American Ballet Theatre, with Brooklyn connections, launches new remote learning resource during COVID-19
Isabella Boylston in La Bayadère. Photo: Gene Schiavone
By Editorial Staff
April 16, 2020
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American Ballet Theatre, popularly known as ABT and designated America’s National Ballet Company by Congress in 2006, has some roots in Brooklyn dating back to 1945.
That year, Brooklyn Heights resident Oliver Smith, notable set designer, artist and owner of the famous “Truman Capote house” at 70 Willow Street, was named co-director of ABT along with Lucia Chase.
Today, some of ABT’s most celebrated dancers, including Isabella Boylston, call Brooklyn home, and they are part of an exciting new online resource created by ABT during this time of virtual classrooms and remote learning.
Called ABTKids Daily, the stimulating educational resource was launched this week, and offers daily updates and inside insights that adult fans, also, will find inspirational. The new online resource is designed to help families and educators build their virtual classrooms during this time of distance learning.
ABT website will be updated every Monday morning with a new weekly curriculum. Photo courtesy of ABT
The ABTKids Daily page on the ABT website will be updated every Monday morning with a weekly curriculum on classical ballet for children, caregivers and teachers to discover.
Each week, the ABTKids Daily curriculum will adhere to the following themes:
Meet a Dancer Monday: Meet the professional dancers of ABT, who hail from 15 countries and 25 states. Their adventures, life stories and practical advice will motivate and inspire ABTKids of all ages.
Teaching Artist Tuesday: Watch a video with ABT Dance Teaching Artists Alexis Andrews, Richard Toda and Design Teaching Artist Jeff Hopkins as they explore ABT’s repertoire through fun, interactive dance and design activities.
What’s up Wednesday: Learn fun facts about ABT and the art of ballet with interactive lessons such as “8 Decades of ABT” and “Who is Petipa?”
Throwback Thursday: See snapshots of ABT dancers who were once young students at the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (JKO) School, ABT Summer Intensive and ABT Studio Company.
Friday Funtime: Engage in interactive activities including puzzles, drawing exercises and trivia about ABT’s dancers and repertoire.
Isabella Boylston in Swan Lake. Photo: Gene Schiavone
The ABTKids Daily page also links to the ABT JKO School Virtual Class series on the @ABTSchool Instagram and ABT YouTube. These classes engage ABT’s youngest students, as well as the global community at large, by exploring musicality, fostering creativity and imagination, and teaching ballet fundamentals. Classes become available at the following times:
ABTots (Ages 2–4): Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10AM ET
Primary (Ages 5–8): Mondays & Wednesdays at 2PM ET
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
