Pre-Professional Profiles
Click below to learn more about these featured programs:
- Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education’s Academy Program and Summer Professional Intensive Offer the Next Steps Toward Professional Life
- Sharpen Your Partnering Skills at BalletMet This Summer
- Ballet West’s Professional Training Division Preps Students for Company Life
- Milwaukee Ballet Pre-Professional Program Preps Dancers for Careers in Ballet and Beyond
- Artistry, Quality, Legacy: The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory’s Pre-Professional Program
- Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School’s Pre-Professional Division Trains the Next Generation of Professionals
- Princeton Ballet School’s Trainee Program Bridges the Gap From Student to Professional
- The Rock School for Dance Education Personalizes Each Dancer’s Training for Ultimate Success
- Walnut Hill School for the Arts Offers Top-Notch Dance and Academics, Plus a Partnership With Boston Ballet
Ready to take your training to the next level? Browse our list of conservatories and company academies offering rigorous pre-professional programs.
To add your listing to the guide, please contact Lila Angle, [email protected]
A&A BALLET Center for Dance
Alexei Kremnev
Chicago, IL
Company Affiliation: A&A BALLET
Age Range: 3-24
Technique: Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Children’s Division
Performance opportunities: Multiple, full performance season, international tours
Tuition: Various
Room/board: Yes
Alumni: ABT, Royal Danish Ballet, NYCB, etc.
Auditions: Yes
Daily Schedule: Morning and evening programs
Additional Opportunities: AGMA contracts, international tours, guest opportunities
Alonzo King LINES Ballet | Training Program
Karah Abiog
San Francisco, CA
linesballet.org/education/training-program/
Company Affiliation: Alonzo King LINES Ballet
Size: 36 students, 16–20 per class
Age Range: 18–24
Technique: Ballet, GYROTONIC®, modern, contemporary, improvisation, composition, choreography, LINES repertoire, pointe, partnering, Alexander technique, yoga, anatomy, Critical Perspectives of Dance
Performance opportunities: Winter and spring showcases, student choreography showcases, LINES BFA senior showcase, among others
Tuition: $10,050 per year, scholarships available
Room/board: Not offered
Alumni: Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Ballet BC, BODYTRAFFIC, Cirque du Soleil, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Gallim Dance, Hofesh Shechter Company, Idan Sharabi and Dancers, Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal, Loni Landon Dance Projects, San Francisco Opera, Sidra Bell Dance New York, Stephen Petronio Company, Tanz Luzerner Theater, Tanz Mainz
Auditions: Required, open January–May
Daily Schedule: Monday–Friday, 3–5 classes per day; each day starts at 9 am with ballet class or GYROTONIC®, followed by a variety of other classes
Additional Opportunities: Training Ground, a parallel program that enables advanced/professional dancers ages 18+ to submerge themselves in the rigorous curriculum for a 3-month season. No audition required.
American Contemporary Ballet Trainee Program
Elise Filo
Los Angeles, CA
Company Affiliation: American Contemporary Ballet
Size: 5-10 trainees
Age Range: 18-22
Technique: Balanchine
Performance opportunities: American Contemporary Ballet season performances and special events
Tuition: $5200
Room/board: Not offered
Auditions: Required
Daily Schedule: M-F 11am-5/6pm. Daily class (on pointe) and rehearsal. Schedule changes on performance weeks.
Additional Opportunities: Trainees have first access to reserve a place in ACB’s August 2022 one-week intensive with Suki Schorer.
Anaheim Ballet School
Ashley Duree
Anaheim, CA
anaheimballet.org/about-anaheim-ballet-school
Company Affiliation: Anaheim Ballet
Age Range: 10-20
Technique: Ballet training methodology is based on the Russian, French, and Italian schools making a truly American method. A strong kinetic methodology is predominant in all classes drawing from the principles of physics and the belief that ballet is a natural system of movement.
Performance opportunities: ABS Recital, AB Nutcracker season including tour, and other AB performances
Tuition: $3,000-$4,500
Room/board: Not offered
Alumni: American Ballet Theatre, Ballet Idaho, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Houston Ballet, New York City Ballet, Orlando Ballet, Royal Ballet
Auditions: Contact us; enrollment open year-round
Daily Schedule: Ranges between 4:30-8pm weekdays and 10:00-12:00pm Saturdays. Consists of 2-3 ballet/pointe classes daily, plus contemporary, pas de deux and coaching weekly. Production rehearsals require additional hours.
Ballet Academy East
Julia Dubno
New York, NY
Size: 220
Age Range: 7-19
Technique: The school creates technically strong, artistically expressive dancers who adapt easily to the broad range of styles required of today’s professionals. The syllabus is based on the teachings of Marcia Dale Weary.
Performance opportunities: Winter Performance, Spring Performance, and Choreographic Workshops
Tuition: $3,900-$13,400
Room/board: Dorm-style housing, with many amenities, is located one block from BAE at 92Y Residence.
Alumni: New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Miami City Ballet, and others
Auditions: Auditions are required. In Person and video auditions accepted.
Daily Schedule: Curriculum includes technique, pointe, partnering, variations, men’s class, modern, character, stretch and strengthening, and hip hop.
Ballet Theatre of Maryland Conservatory Pre-Professional Program
Nicole Kelsch
ANNAPOLIS, MD
Company Affiliation: Ballet Theatre of Maryland, Inc
Size: 8-20
Age Range: 13-18
Technique: Classical Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap
Performance opportunities: Up to 3 company productions per year, classical and contemporary work for BTM’s Annual School Show
Tuition: Approx. $7,500 per year, includes Summer Intensive
Room/board: Not offered
Alumni: Nashville Ballet, Texas Ballet Theatre, Ballet West, Milwaukee Ballet
Auditions: January-March by video, Open auditions in March
Daily Schedule: Classes 5-6 days per week include technique, variations, partnering, modern, and jazz. Additional 8-9 hours of rehearsal per week.
