08/13/2026
There are moments in ballet when the past and present meet — and you are reminded just how fortunate we are to be part of this beautiful art form. 💙
We are incredibly proud and grateful to have spent time with Mr. John Prinz, former New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre principal dancer, who continues to generously share his experiences, knowledge, and love of ballet with our students.
Beyond his remarkable career, it is the personal stories — of life onstage and off, of the artists who shaped him, and of his time with Frank Ohman — that make his visits so meaningful. It is a rare gift to learn ballet history from someone who lived it.
This week, as our students studied Serenade, Mr. Prinz had his first glimpse of our original Karinska Serenade costumes — beautiful, priceless treasures gifted to us by George Balanchine, who ultimately thought they were too dark for Serenade’s light spirits.
For nearly 40 years, these costumes have been a treasured part of OSB, serving as a rite of passage for generations of students entering their pre-professional years, performing with New York Dance Theatre .
What a beautiful full-circle moment: from Balanchine, to the dancers who lived this history, to those who teach it, and now to the young dancers who will carry it forward.
We are deeply grateful to Mr. Prinz for sharing his memories, knowledge, and heart with our students. What a privilege to learn from someone who was there — and to help keep these stories and traditions alive. 💙
