Staten Island may stand apart from the rest of New York City geographically, but its dancers are anything but isolated from world-class ballet training. Whether you're a young beginner taking your first plié or a serious teen dreaming of a professional career, the options available span from neighborhood studios right here in the borough to elite conservatories across the harbor in Manhattan.
Here's what every Staten Island dancer and parent should know about finding the right fit—including the honest truth about commuting, training intensity, and what sets each institution apart.
The Reality of Training at the Highest Level
Let's be clear: if you're pursuing rigorous pre-professional ballet, Manhattan will likely enter the conversation. Staten Island lacks the density of full-time ballet academies attached to major companies. But the Staten Island Ferry, express buses, and bridges mean that world-class training is absolutely accessible—provided you plan for the logistics.
Below, we've organized programs by training track to help you match your goals with the right environment.
Pre-Professional & Conservatory Track
These institutions offer structured, multi-year curricula designed for dancers considering professional careers. Admission is often selective, and the time commitment is significant.
American Ballet Theatre's Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School
Location: 890 Broadway, Flatiron District, Manhattan
Best for: Serious students ages 12–18 with strong classical technique
Commute from Staten Island: Staten Island Ferry to South Ferry/Whitehall Terminal, then subway (R/W to 23rd St or 4/5/6 to 14th St/Union Square) or express bus to Midtown; plan 60–90 minutes each way
The official school of American Ballet Theatre, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School is among the most selective pre-professional ballet programs in the United States. Admission is by audition only, and the school follows ABT's National Training Curriculum—a comprehensive eight-level program that emphasizes clean classical technique, musicality, and artistic development.
For Staten Island families, JKO represents the gold standard within commuting distance. However, the commitment is substantial: students typically attend classes multiple weekday afternoons plus Saturdays. This schedule demands careful coordination with school academics and a realistic assessment of daily travel.
Ballet Academy East
Location: 1651 Third Avenue, Upper East Side, Manhattan
Best for: Children through young adults on a pre-professional or serious recreational track
Commute from Staten Island: Express bus to East Side Manhattan is often the most direct option; subway from ferry requires a transfer
Ballet Academy East (BAE) offers a comprehensive professional training division alongside its well-regarded children's program. The school's curriculum is rooted in the European classical tradition, with faculty drawn from former dancers of major companies including New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre.
BAE distinguishes itself through its structured progression: students advance through carefully graded levels with regular evaluations. The school also maintains strong connections to university dance programs and offers performance opportunities through its affiliated student company. For Staten Island dancers, the Upper East Side location is somewhat less transit-convenient than Flatiron but manageable with express bus service.
Modern Ballet & Diverse Training Environments
Not every dancer's path is purely classical. These Manhattan institutions blend ballet fundamentals with contemporary, jazz, and modern training—ideal for dancers seeking versatility.
The Ailey School
Location: 405 West 55th Street, Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan
Best for: Dancers interested in classical ballet plus modern, jazz, and West African forms
Commute from Staten Island: Ferry to subway (1 to 50th St or C to 50th St) or express bus to Port Authority with a westward walk
The official school of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, The Ailey School offers one of the most diverse dance educations in the city. While its ballet program is excellent—featuring coursework in pointe, variations, and partnering—it's deliberately situated within a broader curriculum that includes Horton, Graham-based modern, contemporary, and jazz.
Unique among major conservatories, Ailey partners with Fordham University to offer a BFA in Dance, allowing students to earn a four-year degree while training intensively. For Staten Island teenagers considering higher education in dance, this dual-track program is worth serious investigation. The Hell's Kitchen location is reasonably accessible from midtown transit hubs.
Steps on Broadway
Location: 2121 Broadway, Upper West Side, Manhattan
Best for: Teen and adult dancers seeking flexible, professional-level open classes
Commute from Staten Island: Ferry to subway (1/2/3 to 72nd St) or express bus to Upper East Side with crosstown transit
Steps on Broadway operates differently from the full-time academies above. Rather than a locked curriculum, it offers an extensive schedule of open classes taught by a rotating faculty of working dancers, choreographers, and master teachers. This makes it particularly valuable