Additional Opportunities: Traineeship
Ballet Tucson Professional Division and Trainee Program
Margaret Mullin
Tucson, AZ
Company Affiliation: Ballet Tucson
Size: Varies
Age Range: 15-25
Technique: Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Pointe, Classical Variations, Conditioning, etc.
Performance opportunities: The Nutcracker, Summer Dance Workshop Showcase, Trainee Only Performances, Ballet Tucson 2, Outreach Shows
Tuition: $0-$3,500.00 (16 Brady Fellowships fully endowed) Regular PD and Trainee tuition based
Room/board: Must be secured by individual, not offered by program
Alumni: Pacific Northwest Ballet, New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, San Francisco Ballet, Houston Ballet, Boston Ballet, Washington Ballet, Ballet West, Oregon Ballet Theater, Dutch National Ballet, Czech National Ballet
Auditions: April 10th in-person. Video auditions/Zoom meetings currently being conducted
Daily Schedule: Approximately 14 classes and 12 hours of rehearsals per week.
Additional Opportunities: Ballet Tucson Summer Dance Workshop. Access to career counseling and job placement assistance. Interested parties may also choose to serve as interns upon request.
Ballet West Academy Professional Training Division
Sarah Taylor
Salt Lake City, UT
Company Affiliation: Ballet West
Size: Professional Training Division: 60 students; Trainee Division: 30 students
Age Range: Professional Training Division: 14-20; Trainee Division: 17-22
Technique: Classical and Contemporary curriculum as developed by Ballet West Faculty
Performance opportunities: Trainees participate in Ballet West and Ballet West II rehearsals and tour with Ballet West for Children. Senior trainees perform in Ballet West’s The Nutcracker and the Ballet West Family Classics series. Many performance opportunities with the Ballet West Academy.
Tuition: $7,025 annual
Room/board: Not included
Alumni: Ballet West frequently promotes from this group, with 75% of 2021 – 2022 company members moving through professional training division, trainee division, and/or Ballet West II
Auditions: Required and offered year-round or by video
Daily Schedule: Varies, includes 4.5 hours on weekdays and 6 hours on Saturdays with some adjustment for company rehearsals
Additional Opportunities: Ballet West Outreach program Ballet West for Children tours through the state of Utah
Boston Ballet School's Professional Division at Walnut Hill School for the Arts
Jeanne ORourke
Natick, MA
Company Affiliation: Boston Ballet
Size: 65-70 students
Age Range: 14-18
Technique: America Classicism
Performance opportunities: Boston Ballet Nutcracker, Winter Showcase, Student Choreographic Project, Next Generation year-end performance
Tuition: $71,600 – boarding students; $55,000 – day students
Room/board: Included with boarding tuition
Alumni: Boston Ballet and major dance companies across the globe
Auditions: Early winter through the spring
Daily Schedule: Weekly Schedule: 22-26 hours of core training per week running Monday-Saturday, coupled with a rigorous academic program
Portland Ballet
Jim Lane
Portland, OR
Size: 20 Career Track, 200 academy students
Age Range: 14-22
Technique: ballet, contemporary, modern
Performance opportunities: 3 productions annually, plus community engagement
Tuition: $6,850 scholarships available
Alumni: Pacific Northwest Ballet, Houston Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, St. Louis Ballet, Oregon Ballet Theatre
Auditions: Call for audition information 503-452-8448
Daily Schedule: Classical technique, men’s class, pointe class, pas de deux, variations, contemporary, modern, acting for dancers, wellness and conditioning
Additional Opportunities: Balanchine répétiteur and protégé John Clifford in residence twice annually staging Balanchine repertoire and choreographing original works.
Cary Ballet Conservatory: Professional Training Program
Mariaelena Ruiz
Cary, NC
Company Affiliation: Cary Ballet Company
Size: 40 Students
Age Range: 12-19
Technique: Classical Ballet technique, pointe, contemporary, jazz, partnering, men’s program, conditioning, PBT, Pilates.
Performance opportunities: Cary Ballet Company, YAGP, ADC|IBC and more
Tuition: $5850 per year
Room/board: $10.800 per year
Alumni: Stuttgart Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Princess Grace Academy, Royal Ballet School, School of American Ballet, San Francisco Ballet School.
Auditions: contact [email protected]
Daily Schedule: 11- 5:30 pm
Additional Opportunities: Networking, mentoring, YAGP, ADC|IBC, Academic Program on site
Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet: Pre-Professional Division
Peggy Schryver
Carlisle, PA
cpyb.org/school/pre-professional-division/
Company Affiliation: N/A
Size: 75 students in Pre-Pro Div / 20 Max Per Class
Age Range: Up to the age of 19
Technique: Classical Ballet
Performance opportunities: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®, Full Length Productions in Spring Performances, Balanchine and contemporary works as Founder’s Series
Tuition: $4,900
Room/board: Not offered at this time.
Alumni: Ashley Bouder, NYC Ballet; Leta Biasucci, PNB; Jeffrey Cirio, English National Ballet; Lia Cirio, Boston Ballet; David Gabriel, NYC Ballet; Abi Stafford, NYC Ballet
Auditions: Required
Daily Schedule: Begin mid-afternoon and ending by 8:15PM, Monday-Friday. Saturday classes begin late morning and end before 4:15PM.
Additional Opportunities: First-Steps workshop offers students exposure in choreography. Pilates, wellness, mental health sessions, conditioning and training center on site.
