The winter celebration of Dance of the Ajkun Ballet Theatre
Dance Winter Program in New York City
Dance Students, Performers, Choreographers and Dance Schools/Groups interested in experiencing New York City are invited to participate.
The Dance Festival is curated by the Dancers of the Ajkun Ballet Company and sponsored by the Ajkun Ballet Theatre.
Next session:
January 5 -10, 2026
Dance Performance
The dance show takes place on Saturday
Dancers may enter as Solo Performers (Solo/Duet/Trio), as part of a Dance School/Company (four to ten dancers), and Choreographers may enter Solo or Ensemble works. Multiple entries are welcomed. Participants in the workshop also perform a group dance created during the Choreographic Laboratory class.
The dance performance is a ticketed event.
The Inspiration
Creative Art is paramount in Chiara Ajkun 's philosophy and artistic vision.
The Winter Festival came to life to bring to the New York audience the gift of Dance performed by Artists of all styles, genres and backgrounds.
No stranger in providing leadership opportunities, Chiara wanted the Dance Festival to be curated by the Company Dancers and made possible by the concerted sponsorship of the Ajkun Ballet Theatre and its Patrons. Since opening its doors in 2014, the Festival has attracted Dancers from Albania, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Ecuador, France, Guatemala, Italy, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa, Turkey and the USA appealed by the Workshop and Dance Performance opportunities.
Ajkun Ballet Theatre's Dance Festival Curators: Billy Blanken (2014, 2015, 2016). Kylie Brown and Klevis Tafaj (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023), Klevis Tafaj and Sofia Forero (2024, 2025),
Klevis Tafaj and Bianka Skenderi (current).
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Employment OpportunitiesParticipants in the Ajkun Ballet Summer Program are considered for the Ajkun Ballet Company and our network of worldwide Partners. Ajkun Ballet Theatre is regarded worldwide as a primary source to employ some the world's finest artists in over 150 Dance Companies.
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Worldwide PromotionOur Media Division promotes Dancers participating in our programs on a global scale. Dancers are referred by our Artistic Staff, based on several weeks of training and performance, and supported by the international reputation of our Artistic Director Chiara Ajkun. The network created by AjkunBT Arts Administrators, Artists, Alumni, Patrons and Partners along with our partnerships with many Dance Companies helps dancers to move effortlessly toward a professional career.
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Stay InformationThe Ajkun Ballet Theatre is truly committed to make your stay with us an unforgettable one. The international environment of our Program, the expertise of our Staff and their welcoming warmth, the extraordinary venues that are home to our Company and the variety of scenarios that only New York has to offer, all contribute to creating life lasting experiences and memories. Participants may elect to commute into our program or reside in our accommodation. Please contact us for information if interested in accommodation.
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Admission ProcessAll our programs are limited enrollment. Participation is granted on a first-come, first-serve basis to successful audition applicants. Official application deadline is April 30th. Applications are accepted as early as three yers in advance of the intended year of participation. Early Registration is strongly recommended.
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Qualification ProcessCandidates are admitted through an Audition in person or by video. Click to complete the Audition Form. Successful candidates will be provided with a complete informational package and guidance to join our Summer Intensive.
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Program Cost, Tuition and HousingTuition: Funding by federal, state, and local government and public contributions cover a portion of the cost, and individual merit and need-based scholarships, grants and outside awards (AKA extramural contributions) may make up for the difference. When you qualify for the program, we use a combination of resources to determine your contribution and communicate it to you with the audition outcome. Your contribution may be referred to as “tuition”. The tuition is payable in full at registration or in four installments. Housing is guaranteed if the deposit is paid at registration. Housing may be purchased at any time before June 30th, subject to availability and rate increase.
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Scholarships and Financial Aid for Training, Housing and Airfare CostsParticipants are selected for the summer program without regard to their finances. Public and private contributions keep the program tuition considerably lower than the program's actual cost. Merit and Need-Based Financial Aid may be awarded for the Training Program, Housing Cost and Airfare Travel. The AjkunBT Fund may award additional financial assistance based upon individual qualification, up to the annual budget for dancers, to cover additional costs.