NYSSSA School of Dance

Alumni Alessia Gaetana Santoro attended the School of Dance from 2004-2007 under the direction of Carolyn Adams. Now, Alessia is the Artistic Director of the New York Academy of Ballet. Keep reading for excerpts about Alessia's experience at NYSSSA:
"I was able to study with the best in the Modern dance world at a young age which helped better inform me in my college studies. I still carry my NYSSSA dance education with me today. The incredible artists/educators I studied with helped form me as a choreographer and artist. I will forever be grateful for all the artists I had the privilege to learn from during my time at NYSSSA and hope that future generations get the same opportunities that I had.
NYSSSA allows young artists to study with the best in their field of interest while fully being able to immerse themselves in their art without judgement. NYSSSA also makes access to quality art education more affordable. I was brought up by a single mother, and thanks to the affordability of the program my mother was able to provide me with this opportunity.
Legislators should know how important the arts are and the large impact they can have on young minds and shape young peoples future. Some of the most successful people were surrounded by the arts. It's a shame that the arts are always first on the totem pole to take a financial cut. I firmly believe that if there was more respect for the arts and what they can do for young people we as a society would have more respect and understanding for each other.
Educators can respect the quality of education that NYSSSA provides and be able to see the positive change that these programs can provide their students. Providing them with outside experiences and a different perspective.
Students should know what NYSSSA teach them in their craft but also the lessons that will stick with them through their lifetime.
I'm incredibly happy to see that funding for NYSSSA programs is coming back and I hope that it continues to grow so more young artists can experience the tremendous impact of NYSSSA."

School of Dance founding artistic director, Carolyn Adams, holding a class at the National Museum of Dance in Saratoga Springs, NY.

What's your favorite memory from the School of Dance?

Alumni from Orchestral, Choral, Ballet, and Dance - we've heard your concerns and we want to hear more from you.

For next year, we've already requested an increase in funding. For this year, we would like to focus on celebrating and highlighting your stories.

We're asking you to send us an email at [email protected] with the subject line "Alumni Outreach".

Listed below are some questions we would like to hear your perspective on.

• What program(s) were you a part of and year(s).
• Most memorable moments, connections, and emotions from your time at NYSSSA.
• How did your experience influence or impact you? This doesn’t just need to apply to your career path. Were there any skills you gained that affected your personal growth?
• Why is NYSSSA so important? What should legislators, educators, and prospective students know about this immersive experience?

Email us: 💻 [email protected]
Call us: 📞 518-474-8773

🩰Don’t miss out on a summer arts experience🎶

If you’re interested in pursuing an outside arts opportunity anywhere in New York State this summer, check out our Empire State Summer Arts Scholarship.

Art programs can specialize in music, theatre, dance, creative writing, ballet, design, and more.

The intent of this scholarship program is to fill any remaining funding gaps after receiving tuition aid from the program itself.

Deadline to apply is April 19‼️

Please see our website for general requirements, application form, and more information:

https://www.oce.nysed.gov/nysssa/arts-scholarship-program

Email us: 💻 [email protected]

Call us: 📞 (518) 474-8773

NYSSSA’s In-Residency program has returned! We’re excited to host NYSSSA’s schools of Visual Arts, Media Arts, and Theatre this summer at SUNY Fredonia.

Apply now to join us for a 3-week In-Residency summer program held from July 6-July 27, 2024. Students will be immersed in their chosen artistic discipline while working closely with renowned artists to receive personalized coaching, pre-professional training, and have an unparalleled summer experience.

Deadline to apply for our Visual Arts and Media Arts programs are March 15, 2024.

Deadline to apply for our Theatre program is March 8, 2024.

Application information can be found on our website: https://www.oce.nysed.gov/nysssa/nysssa-residency-program

Questions? Email us at [email protected]



Don’t see your chosen discipline? We also have our Arts Scholarship Program where you can attend another art program in New York State. Arts programs can specialize in music, theatre, dance, creative writing, ballet, fine arts, design, and more.

Scholarship application deadline is April 19, 2024.

Application information can be found on our website: https://www.oce.nysed.gov/nysssa/arts-scholarship-program

Questions? Email us at [email protected]

NYSSSA In-Residency Program Established in 1970, the New York State Summer School of the Arts Program has trained over 18,000 students since its inception. The In-Residency NYSSSA Program offers an immersive summer experience for high school artists. The 3-week summer program will take place at SUNY Fredonia and delivers robus...

The New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA) will offer a total of $150,000 in scholarship opportunities for high school students to attend other regional summer arts programs for summer 2022, the State Education Department announced today. Students can apply for a scholarship through May 1st via an online application on the NYSSSA website: http://www.oce.nysed.gov/nysssa
No virtual or in-person NYSSSA program will be offered in Summer 2022.

All in person NYSSSA auditions have been cancelled. More information will be made available this month.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this turbulent time.

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NYSSSA Dance starts this Monday! Can you believe it? Hey alumni - share some of your favorite stories in the comments about NYSSSA to get students excited for the 2021 season!
Want to try and win a t-shirt? Head over to our Instagram today!

NYSSSA 2021 is well underway but we can't help but feel nostalgic for past years - please share some of your favorite memories in the comments

We're excited to announce a SECOND School of Dance audition opportunity for those who may have missed the first one. The date is TBD but applications are open. Here is the link to the application: https://secureforms.nysed.gov/oce/nysssa/SchoolofDanceForm.cfm

Hi NYSSSA friends! Here's a concise look at our upcoming deadlines:
We're excited to announce that we are offering a second School of Dance audition opportunity to those who may have missed our earlier deadline. That date is TBD but we are currently accepting applications.
Link to our applications: http://www.oce.nysed.gov/nysssa/how-apply

This week is your last chance to apply and audition for the School of Dance! Join us this summer for a chance to work with the best young dancers New York State has to offer!
http://www.oce.nysed.gov/nysssa/dance

This week is your last chance to apply and audition for the School of Dance! Join us this summer for a chance to work with the best young dancers New York State has to offer!