Cincinnati Ballet's Otto M. Budig Academy Pre-Professional and Professional Programs
Ginger Johnson
Cincinnati, OH
Company Affiliation: Cincinnati Ballet
Size: 250 students, 12 – 22 per class
Age Range: 8 – 22
Technique: Classically based ballet technique featuring a blend of American, European and Russian styles coupled with a strong emphasis on contemporary movement and versatility in a wide-range of dance styles.
Performance opportunities: Cincinnati Ballet productions, Academy Spring Production, Community Performance Series, student showcases, YAGP
Tuition: $1,300 – $6,400
Room/board: Not available
Alumni: Cincinnati Ballet, Royal Ballet, Boston Ballet, Ballet Austin, among others.
Auditions: Placement class required (offered year-round)
Daily Schedule: Varies by level. Classes include technique, pointe, repertoire, partnering, contemporary, modern, choreography, jazz, musical theater, and conditioning.
Additional Opportunities: Cincinnati Ballet’s Second Company
City Ballet San Francisco
Kenneth W Patsel
San Francisco, CA
Company Affiliation: City Youth Ballet
Size: 30 dancers
Age Range: 11 – 19
Technique: Vaganova
Performance opportunities: Yes
Tuition: $2,500 – $8,500
Alumni: San Francisco Ballet, ABT, Joffrey, Semper-Oper, English National, Boston Ballet, Mariiensky, etc
Auditions: Online / Video /
Daily Schedule: 2:30pm – 7:30pm
CNADM Summer Workshop: Ballet Forum; Dance & More
Michele StClair
Schaumburg, IL
Company Affiliation: Chicago National Association of Dance Masters (CNADM)
Size: 200 students, 40 per class
Age Range: 11-21
Technique: Classical ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz
Performance opportunities: CNADM Annual Banquet and Gala
Tuition: $645
Room/board: At own expense; hosted at Hyatt Regency Schaumburg
Auditions: Placement Classes
Daily Schedule: Monday evening; All day Tuesday through Friday
développé
Meredith Wells
Sudbury, MA
Size: 15 max per level
Age Range: 8-18
Technique: ballet, contemporary and modern
Performance opportunities: 3 performances/year
Tuition: $5000-$10000 annual tuition
Room/board: no
Auditions: on going
Daily Schedule: highest level 6 days/week up to 22 hours/week
Ellison Ballet – Professional Training Program
Diane di Stasio
New York, NY
Size: 38 students, 12–15 per class
Age Range: 12-19
Technique: Ellison Ballet’s exceptional Vaganova-based training includes classical technique, separate men’s class, pointe, variations, male variations, pas de deux, contemporary, conditioning, character, music and workshops.
Performance opportunities: Two performances per year; selected students chosen for international competitions
Tuition: $14,100 per year
Room/board: $1,400–$2,700 per month
Alumni: American Ballet Theatre, Mariinsky Ballet, Paris Opéra Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Dutch National Ballet
Auditions: Required
Daily Schedule: Monday–Friday, 10:30 am–4:30 pm
Goh Ballet Academy Canada: Senior Professional School
Jess Bacon
Vancouver, BC,
gohballet.com/senior-professional-school/
Size: 100+ students (10–15 per class)
Age Range: 13–19 & up
Technique: Classical instruction based on the Vaganova method. Students are encouraged to become versatile dancers through exposure to a variety of disciplines.
Performance opportunities: Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker, Annual Spring Showcase Performance, educational outreach programs, performance tours, local and international dance festivals and competitions
Tuition: Information provided upon request
Room/board: Homestay program available
Alumni: San Francisco Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, English National Ballet.
Auditions: Private or group (see website for dates); video auditions accepted.
Daily Schedule: 5–10 hours of classes and rehearsals per day in technique, pointe, men’s work, repertoire, variations, pas de deux, contemporary and stylistic dance, as well as stretch and strengthening, mental skills training and health/well-being.
Additional Opportunities: Goh Ballet Youth Company
Houston Ballet Academy Professional Program
Katie Wesche
Houston, TX
Company Affiliation: Houston Ballet
Size: 72 students, 12–15 per class
Age Range: 14 & up
Technique: Classical ballet technique based on Vaganova, but emphasizing RAD and Cecchetti methods as well; modern and contemporary classes weekly that are a mix of Limón, Cunningham and Graham styles of movement
Performance opportunities: Houston Ballet productions, annual Academy Spring Showcase, University of Houston Moores School of Music collaboration, Studio Series, among other opportunities
Tuition: $7,200-$8,200
Room/board: Subject to availability, by artistic invitation only
Alumni: Houston Ballet, Atlanta Ballet II, Royal New Zealand Ballet, ABT Studio Company and Estonian National Ballet
Auditions: Required, year-round
Daily Schedule: Ranges from 9 am–4:45 pm Monday–Friday; classes include ballet technique, pointe, men’s technique, variations, contemporary, modern, jazz, partnering, music, body conditioning, Yamuna Body Rolling and career planning
Additional Opportunities: HBII (Houston Ballet second company)
Interlochen Center for the Arts: An Unparalleled Dance Education
Hillary Troup
Interlochen, MI
Size: 550-2500 students from across the globe, 20 per class with individualized attention
Age Range: 8 – 18
Technique: Ballet and contemporary dance, among others
Performance opportunities: Perform in fully-produced dance productions and ballets, “in studio” performances, and other interdepartmental concerts.
Tuition: $1,625 – $9,950
Room/board: Yes
Alumni: Janet Eilber, Liz Lerman, Boston Ballet, Hubbard Street Professional Program, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, The Ballet West Academy Professional Training Division
Auditions: Required
Daily Schedule: Ranges between 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, with courses in pointe, choreographic composition, male and female dance technique, dance conditioning, and more.
Additional Opportunities: Students have access to specialists in nutritional counseling, dance medicine, and other related arts fields. Plus a 26,000 square-foot dance facility with professional studios, updated technology, fitness centers, and beautiful lakeside views.
