10 Tiny Harlem Ballerinas Earn Spot At Competitive NYC Dance School

HARLEM, NY — Pirouette for joy! A group of Harlem elementary school students earned a spot this year at a competitive and esteemed New York City ballet school.

Ten students from Harlem Link Charter School on West 111th Street have been admitted to Ballet Tech.

Ballet Tech is a public school that provides students with both an academic education and intensive, rigorous, classical dance training.

Students in the elementary and middle schools study both academics and dance on-site at 890 Broadway, and the high school students attend the Professional Performing Arts School for their dance training.

Each year roughly 30,000 students apply for 500 spots.

The New York Times called Ballet Tech a "New York City treasure."

The dance school acceptance news comes as SUNY Charter Schools Institute renewed Harlem Link's charter for another five years.

"We are so proud of each one of our students and thrilled to receive this renewal," said Aviva Buechler, one of Harlem Link's co-principals, said in a news release. "It's a testament to Harlem Link's hard work, dedication to education and commitment to its students, families, and staff."

A total of 99 percent of students from Harlem Link get into their top three middle school choices, and 86 percent of alumni graduate high school in four years.

Harlem Link also offers a free after school program that partners with aftercare providers, workforces programs and community centers to ensure enrolled families have the option of homework help, snacks and recreation, STEM classes, and a cooking classes.

Along with the 10 students that got into Ballet Tech, two more Harlem Link students received scholarships to Summer on the Hill at Horace Mann, a year-round academic enrichment program that requires a six-year commitment.