New York, New York – May 12, 2026 – The Joffrey Ballet School in New York City is proud to announce the appointment of Jennifer Howard as the new Artistic Director of the Children’s and Youth Ballet Program starting in the Fall 2026 season. Howard will officially begin her role at the School this summer, as she prepares for the upcoming academic year and the continued growth of the program.
With an extensive background as both a professional performer and educator, Jennifer Howard joins Joffrey Ballet School to lead and inspire dancers across all levels of training from foundational youth programs to advanced levels of ballet. Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the Children’s and Youth Ballet Program, while continuing the legacy of excellence, care, and artistic integrity that has shaped generations of young dancers at Joffrey Ballet School.
The Children’s and Youth Ballet Program at Joffrey Ballet School serves as an essential foundation for students beginning their dance education, introducing them to the discipline, artistry, musicality, and joy of ballet within a nurturing conservatory environment. Designed to support dancers during critical stages of development, the program builds strong technical fundamentals while encouraging confidence, creativity, and a lifelong connection to the arts. As one of the School’s core training programs, it also serves as an important pathway for students pursuing advanced pre-professional training.
About Jennifer Howard
Howard began her training at Boston Ballet, earned her Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance (ARAD), and received her BFA from The Juilliard School. Her professional performing career included work with celebrated companies and artists including Mikhail Baryshnikov’s White Oak Dance Project, Twyla Tharp Dance, Eliot Feld Ballet, Lucinda Childs Dance Company, Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, Liz Gerring Dance Company, and Sarah Michelson.
Throughout her career, Howard performed nationally and internationally at renowned venues and festivals including Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Sadler’s Wells, Jacob’s Pillow, the Venice Biennale, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
In addition to her performance career, Howard has dedicated herself to arts education, mentoring young dancers and preparing pre-professional artists through leadership roles and teaching positions at institutions including Colorado Ballet, Next Generation Ballet, St. Paul’s School in Concord, NH, National Dance Institute, and Denver School of the Arts. Her students have gone on to dance professionally with companies including Houston Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Kansas City Ballet and Staatsballett Berlin.
“Jennifer brings an exceptional blend of professional accomplishment, artistic insight, and genuine dedication to the development of young dancers,” said Meg Paul, Dean of Joffrey Ballet School. “Her extensive experience as both a performer and educator aligns beautifully with the vision and values at the heart of our school. Her leadership will support our mission to educate the whole artist, and we are thrilled to welcome her into this role as she helps inspire and guide the next generation of dancers.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer Howard to Joffrey Ballet School,” said Frank Lee Merwin, Executive Director of Joffrey Ballet School. “The Children’s and Youth Ballet Program is one of the most important pillars of our institution, shaping the earliest experiences of so many young dancers. Jennifer’s leadership, professionalism, and commitment to artistic development make her an exceptional addition to our school as we continue building toward the future.”
“I am honored to join Joffrey Ballet School and to work with dancers at every stage of their artistic journey, from students discovering ballet for the first time to those preparing for professional careers. I look forward to building upon the incredible foundation of the Children’s and Youth Ballet Program while helping students discover confidence, discipline, creativity, and a lasting love for dance,” said Jennifer Howard.
For decades, the Children’s and Youth Ballet Program has served as the first artistic home for countless young dancers, introducing students not only to ballet technique, but to confidence, discipline, creativity, and community. Under Howard’s leadership, the School looks forward to continuing that tradition while expanding opportunities for artistic growth and mentorship for a new generation of dancers.
This appointment also honors and continues the lasting vision of the late Artistic Director Jo Matos, whose dedication to young dancers helped shape the Children’s and Youth Ballet Program for many years. Her impact on the School’s culture, students, and families remains deeply felt throughout the Joffrey community. As the program enters this new chapter, Joffrey Ballet School remains committed to carrying forward the spirit of mentorship, accessibility, and artistic excellence that Jo so passionately championed.
Learn more about our programs:
Children’s Ballet program:
- Manhattan: https://www.joffreyballetschool.com/childrens-ballet/manhattan/
- Long Island City: https://www.joffreyballetschool.com/childrens-ballet/long-island-city/
Youth Ballet Program:
About Joffrey Ballet School:
The Joffrey Ballet School is a renowned dance institution based in New York City. Dance visionaries Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino founded the school in 1953, offering a world-class training program that celebrates boundary-breaking performances and commitment to artistic excellence. The Joffrey Ballet School continues to shape the future of dance through innovative training programs that prepare students to confidently pursue a career in dance throughout the worlds of concert and commercial dance.
For media inquiries, please contact: Joffrey Ballet School, Maria Zamri, marketing@joffreyballetschool.com