Joffrey Ballet School Trainee Program
Michael Waldrop
New York City, NY
joffreyballetschool.com/trainee-program
Company Affiliation: Joffrey Ballet Concert Group
Size: 180
Age Range: 13-25
Technique: wo Concentrations Available: Ballet and Jazz & Contemporary. Ballet Program: Ballet Technique, Pointe, Variations, Men’s Technique, Pas de Deux, Character, Jazz, Contemporary Dance, Contemporary Ballet, Performance Studies. Jazz & Contemporary: Ballet Technique, Contemporary, Modern, Contemporary Partnering, Theater Dance, Hip Hop, Jazz, Street Jazz, Latin Jazz, Voice, Acting, Performance Studies.
Performance opportunities: Two mainstage performances (including Nutcracker for Ballet Trainees) and additional opportunities throughout New York City and Texas. Past events include New York Fashion Week, short films, music videos, immersive theater, live music collaborations, and in-studio performances. Auditions available for trainees to join the Joffrey Ballet Concert Group.
Tuition: $10,450 per term
Room/board: Available, but not required. $9,488 per term
Alumni: Ballet Memphis, Ballet Hispanico, Ballet West, Boston Ballet, Broadway, Cirque Du Soleil, Dance Lab New York, Joffrey Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, RWS Entertainment Group, Sarasota Ballet, Tanzcompany Innsbruck, West Side Story Feature Film
Auditions: Required, Year-Round
Daily Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:00pm
Additional Opportunities: arn collegiate credit towards a BFA in Dance, through the Joffrey/New Jersey City University partnership. Trainees can also audition to join the Joffrey Ballet Concert Group, a pre-professional, touring ensemble. A Trainee Program extension is available in Frisco, Texas.
JoffreyRED Apprenticeship Program
Michael Waldrop
Los Angeles, CA
www.joffreyballetschool.com/joffreyred
Company Affiliation: BalletRED
Size: 16
Age Range: 14-19
Technique: A strong classical foundation start each day with technique classes, Pointe, Men’s Technique and Partnering, while afternoons expand into genres including Contemporary, Modern, Gaga, and Improvisation.
Performance opportunities: Nine choreographic residencies will premiere as a part of three fully-produced performances each season. All works are created and performed exclusively by the dancers of JoffreyRED. Apprenticeship opportunities also available with Los Angeles-based, contemporary ballet company, BalletRED.
Tuition: Available upon acceptance
Room/board: Not Available
Auditions: Required, Year-Round
Daily Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Additional Opportunities: Experience life in a professional company as an apprentice with BalletRED. Also, earn collegiate credit towards a BFA in Dance, through the Joffrey/New Jersey City University partnership.
Kansas City Ballet School Pre-Professional Division
Andrea Wilson
Kansas City, MO
Company Affiliation: Kansas City Ballet
Size: 600 students, 10-25 per class
Age Range: 3-19
Technique: Varied blend of Cecchetti, Vaganova, Balanchine and French Schools
Performance opportunities: Academy performances, KCB company performances, Kansas City Youth Ballet, YAGP, community engagement
Tuition: $600-$5,000 per year
Room/board: Not offered
Alumni: Louisville Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Richmond Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Nashville Ballet, Sarasota Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, Pacific Northwest Ballet
Auditions: Placement or audition class required
Daily Schedule: Classes include technique, pointe, variations, men’s partnering, character, modern, jazz, contemporary, conditioning and seminars.
Additional Opportunities: Trainee program, KCB II, Daytime Program, 2 Campuses
Koltun Ballet Boston (YAGP Outstanding School 2018/19/20
Alexandra Koltun
Boston, MA
Company Affiliation: N/A
Size: 100
Age Range: 3-20
Technique: ABT National Curriculum (Ballet, Classical Variations, Repertoire, Pas De Deux, Modern, Stretching)
Performance opportunities: 3 annual performances per year, as well as various ballet compétions including YAGP
Tuition: $1.250 – $11.000
Room/board: School assists in finding housing
Alumni: Atlanta Ballet & Atlanta Ballet II, Finnish National Opera Ballet, Indianapolis Ballet, Croatian National Ballet, Estonia National Opera Ballet, English National Ballet Trainee, Dutch National Ballet School, Washington Ballet School Trainee
Auditions: In Person or by YouTube Video
Daily Schedule: Classical Ballet Technique Class, Stretching, Pointe, Classical Variations, Repertoire, Pas De Deux, Modern
Additional Opportunities: KBB assists in finding professional carrier opportunities, as well as higher education
L’ÉCOLE SUPÉRIEURE DE BALLET DU QUÉBEC
Coralie Muroni
Montreal, QC, Canada,
Company Affiliation: Les Grands Ballets Canadiens
Size: 200 students, 12 per class
Age Range: 8–23
Technique: Classical, contemporary and character dance
Performance opportunities: School annual shows, special projects with major partners, among others
Tuition: $1,620 – $9,100
Room/board: Boarding offered five days a week for high school students by our school partner, the Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie
Alumni: Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, Ballet de l’Opéra national du Rhin, Ballett Zürich
Auditions: Required, year-round
Daily Schedule: Full-time program given in partnership with the Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie and the Cégep du Vieux Montréal for students from grade 7 to third year of college; after-school program for students from grades 3 to 6
Additional Opportunities: Choreography workshops, The Nutcracker with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens or Ballet Ouest
Maryland Youth Ballet Pre-Professional Program
Amy Neal
Silver Spring, MD
Size: 275 students, 12-16 per class
Age Range: 11-20
Technique: Varied, under the direction of Olivier Munoz
Performance opportunities: The Nutcracker, Spring Concert, Gala, End-of-Year Performance, Summer Festival, Studio Company
Tuition: $2,960-$5,500
Room/board: Not offered
Alumni: ABT, San Francisco Ballet, NYCB, Pennsylvania Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Houston Ballet, Texas Ballet Theatre, Ballet West
Auditions: Required- in-person, virtual, or by video
Daily Schedule: Technique and pointe daily with variations, pas de deux, modern, jazz, pilates, or flamenco. Weekend rehearsals.
