Business Details
26 Years
experience
Your Premier Ballet Theatre Experience in NYC
Founded in 2000, Ajkun Ballet Theatre stands as a premier institution dedicated to advancing dance through performance, education, and funding. Under the visionary leadership of Artistic Director Dr. Chiara Ajkun, we cultivate artistic excellence and ethical values, offering world-class ballet performances that enrich New York City's cultural landscape. Our comprehensive programs include professional dance training, international educational initiatives, and the AjkunBT Fund, which supports emerging talent globally. With a presence across five continents and partnerships with 150 professional dance organizations, we bridge traditional ballet heritage with contemporary innovation. Our commitment to healthy training methodologies and community engagement has transformed over 2,000 dancers' careers annually.As a nonprofit organization, we maintain rigorous standards through quarterly evaluations and industry-leading mentorship. Our global network facilitates career transitions for graduates into 150+ international dance companies. From youth outreach programs to professional development, we uphold a mission of accessibility and artistic integrity. Our multidisciplinary approach integrates biomechanics with classical technique, ensuring dancer well-being. Through public-private partnerships and federal funding, we maintain affordable programming while delivering transformative experiences for participants worldwide.
Services
Ballet Performances
Dance Education Programs
Trainee Development
Summer Intensive
Winter Festival
Children's Classes
Artist Funding
International Tours
Teacher Certification
Community Outreach
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of expertise in professional ballet training under Dr. Chiara Ajkun's methodology
- Our graduates transition to 150+ international dance companies annually
- We provide merit-based financial assistance covering up to 100% of program costs
- Our programs combine classical technique with biomechanically sound training methods
- We maintain partnerships with 150 professional dance organizations across five continents
What people say
Life-changing experience
World-class training
Unforgettable one
Transformative mentorship
Career advancement
Services
Ballet Trainee Program
Professional development program for advanced dancers aged 16+. Combines Ajkun Methodology with company repertory. Includes quarterly evaluations and career transition support. Provides merit-based financial assistance covering up to 100% of costs. Prepares dancers for corps de ballet roles in international companies.
Summer Intensive
Four-week program in NYC for ages 14-26. Focuses on ballet technique, injury prevention, and contemporary repertory. Includes professional networking and public performances. Offers housing options and merit/need-based scholarships. Curriculum integrates biomechanics with classical training methods.
Winter Festival
Annual January event featuring workshops and performances. Open to soloists and groups worldwide. Includes choreographic laboratory and Saturday showcase. Participants receive mentorship from senior artists. Offers performance opportunities with professional dancers and industry networking.
Children's Programs
Ages 3-18 programs combining ballet and hip-hop. Includes Nutcracker casting opportunities and performance training. Provides free basic classes with donation option. Features soloist coaching and group performance experiences in NYC venues.
Artist Funding
Financial assistance program for professional dancers and choreographers. Provides grants for training, travel, and living expenses. Supports international participants through the AjkunBT Fund. Offers mentorship and career development resources. Available to qualified applicants through competitive selection.
People
Dr. Chiara Ajkun
Artistic Director
Founder and visionary leader with 20+ years of experience. Developed the Ajkun Methodology combining biomechanics with classical technique. Oversees all artistic operations and educational programs.
Ramona Vicenty
Chief Executive Officer
Executive leader managing daily operations and strategic direction. Coordinates international partnerships and program development. Ensures organizational compliance with educational and artistic standards.
Mary Jo Byrne
Director of Well Being
Healthcare professional overseeing dancer wellness programs. Manages medical support services including traditional and complementary medicine practitioners. Develops injury prevention protocols.
Ezran Meza
Live Music Director
Musical director coordinating live performance accompaniment. Collaborates with choreographers on production soundtracks. Oversees musical training for dance productions.
Luigi Martelletta
Ballet Master
Senior instructor providing technical training and performance coaching. Teaches advanced ballet technique and repertory. Mentors trainees and company dancers in classical and contemporary styles.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We specialize in classical ballet with pointe work, contemporary repertory, and variations training.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes, we provide merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, and extramural funding opportunities for qualified applicants.
How do auditions work?
Auditions occur year-round via video submission or in-person. Summer program applicants receive detailed feedback and training assessments.
Are housing options available?
Yes, we offer guaranteed housing for summer intensive participants who register by June 30th.
What performance opportunities exist?
Participants perform in public shows, choreographic labs, and select productions with professional company dancers.
Do you accept international students?
Yes, we welcome applicants from all countries and provide visa support for qualifying programs.
