(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Princeton Ballet School (PBS), the official school of American Repertory Ballet (ARB), New Jersey’s top professional ballet company, will host “A Weekend of Dance” in the courtyard of the Princeton Shopping Center (301 N. Harrison St., Princeton) beginning on Friday, July 30 at 5:30pm with a performance featuring students from its world-renowned Summer Intensive program, and continuing on Saturday with a series of free dance classes.
“We welcome every opportunity to introduce dance to our community and the joy of moving to music,” says School Director Aydmara Cabrera. “Dancing is a wonderful activity for all ages and abilities: it develops healthy habits, builds self-confidence, and allows individuals the important social connection with friends and peers.”
Summer Dance Performance
On Friday, July 30 at 5:30pm, students from Princeton Ballet School’s Summer Intensive program will take center stage in a performance, titled Summer Dance, which will feature a mix of styles, from classical ballet to new contemporary, musical theater to flamenco. The program also features guest artists Jonathan Montepara and Andrea Marini from American Repertory Ballet.
“Princeton Ballet School’s extraordinary faculty has created new work for these students, engaging them in the choreographic process,” says Ms. Cabrera. “It will be a joyful celebration of their hard work this summer and another chance for students to develop their skills in live performance.”
To reserve a seat for this outdoor event, visit arballet.org/summer-dance. Tickets are $35.
A Free Day of Dance Classes
Come dance with us! Princeton Ballet School will offer a day of FREE classes on Saturday, July 31. All classes will take place on PBS’s new outdoor stage. No experience or pre-registration is needed. All participants, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear a mask, and may wear socks or ballet shoes on stage. Bring water to stay hydrated! The day will feature live musical accompaniment by pianist Raul Cordies.
9:00am-9:45am - Children’s ballet for ages 3-4
10:00am-10:45am - Children’s ballet for ages 5-7
11:00am-11:45am - Children’s ballet for ages 8-12
Teacher: Nanako Yamamoto (professional dancer with American Repertory Ballet)
2:30pm-3:15pm - Contemporary/Jazz
3:30pm-4:15pm - Advanced/Intermediate Demo-Ballet Class
Teacher: PBS Faculty Member Luis Napoles
4:30pm-5:30pm - Dance for Parkinson's, for people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers
Teacher: Rachel Stanislawczyk
Registration is now open for Princeton Ballet School’s 2021-2022 school year. In-person and virtual classes are available for children as young as age 3, in addition to an Open Division for adults. For details, please call 609-921-7758. Classes start September 9. Beginners of all ages are welcome! Dancers with prior experience should call to schedule a placement class.
The mission of American Repertory Ballet is to bring the joy, beauty, artistry and discipline of classical and contemporary dance to New Jersey and nationwide audiences and to students through artistic and educational programs. Founded as the Princeton Ballet Society in 1954, the organization now comprises: the preeminent professional ballet company in the state; Princeton Ballet School, one of the most established non-profit dance schools in the nation; and ARB's Access & Enrichment initiatives, including the long-running and acclaimed DANCE POWER program. In July 2021, ARB welcomed its new Artistic Director, Ethan Stiefel, and Gillian Murphy, as its first Artistic Associate.
For more than 60 years, Princeton Shopping Center has been a true community gathering place. Its unique design boasts 40 local and national retailers, and a two-acre landscaped courtyard that is warmly referred to by community members as “the living room of Princeton.” Anchored by local and family owned McCaffrey’s Market, the center not only serves as a staple for goods, but is jointly used as a neighborhood events space. Partnering with local organizations, the center remains a vibrant meeting place for residents and visitors throughout the year.