Additional Opportunities: Studio Company (pre-professional performing company) and Conservatory (day-time program)
Metropolitan Ballet Academy & Company
Lisa Collins Vidnovic
Jenkintown, PA
www.metropolitanballetacademy.com
Company Affiliation: Pre-professional training company
Size: 350 students; 10-16 per class
Age Range: 7-18
Technique: Classical
Performance opportunities: 3 fully staged productions annually
Tuition: $1,895 – $4,175 per year
Room/board: Not offered
Alumni: San Francisco Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet
Auditions: Placement auditions required (call 215-663-1665 to schedule)
Daily Schedule: Ballet / Pointe / Men’s classes weekdays 4:30-8pm and 12-6pm Saturday. Additional classes include repertoire, partnering, and modern.
Additional Opportunities: Boys’ Scholarship Program for ages 7 and up
Miami City Ballet School
JESSICA BORK
Miami Beach, FL
Company Affiliation: Miami City Ballet
Age Range: 14 and up
Technique: Miami City Ballet School’s Pre-Professional Division trains students to be versatile 21st-century dancers with the necessary technique, artistry and physical strength to perform ballets in the Balanchine repertory as well as other choreographic styles. The School’s renowned faculty, established syllabus and range of performance opportunities prepares students to join Miami City Ballet as well as other preeminent dance companies around the world.
Performance opportunities: Each spring, students from the Pre-Professional Division perform in the MCB School Ensemble Performances and the Student Workshop Performances, giving them the opportunity to perform in Balanchine ballets, works from the classical repertoire, or original works by faculty members.
Tuition: $6,600.00 – $6,900.00
Room/board: N/A
Auditions: Required
Daily Schedule: The Pre-Professional Division is divided into two levels that meet six times a week and train approximately 20 – 30 hours per week. The Pre-Professional curriculum includes Men’s and Women’s Ballet Technique, Pointe, Variations, Pas de Deux, Repertory, Spanish Dance, Contemporary Dance and Choreography classes. Supplemental training classes are offered in Pilates Mat, Progressive Ballet Technique and Weight Training for Men.
Additional Opportunities: Students in the Pre-Professional II level perform with the MCB School Ensemble and are considered for Apprentice positions with the main Company. The MCB School Ensemble performs in MCB’s signature education and outreach program, Ballet for Young People, as well as in other special events and public performances at some of South Florida’s premier performing arts venues such as Adrienne Arsht Center, South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center and Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, among others.
Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy: Rolando Yanes Pre-Professional Program
Kristin Dimmer
Milwaukee, WI
milwaukeeballet.org/school-academy/mbsa-program-descriptions/pre-professional-program
Company Affiliation: Milwaukee Ballet
Size: maximum 50 students; average class size is 15
Age Range: 15–21
Technique: classical ballet training daily from international faculty; includes men’s classes, pas de deux, pointe and variations; additional style classes in African, character, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, musical theater, Pilates and flamenco weekly
Performance opportunities: biannual performances, along with the opportunity to audition for Milwaukee Ballet productions; other opportunities
Tuition: 7398
Room/board: not offered. Suggested recommendations
Alumni: Butler University—Jordan College of the Arts, Milwaukee Ballet II, Milwaukee Ballet Company, Smuin Ballet, University of Utah—School of Dance
Auditions: required, year-round. Please see our website for more details.
Daily Schedule: ranges from 8:15 am–4 pm daily. Ballet technique classes daily along with weekly style offerings as well as dance history, dance appreciation and repertoire rehearsals.
Additional Opportunities: scholarship and financial aid available
Neglia Ballet Pre-Professional Program
Bronwen Battaglia
Buffalo, NY
Size: 125
Age Range: 12 – 24
Technique: Ballet, Pointe, Partnering, Contemporary, Conditioning, Men’s Class
Performance opportunities: The Nutcracker, Spring Gala, End of the Year Showcase, YAGP
Tuition: $3,500 annual (Sept – May). Tuition support available
Room/board: please email [email protected] for details
Alumni: Washington Ballet Company, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, BalletMet, Colorado Ballet, Charlotte Ballet, Richmond Ballet, Urban Bush Women, American Repertory Ballet
Auditions: please email [email protected]
Daily Schedule: 4 – 7 pm weekdays, 10 am – 2 pm Saturdays
Additional Opportunities: Private lessons, Choreography, Competition Preparation, Preparing for auditions, Recording audition videos, Suggestions for costumes, Referrals to guest instructors, Lists of potential ballet companies or college programs, Career advice
OBT2
James Holstad
Portland, OR
Company Affiliation: Oregon Ballet Theatre
Size: 12-17
Age Range: 18-22
Technique: Classical and Contemporary Ballet
Performance opportunities: OBT2 spring tour, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, Annual School Performance, OBT Company Productions
Tuition: $6,125.00
Room/board: Not applicable
Alumni: Hannah Davis, Kangmi Kim, Zuzu Metzler, Abigail Concannon, Leigh Goldberger, Elizabeth Kanning, Tatum Quinonez, Emily McGeehan, Rachel Harrison, Alessandro Angelini, Jacob Williams, Mesa Burdick, Bryn Perry, Ava Anderson
Auditions: Summer Intensive Program: June 27, 2022-August 6, 2022
Daily Schedule: Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Oklahoma City Ballet (Yvonne Chouteau School) Pre-Professional Division
Racheal Nye
Oklahoma City, OK
okcballet.org/school/pre-professional-division-day/
Company Affiliation: Oklahoma City Ballet
Size: 50 students, 15 per class
Age Range: 11-22
Technique: Classical technique based on French, Italian, and Russian training methods
Performance opportunities: BRIDGE Choreography Initiative, Spring Performance, Winter Showcase, Ballet Under the Stars, Student roles in Company productions
Tuition: Starting at $3,200
Room/board: Contact for details
Alumni: Oklahoma City Ballet, Tulsa Ballet
Auditions: Required, year-round
Daily Schedule: Day/Post-Graduate Program 8:45 am-2 pm weekdays & 9-11 am Saturdays | Evening program 5-7:30 pm Monday-Thursday >> Ballet Technique, Pointe, Pas de Deux, Variations, Modern Technique, Contemporary, Conditioning, Professional Development
Additional Opportunities: Youth America Grand Prix, Outreach performances with Studio Company, consideration for Trainee program
Orlando Ballet School Academy & Pre-Professional
Meredyth Davis
Orlando, FL
Company Affiliation: Orlando Ballet
Size: 110 students, 25 per class
Age Range: 12-21
Technique: American Ballet Theatre curriculum
Performance opportunities: Opportunities with Orlando Ballet company, Showcases and Community Enrichment.
