The Pre-Professional Division is a year-round program open to dancers ages 15-21 by audition only and offers intensive study in ballet, pointe, male and female variations, pas de deux, men’s technique, modern and jazz. Our goal is to provide a transitional experience from the academic training setting to the world of professional dance. These students have the opportunity to work and perform with the Charlotte Ballet, and are considered for future employment with Charlotte Ballet II and the first Company. Our ultimate goal is to increase the stylistic range and versatility of our dancers, increasing their chances of a prosperous professional career with a variety of companies. Charlotte Ballet Academy is not an SEVP certified school.
HOW ARE STUDENTS PREPARED FOR A PROFESSIONAL CAREER?
Students receive a dynamic training curriculum that incorporates a variety of dance styles in class, rehearsals and performances; the opportunity to learn and perform Charlotte Ballet’s and Charlotte Ballet II’s eclectic repertoire; Access to work alongside professional company dancers and artistic staff; Professional support from faculty, offered in conference sessions and letters of reference.
CLASSES
PRE-PRO TECHNIQUES
Ballet, Contemporary, Repertory Class, Pointe, Pas de Deux, Men’s/Women’s Variations and Ensemble to further develop strength, artistry and technical proficiency.
SUPPLEMENTAL CLASSES
Pilates, Floor Barre, Conditioning and Cross Training
WORKSHOP STUDIES
Modern and Jazz to find not only their technical best, but also a high-performance level in their focus, projection and musicality.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Trainee dancers are required to participate in the Repertory Ensemble. This most advanced level student has the privilege of working with Charlotte Ballet as well as guest choreographers. Scheduled appearances for Repertory Ensemble include dance festivals, workshop performances, and an annual spring performance.
AUDITIONING & PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
Dancers may audition for the Pre-Professional Program through our National Audition Tour and by attending our Summer Intensive program. Those who are interested in the year-round program are required to attend our Summer Intensive, allowing faculty to fully evaluate dancers for acceptance.
CRITERIA TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY FOR THIS INTENSE LEVEL OF TRAINING:
- Natural physical attributes: flexibility, coordination, body proportion, arch of the foot, line of the leg, muscle strength, stamina, jump, turn-out
- Musicality
- Focus, level of discipline, ability to learn quickly
- Commitment level: desire, drive, passion for the art form, attendance record
Trainee positions have been filled for the 2023/2024 season.
POSITIONS
Trainee
Trainees engage in 30 hours per week of classes and rehearsals that comprise the Pre-Professional Division curriculum. Trainees rehearse and perform original choreographic works and repertoire ranging from classical to contemporary as part of Charlotte Ballet Repertory Ensemble. Trainees have opportunities to perform in Charlotte Ballet company productions. The Trainee is a tuition-based position.
Men’s Program
Centered upon classical ballet, our training provides a dynamic curriculum that also emphasizes a range of contemporary dance techniques. Dancers develop proficiency and artistry through their full schedule of classes, rehearsals and performances. Male dancers train with Charlotte Ballet Pre-Professional program’s esteemed faculty, including Academy Associate Director and head of Men’s Program, Laszlo Berdo. For more information, contact Laszlo Berdo.
Male Trainees Receive:
- Full Tuition Scholarship to Charlotte Ballet’s Summer Intensive
- Additional potential earnings for pas de deux work within Academy
