#WorldBalletDay | ABT Company Class with Susan Jaffe 🩰

Film Production: Wharton Works
Camera Operation: Quinn Wharton and Nic Petry
Audio Engineer: Federico Perez

Join American Ballet Theatre for #WorldBalletDay 2023! Watch ABT's main Company take a full technique class (barre and center) with ABT Artistic Director Susan Jaffe.

Pianist: Dmitry Polischuk

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[josephhuth]

Susan Jaffe is a gifted teacher. The atmosphere she creates in class is one of strong discipline yet joyful playfulness. Her calm energy provides a catalyst for the technique and creativity of the dancers to manifest. She is a joy to watch.

[mapleoak]

This is so *American* -- Ms. Jaffe and the dancers, the atmosphere, the combinations, the whole thing.

[juliakohl]

35:03 the doooog 😍😍😍

Love the atmosphere of the class, she really seems to know her dancers. Their appreciation for each other and their team spirit is amazing :)

[kathrynschumann]

No joke, that was a hard class for a Friday! The trajectory of ABT is exponential at this point in my opinion. Not a lot of media vitriol, just consistency and progress. Ms Jaffe was my idol, I think we are around the same age. To see her coaching a friend's son is wonderful. ABT will always be my favorite ballet company.

[lisaarnold]

Oh you beautiful people. I love company class because everyone is on equal footing. I loved when you all burst into song when the pianist played Tomorrow, it was awesome and not something I ever experienced in company class. So good to see faces I recognize and those who are new. Susan Jaffe gives such a fun class. Thank you for sharing this company class, everyone is gorgeous ❤

[taradangol]

good to see isabella boylson and skylar brandt in the class.

[hyorita]

I can see the American innate freedom in here. Which makes this company so good so special. Loved every second of the class ❤❤❤

[charlottestatham]

This company class is so different to watch than the Royal Ballet one! I'm from the uk and always watch the Royal Ballet live stream on world ballet day. The way the dancers, dress, move, take class feels so different here watching ABT. Also ABT like looking at themselves in the mirror more I've noticed haha. But great class.

[bethellejules]

Chloe snatches up all of my attention! She’s intoxicating

[gia]

Light purple leotard dark hair girl HAS GOT MY ATTENTION, she’s talented

[katemackenzy]

Loved watching this class...I flew from London to NYC in 1980 for an audition for ABT...soooo wanted to work with the company....saw Jaffe on stage so many times...dynamic dancer...loved watching this class...thank you

[AngelsR]

Love the relaxed and fun atmosphere without losing the seriousness of the discipline. And this, make ppl want to watch ballet. 🙂❤️👍

[HollySavarese]

So wonderful when you can see Company members have a moment to be silly and sing along with the pianist! Loved every minute of this whole class.

[smurf]

I met Susan once at Tower Records circa 2000. She'd called in for a CD that she wanted held for her. She was praising her former NYCB friend while i was gushing over her (Susan). Very humble and funny and kind. I know it had nothing to do with dance but a small interaction sometimes really tells u how a person operates.

[anna]

Pianist just incredible! I am saying that as ballet accompanist.

[VeronicaViccora]

Can you do this again???? This was so much fun to watch and super informative as an adult beginner!!

[rosslynnoziska]

76 and counting with one year behind me in a simple ballet studio in my neighborhood and I love coming home and watching you all do your class you do it with such grace and beauty I struggle with every muscle of my body, but I’m there to gain flexibility and mobility, and I hope to stand up one of these days and do it with you all. Ha ha ha ha but it’s great to watch and I love the live music. The pianist is amazing. Thanks for posting this I wish you posted more.

[balletlover]

As many of the dancers as I could identify:
Periwinkle leotard with tights over- Chloe Misseldine, principal
Black t-shirt, blue dance boots- James Whiteside, principal
Ponytail, purple leotard, black shorts- Isabella Boylston, principal
Velvet mauve leotard (wears blue hoodie at barre)- Cassandra Trenary, principal
Funny t-shirt at 15:07- Skylar Brandt, principal
Grey shirt, black pants, blue bandanna- Daniel Camargo, principal
Green long sleeve leotard- Devon Teuscher, principal
Purple unitard, plaid overshirt- Jake Roxander, soloist
Black t-shirt, white shorts, black socks- Carlos Gonzalez, soloist
Red leotard with white trim, gorgeous turns- Elizabeth Beyer, corps
Yellow leotard- Sierra Armstrong, corps
Black sweatshirt, black tank top, black tights- Luis Ribagorda, corps

This list is far from exhaustive, but I hope it helps anyone looking for a specific dancer!

[andrealarocco]

The first ballet I ever saw in person was Swan Lake, and dancing the role of Odette/Odile that night was Susan. ABT was on summer tour and they came to Chicago. I was instantly in love with ballet, and forever transformed by one of the greatest American ballerinas. Truly a once in a lifetime experience! 🩰💓🩰

[jenihansen]

I love this so much. Ms. Jaffe is to be commended. Her style of teaching is wonderful and wholesome. The dancers are terrific.