Tuition: $5,500
Room/board: n/a
Auditions: https://orlandoballet.org/orlando-ballet-school/placementsandauditions/
Daily Schedule: Monday PBT Conditioning •Ballet • Pointe or Men’s class • Character • Musical Theater • Tuesday Ballet • Variations • Modern • Partnering • Wednesday PBT Conditioning • Ballet • Ballet/Pointe • Hip Hop • Thursday Ballet • Partnering • Contemporary • Friday PBT Conditioning • Ballet/Pointe • Saturday Men’s Class • Ballet • Pointe •
Additional Opportunities: Academy students feed into the second company and the opportunity to continue with Orlando Ballet.
Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet Apprentice Program
Melinda Pendleton
Narberth, PA
Size: 2 – 3 apprentices
Age Range: 18 – 22
Technique: Classical technique based on the Vaganova syllabus
Performance opportunities: Public performances, community performances, school assembly lecture-demonstrations
Tuition: Full scholarship
Room/board: Not offered
Alumni: Arizona Ballet, Grand Rapids Ballet, Oklahoma City Ballet, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Philadelphia Ballet
Auditions: Required
Daily Schedule: Monday and Wednesday: 11:30 am – 3:30 pm; Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 9:30 – 11am; additional evening hours each weekday; Saturday: Up to 2 hours of class; possible weekend rehearsals depending on the time of year; includes technique, repertoire, rehearsal, and individual coaching
Additional Opportunities: Weekly stipend, shoe allowance, audition guidance included
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, Pre-professional program
Aviana Adams
Pittsburgh, PA
Company Affiliation: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
Age Range: 13+
Technique: Ballet, repertoire, variations, Men’s technique, modern, jazz, conditioning, seminars
Performance opportunities: Year-round. Ballet, contemporary and choreographic opportunities offered
Tuition: $4,982-$6,445
Room/board: Limited. High school students only
Alumni: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Washington Ballet, Ballet Met, Tulsa Ballet, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre
Auditions: Required, year-round
Additional Opportunities: Possible performance opportunities with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
Princeton Ballet School's Pre-Professional Trainee Program
Pasqualina DeBoer
Princeton, NJ
Company Affiliation: American Repertory Ballet
Size: Size: 20-30
Age Range: 18-24
Technique: Princeton Ballet School methodology based on a combination of all major schools including Russian, French, Cuban and American
Performance opportunities: American Repertory Ballet’s Nutcracker, spring full-length ballet, American Repertory Ballet’s gala
Tuition: Varies
Room/board: Not offered
Alumni: American Repertory Ballet, New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Broadway, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Paul Taylor Dance Company
Auditions: By Appointment
Daily Schedule: The program includes pointe class, variations, contemporary, bio-mechanics/conditioning, choreography and repertoire to further develop classical, contemporary technique and performance skills in a professional environment.
Additional Opportunities: ARB2 – American Repertory Ballet’s second company
Professional Track Trainee Program
Denise Grimm
Santa Barbara, CA
Company Affiliation: State Street Ballet
Size: 20-25
Age Range: 17-23
Technique: Classical & Contemporary/Modern
Performance opportunities: With State Street Ballet
Tuition: $6000 for 32 weeks
Room/board: N/A
Alumni: State Street Ballet, Disney Cruise Line, Oklahoma City Ballet etc
Auditions: Details on State Street Ballet website
Daily Schedule: 9:00am-3:00pm
Additional Opportunities: Touring, teaching
Professional Training Division and Studio Training Company
Yvonne Leffel
Dallas and Fort Worth, TX
texasballettheater.org/professional-division/
Company Affiliation: Texas Ballet Theater
Size: 15-20 students in each program
Age Range: 14-21
Technique: Classical and contemporary ballet
Performance opportunities: With TBT School, TBT Company, community engagements
Tuition: $4700-$6600, merit and need based scholarships available
Room/board: Not offered
Alumni: TBT, Kansas City Ballet, Alabama Ballet, Colorado Ballet, State Street Ballet, NW Arkansas etc.
Auditions: Required, in-person or by video: summer intensive highly recommended
Daily Schedule: Daytime ballet, pointe, variations, contemporary, conditioning and/or rehearsals 6 days a week. Optional additional classes during the evening.
Additional Opportunities: Company traineeship and apprentice consideration
Sacramento Ballet Second Company & Trainee Project .
