Charlotte Ballet’s Summer Intensive is recognized for its strong training, diverse classes, rigorous schedule and supportive faculty. At Charlotte Ballet, dancers are encouraged to refine their strength in classical ballet technique and explore new movement. The Academy uses the Summer Intensive as a time to evaluate dancers for acceptance into our year-round training program as a Trainee within the Pre-Professional Division. Dancers who wish to be considered for this program are required to attend our Summer Intensive.
Training six days a week, dancers ages 11-22 work with renowned resident and guest teachers, who are invested in each dancer’s growth. The Summer Intensive concludes with the Summer Repertory Performances at Charlotte Ballet’s Center for Dance.
To be considered for acceptance into Charlotte Ballet’s Summer Intensive, dancers must attend an audition scheduled on the National Audition Tour OR submit a video audition. Please note that at least one year of previous pointe training is required for Summer Intensive acceptance.
SAMPLE TUITION & HOUSING/MEAL PLAN
SESSION A: 5 WEEKS
June 22 – July 25, 2026
Registration & Fees: $210
Tuition: $2,965
Housing: $3,850
SESSION B: 4 WEEKS
(option for Levels 1 & 2 only)
June 29 – July 25, 2026
Registration & Fees: $210
Tuition: $2,760
Housing: $3,590
Final tuition will be announced in the coming weeks.
LEVEL PLACEMENT
Charlotte Ballet places dancers into Levels 1 through 4 that best match their technical ability, physical strength, and understanding of movement. The highest of the levels is level 4. Dancers are placed in levels before arriving for the Intensive. Dancers will be notified of level placement at the time of acceptance. Subsequent evaluation of all dancers will take place during the first week of classes.
CURRICULUM
Ballet
Pointe (required)*
Pas de Deux (Levels 3 & 4)
Male & Female Variations
Men’s Technique Classes
Modern
Jazz
Yoga
Conditioning
Contemporary Ballet
Musical Theatre
Charlotte Ballet Company Repertoire
Faculty Lectures
*Please note that at least one year of previous pointe training is required for Summer Intensive acceptance.
SAMPLE CLASS SCHEDULE
Note: Pas de Deux will be offered to all dancers in Levels 3 & 4.
Weekly schedules are subject to change. Changes will be made to master copies posted at the Center for Dance only.
ADMISSION
MERIT SCHOLARSHIP & FINANCIAL AID
All merit-based scholarships are awarded to the dancer at the time of acceptance via email.
Scholarships based on both merit and financial need require a separate Financial Aid Application.
After the dancer has auditioned and has been accepted into the Summer Intensive, please contact Academy Business Manager Amber Bennett at abennett@charlotteballet.org to receive the Financial Aid application.
ACCEPTANCE
Dancers will receive program registration information with their acceptance email. Prompt registration is encouraged, as space in the program is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Charlotte Ballet’s Summer Intensive program has a limited capacity. Online registration is the only way to secure a spot.
HOUSING
Charlotte Ballet offers dormitory housing to dancers during the Summer Intensive. Housing costs include a Meal Plan, Activity Fee and Transportation.
The Meal Plan includes breakfast and dinner in the campus dining hall Monday – Saturday, with boxed lunches delivered to the Center for Dance. Brunch and dinner are provided on campus each Sunday.
The Activity Fee covers weekly on and off-campus excursions. Past activities have included: Charlotte Knights baseball games, Carowinds, 4th of July fireworks, Discovery Place Museum, a Charlotte MLS game, etc.
Transportation costs include daily transportation between dormitory housing and Charlotte Ballet’s Center for Dance.
FACULTY
Charlotte Ballet was thrilled to welcome renowned resident and guest faculty for Summer Intensive 2024!
Guest faculty include:
Hernan Justo
Erika Lambe
Anita Pacylowski
Olivier Pardina
Guest faculty subject to change.
DRESS CODE
Please come prepared with the correct attire and supplies for all classes as listed below. No sweat clothes or legwarmers are allowed in any dance class. No jewelry, except stud earrings, is allowed for classes or rehearsals.
WOMEN
Ballet: Solid-colored leotard, pink or flesh tone tights and matching ballet slippers. Tights should not roll up. Pointe shoes with ribbons. Skirts may be worn in Variations classes and Repertory classes and rehearsals.
Improv: Solid-colored leotard or unitard, form-fitting yoga or athletic pants. No sweatpants.
Contemporary: Solid-colored leotard, black leggins or fire-leg workout pants, soft black or tan jazz shoes.
Musical Theatre (Levels 1 – 2): Soft black or tan jazz shoes (required), black leggings or flare-leg workout pants, jazz sneakers (optional).
Musical Theatre (Levels 3 – 4): Soft black or tan jazz shoes (required), black leggings or fare-leg workout pants, black or tan character shoes with a 2 or 2.5 inch heel with flexible sole, jazz sneakers (optional), simple knee to mid-calf length skirt (optional).
Conditioning: Sneakers, dance clothes or active wear; please no crop tops or sports bras without a shirt.
All Dancers: Tennis ball, theraband, 9″ pilates ball, yoga mat, yoga block, notebook & writing utensil for faculty lectures.
Hair: Hair must be neatly pulled away from the face, and secured so that it does not move apart from the head.
MEN
Ballet: Solid white, tight-fitting t-shirt tucked in or white leotard, black tights not rolled up, white socks and black ballet shoes OR black tights not rolled up, white socks, and white ballet shoes.
Improv: White t-shirt or solid-colored leotard or unitard, black bike shorts or footless black tights, form-fitting yoga or athletic pants. No sweatpants.
Contemporary: Solid-colored top, black jazz pants/form-fitting yoga or athletic pants, black jazz shoes.
Musical Theatre: Soft black or tan jazz shoes (required), black leggings or flare-leg workout pants, jazz sneakers (optional).
Conditioning: sneakers, dance clothes or active wear.
All dancers: Tennis ball, theraband, 9″ pilates ball, yoga mat, yoga block, notebook & writing utensil for faculty lectures.
Hair: Hair should be neatly styled away from the face. Long hair should be kept in a low ponytail or secure style.
PERFORMANCE NEEDS
All dancers will need to bring their own stage make-up for the Summer Repertory Performances.
Ladies: please bring one skin-colored leotard for quick changes and a black Wear Moi – FAUSTINE camisole leotard and black ballet skirt.
Gentlemen: please bring a black Mariia Crown – Men’s Short Sleeve Dance Tee and black footed tights.
