Stella Abrera Is ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School's New Artistic Director

American Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director, Susan Jaffe, has recently announced that Stella Abrera is ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School’s new Artistic Director. Abrera has been acting in this position for the last several months after serving as Artistic Director of Kaatsbaan Cultural Park in Tivoli (a position now held by former ABT star Paloma Herrera).

“I am honored by Susan’s trust and inspired by the bright new era dawning at ABT. As I collaborate with Susan, Janet, and Sascha, I am deeply committed to supporting and guiding young dancers and to developing them into professional artists of excellence, imagination, and character.”

Stella Abrera is ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School's New Artistic Director

Abrera had a 24-year performing career with ABT before taking on her recent leadership roles since retiring from the stage in 2020. She joins Jaffe, CEO & Executive Director Janet Rollé, and ABT Studio Company Artistic Director Sascha Radetsky in the responsibility of guiding the organization forward.

“Stella’s experience in training and teaching has provided a deep knowledge of the skills and strengths a dancer needs to succeed in a major ballet company. This knowledge and her long-standing history with ABT make her perfectly suited to lead the ABT JKO School into the future.”