Jill Krutzkamp
Sacramento, CA
Company Affiliation: Sacramento Ballet
Size: Second Company: 6 dancers. Trainee Project: 13-20 dancers.
Age Range: 17-23 years of age.
Technique: Ballet and Contemporary Ballet.
Performance opportunities: Dancers rehearse classical and contemporary works in preparation for our Performance Series. We learn and polish a great amount of repertoire that is repeated through the year, choreographed by notable choreographers in the field. Additionally, there is an annual choreographic workshop, where the trainees have the opportunity to choreograph on their fellow colleagues and perform these works as part of the performance series. Additionally, performance opportunities include Nutcracker, other full length productions, as well as the pre-show for the annual Beer and Ballet production alongside the main company
Tuition: Second Company: Full Tuition Scholarship + Stipend. Trainee Project: Full-price tuition is $5,500 per year.
Room/board: Dancers will be responsible for finding their own housing. Dancers are urged to consider the availability of public transportation routes to Sacramento Ballet, safety and security, and cost when selecting accommodations.
Auditions: Contact: [email protected] for more information.
Daily Schedule: Monday-Friday: 9:30AM-4:00PM. Saturday’s: 9:30AM-12:15PM. Dancers will be expected to rehearse until 6:10PM when performing in Sacramento Ballet’s full-length ballets.
Additional Opportunities: Resume and audition assistance. Improvisation workshops. Videography and cinematography workshops. Health and wellness seminars. Pointe shoe seminars.
Saint Louis Ballet Professional Division
Tanya Strautmann
Chesterfield, MO
stlouisballet.org/professionaldivision
Company Affiliation: Saint Louis Ballet
Size: 15-20 students
Age Range: 18-22
Technique: Classical ballet technique, pas de deux, contemporary and variations
Performance opportunities: Saint Louis Ballet Company performances including The Nutcracker, Spring Season Performance, and outreach performances among other possible future new projects
Tuition: $335 per month for 9 months ($3015 school year)
Room/board: No room and board provided; host family opportunities and guidance provided
Alumni: BalletMet 2, Indiana University, Oklahoma University, University of Utah, Texas Christian University
Auditions: To audition please see the SLB PD website page to complete the submission form and provide a video class/performance link.
Daily Schedule: Monday – Friday 12:30-3:00pm, Saturday 12:45-3:00pm
School of Ballet 5:8 – Pre-Professional and Conservatory Programs
Julianna Rubio Slager
Orland Park, IL
Company Affiliation: Ballet 5:8
Age Range: 7-22
Technique: Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Pointe, Pas de Deux, Variations, Jazz, Modern, Progressing Ballet Technique, Ballet 5:8 Repertoire, Choreography, Composition, Pilates, Strength Training, Men’s Allegro and more.
Performance opportunities: School of Ballet 5:8 has several performing groups that invite dancers to perform throughout the school year including roles in two full-length original productions in the Spring and Winter. Additionally, several outreach performance opportunities are available.
Tuition: Detailed tuition and payment information is available by request. Some financial aid, work, men’s and merit scholarships are available.
Room/board: Not offered
Alumni: Alonzo King LINES Ballet, The School of American Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Ballet 5:8, Boston Ballet, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Charlotte Ballet, Houston Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, The Kirov School, Orlando Ballet and Pacific Northwest Ballet.
Auditions: Contact us to schedule placement classes or audition. Classes will run for 36 weeks August 22, 2022 through May 27, 2023.
Daily Schedule: Dancers train 6-30hrs per week depending on age and experience. Technique, pointe, variations, pas de deux, pilates, Progressing Ballet Technique, strength training, contemporary, modern, repertoire, men’s allegro and more are offered each year in a carefully constructed progression for dancers of every age and stage.
Additional Opportunities: School of Ballet 5:8’s Pre-Professional and Conservatory programs are comprised of world-class instructors, doctors, fitness trainers, physical therapists and mental health experts to give dancers the opportunity to grow emotionally, mentally and spiritually with well-rounded and scientific ballet education. Spaces are limited and applicants are encouraged to apply if they are intermediate through advanced dancers looking for a challenging and nurturing environment.
School of Cleveland Ballet Pre-Professional Division
Julia Tze
Cleveland, OH
clevelandballet.org/trainee-program/
Company Affiliation: Cleveland Ballet
Size: 200 students, 15 per class
Age Range: 8-22
Technique: Classical Ballet Technique, Pointe, Variations, Men’s Class, Modern, Jazz, Body Alignment, Conditioning, Character, Spanish Dance
Performance opportunities: In-studio Monthly Presentations, End-of-the-Year Performance, Community Events, Story Ballets, Cleveland Ballet Company Performances
Tuition: $220-$600 per month
Room/board: Offered
Alumni: Cleveland Ballet, New York City Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet
Auditions: Required, year-round
Daily Schedule: Ranges between 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday’s
Additional Opportunities: Cleveland Ballet Youth Company, Trainee Program, Apprentices
School of Nashville Ballet Pre-Professional Division
Sarah Dey
Nashville, TN
Company Affiliation: Nashville Ballet
Size: 40
Age Range: 16-22
Technique: Curriculum includes technique, pointe, variations, partnering, and contemporary. Students receive supplemental training on a rotational basis in other disciplines such as floor barre, jazz, modern, conditioning, Pilates, yoga, and Nashville Ballet repertory.
Performance opportunities: Showcases at The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet at the end of the fall and spring semesters and main stage performances alongside the professional company
Tuition: $4,000-$6,000
Room/board: N/A
Alumni: Nashville Ballet, Ballet West, Houston Ballet, Butler University, Charlotte Ballet, Fort Wayne Ballet, Louisville Ballet, Ballet Idaho
Auditions: Required, year-round, video auditions accepted
Daily Schedule: Ranges between either 9:00-4:30p.m. or 2:00-7:30p.m.
