. Young dancers learn choreography, explore theatrical characters, rehearse with friends, and participate in selected Ajkun Ballet Theatre performances.
• Featured & Soloist Performance Program — Children ages 5–10 · For children ready for featured or soloist opportunities with role-specific coaching and rehearsals.
• Performance Program — No age limit · Dancers and dance schools may perform alongside the professional company in select classical productions, such as The Nutcracker.
• Trainee Program — Ages 16+ · Advanced dancers learn the company’s exclusive repertory while refining technique through the Ajkun Methodology.
• Pre-Professional Dance Program — Ages 15–17 · For serious international students preparing for advanced or trainee-level study. Includes intensive technical development, private coaching, and performance opportunities with the Company.
• Dance Teacher Program — Ages 18+ · An integrated field program for collegiate and graduate students pursuing careers in dance education.
• Summer Program in New York — Ages 14+ · A four-week course focused on technical refinement, repertory, and professional exposure.
• New York Winter Festival — No age limit · A week-long workshop and performance showcase open to individual dancers and dance groups.
• Dance Tours — Ages 11–28 · International study and performance experiences in Europe and other global destinations.
• Ajkun Open Classes — No age limit · Classes are independently offered by Company Artists in New York City during periods when the Company is off or on tour.
• Children & Teens Dance Programs — Ages 3–18 · Foundational and intermediate ballet training for young dancers building strong technique, discipline, and performance confidence.
• Summer Ballet Intensive in New York — Ages 14–26 · A four-week intensive for intermediate and advanced dancers focused on technical refinement, repertory, and performance experience.

At a glance

• Current session: The Nutcracker (Dec 5–Dec 20, 2026); A Night of Dance (Jan 9–Jan 9, 2027); Othello · World Premiere (May 28–May 30, 2027); The Sleeping Beauty (Apr 10–Aug 8, 2027); The Sleeping Beauty (Aug 13–Aug 13, 2027)
• General schedule: Year-round and intensive programs; full-time and intensive programs; short-term intensive programs; performance opportunities during selected productions; fall, winter, spring, and summer productions mentioned.

About the provider

The School at Ajkun Ballet Theatre has welcomed international dance students to New York City since 2000. The company states that it was founded to promote public interest in the art of dance, to present dance productions, and to support younger generations of dancers and dance professionals. The leadership team listed includes Artistic Director Chiara Ajkun, Coach for Principal Roles Herman Cornejo, Ballet Masters Luigi Martelletta, Rodolfo Romero, and Giovanni Rosaci, Contemporary Dance Consultant Ellen Sinopoli, Chinese Classical Dance Consultant Alison Chen, and Assistant Répétiteur Luljeta Ademi.

No previous dance experience is necessary for the Kids Dance Programs. Eligibility and visa requirements vary by program. Merit-based scholarships are available for qualified dancers and are awarded during the audition process. The site says children ages 5–10 can register for Kids Dance Programs in NYC.

What families say

“I like that kids get to share the stage with the Ajkun Ballet Theatre Dancers. It makes kids stars and is so much fun!” — Mira, 3rd grade, New York

“For the past five years I have loved dancing in Ajkun Ballet Theatre's Young Dancers Performance Program. It gives me a chance to shine on stage!” — Davi, 5th grade, New York

“I cannot even begin to explain the positive impact this experience had on all three of my girls, but particularly my little one, Hope. She has been doing ballet nonstop since the last performance.” — Parents of Grace, Stella, and Hope, New York

Last updated November 8, 2026.