Footsteps from Washington Square Park, families benefit from preeminent instruction at the Joffrey Ballet School, which stands at the forefront of American dance education and classical ballet training. Joffrey, the official school of the prestigious Joffrey Ballet Company, develops the dancer in all ages and abilities, including parents. In the Children’s Division, encompassing creative movement (ages 3-4), pre-ballet (ages 4-7), ballet (ages 8-12) and intermediate/advanced classes (teens), children amass the body strength, coordination and discipline to learn classical ballet. The Children’s Department provides classes for both serious young dancers and those who just want to enjoy a fun afterschool activity. Led by experienced instructors, many of whom have danced with the Joffrey Company— the Joffrey Ballet School nurtures novices to dedicated young dancers in a caring and safe environment. For more seasoned dancers, the Junior Training Program prepares students ages 12-18 who are interested in a professional dance career in an intensive program that runs six days a week. All students enjoy instruction accompanied by live piano music in classic ballet studios equipped with sprung marley dance floors and floor-to-ceiling mirrors. The building is also equipped with dressing rooms, lockers, showers, restrooms and offices. Also, students perform annually in NYU’s pristine Skirball Performing Arts Center. Performances include The Nutcracker for Ballet 1 students and up and the Spring Workshop Recital for all levels.