Additional Opportunities: class assistant opportunities, resume writing/building, additional seminars, audition prep
School of Philadelphia Ballet
Melissa Chasse
Philadelphia, PA
philadelphiaballet.org/school/programs-classes/professional-program
Company Affiliation: Philadelphia Ballet
Size: Professional Program, 24; Trainees, 18
Age Range: 13–19
Technique: classical
Performance opportunities: community engagement, spring show, and with Philadelphia Ballet, including its production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Tuition: 7800
Room/board: for summer session only
Alumni: Atlanta Ballet II, Ballet Austin, Philadelphia Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet II
Auditions: general auditions throughout the year. If necessary, individual auditions can be organized by calling the school.
Daily Schedule: 4+ hours per week; ballet technique, pointe, partnering, men’s classes, variations, modern, body conditioning
Additional Opportunities: traineeship, Philadelphia Ballet II
The HARID Conservatory
Gordon Wright
Boca Raton, FL
Company Affiliation: None
Size: Average of 40 students
Age Range: 14 – 18 years (academic grades 9 – 12)
Technique: Vaganova-based ballet
Performance opportunities: Two series of performances are presented each year. (www.harid.edu/performance-repertoire)
Tuition: None
Room/board: $13,500
Alumni: www.harid.edu/alumni-listing
Auditions: www.harid.edu/auditions
Daily Schedule: www.harid.edu/academic-year
Additional Opportunities: www.harid.edu/residence
The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory
Donna Mattiello
Torrington, CT
Company Affiliation: https://www.nutmegconservatory.org/
Size: 50, 15 – 25 per class
Age Range: 13-21
Technique: Vaganova, with contemporary influence
Performance opportunities: The Nutcracker, spring and summer series
Tuition: TBD See website for details
Room/board: TBD See website for details
Alumni: Boston Ballet, Colorado Ballet, Richmond Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Ballet West,
Auditions: In-person, virtual and video
Daily Schedule: Morning academics for high-school age students. Pre-class stretching, technique, men’s, pointe and partnering in afternoon. Repertoire in evening. Weekly modern/Pilates classes
The Rock School for Dance Education
Alisa Moore
Philadelphia, PA
Company Affiliation: N/A
Size: 75-100 students in program, 20-35 per class
Age Range: 12-19
Technique: Amalgamation of Romantic, Classical and Neo-Classical Training
Performance opportunities: Nutcracker 1776, Spring Showcase, Annual Gala, RockReach Outreach Performances and Lecture Demonstrations, Community Partnerships
Tuition: $8,050
Room/board: $20,750
Alumni: Principal dancers currently in American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Boston Ballet, English National Ballet in addition to scores of graduates dancing in companies world-wide.
Auditions: Required
Daily Schedule: 10:30 AM-5:30 PM Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM Saturday; classes include ballet technique, pointe, men’s, variations, partnering & contemporary
Additional Opportunities: Rock Academics, YAGP, Summer Ballet Intensive, Locations in Philadelphia and West Chester, PA
Tulsa Ballet Center for Dance Education: Trainee Program
Colleen Lahti
Tulsa, OK
tulsaballet.org/trainee-program
Company Affiliation: Tulsa Ballet
Size: 15-20 students
Age Range: 17-22
Technique: Based on the Russian system
Performance opportunities: Winter presentation, spring showcase, community events and performances with Tulsa Ballet and Tulsa Ballet II
Tuition: $5,040 per year
Room/board: Not offered
Alumni: Tulsa Ballet, Houston Ballet, Texas Ballet Theater
Auditions: To schedule, call school at 918.712.5327, or see website for audition locations
Daily Schedule: 30+ hours per week in ballet, pointe, variations, repertoire and contemporary
Additional Opportunities: Tulsa Ballet II (Tulsa Ballet’s second company)
Young Dancers Initiative
Irene Roberts
Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo, MI
Company Affiliation: Jodie Randolph Dance
Size: 3-15 company members accepted per location
Age Range: 13-18, students must be in high school at the start of their first season
Technique: Contemporary and Modern
Performance opportunities: Company members perform in both the Kalamazoo and Ann Arbor annual concerts in December, the Midwest Regional Alternative Dance Festival, Emerging Choreographers Project Choreographic Residency performance, collaborative community performances, and community outreach performances
Tuition: Training Track: $175/mo for a full year contract (classes only, no performance), Performance Track: $250/mo for a full year contract
Room/board: Not available
Alumni: Past students have received advanced placement in the dance programs at Pointe Park University, Western Michigan University, Wayne State University, University of Michigan, the Joffrey Ballet School Training Program, and other notable university and professional training programs
Auditions: Kalamazoo: May 28, 2022 Ann Arbor: May 29, 2022, Auditions required for all company members. Additional audition opportunities available upon request
Daily Schedule: As a supplemental training program, YDI dancers are required to attend a minimum of two ballet classes and one modern class at a dance school of their choice. Additional study in jazz dance and improvisation are highly encouraged. Kalamazoo company schedule: Saturdays, classes 12 PM – 1:30 PM, rehearsals 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM, Ann Arbor Company Schedule: Sundays, classes 1 PM – 3 PM, rehearsals 3 PM – 5 PM, Spring Specialty Workshops scheduled based on company member availability
Additional Opportunities: Admission to the YDI summer intensive, creative residency with a renowned choreographer, weekly classes with guest instructors, mentoring by company leaders and professionals working in the industry, specialty workshops on dance technology, teaching, business, and choreography, immersive study trip (when available), professional photo shoot experiences and high quality performance video, volunteer opportunities, internship opportunities, college prep mentoring and resources, flexibility to participate in outside performances.