Audition Day Questions
What do I need to do to prepare for my audition?
Boston Ballet does not pre-register for auditions. No headshots or resumes necessary. Arrive at the appointed time and location wearing appropriate dance attire; women, black leotard, pink tights, and bring Pointe shoes; men, black tights and white t-shirt.
Do women need to be on pointe to audition and be eligible for SDP?
No, Boston Ballet School recognizes that younger students may not yet be placed on pointe. Auditions are conducted accordingly. It does not affect a student’s eligibility for the program, we encourage all students to audition.
There are two auditions in my city – one for 10-14 year olds and one for 15-19 year olds. Which one should I attend?
Students must audition with their current age group. Audition group is determined by your age on the day of the audition.
What if I am unable to attend an audition in one of the 2011 Audition Tour Cities?
Attending an audition in person is strongly encouraged. If you are not able to attend a scheduled audition, you may audition by video . Video audition guidelines can be found here, on the "Video Auditions" tab.
Program Questions
How much does SDP cost?
The total cost for a residential student is $5,250 ($2,925 for tuition, $2,325 for room and board). Total cost for students choosing not to live in the dorm $2,925. A payment plan and financial assistance application are available; details are included in the admission packet upon acceptance into SDP.
Do I have to live in the dorms?
No, students may choose to commute from home or find alternate housing on their own.
What is the daily schedule like at SDP?
A typical day includes 4-6 hours of dance classes, with supplemental evening lectures and activities. Sample schedules for each program can be found on the “Dance Life” tab, here for Newton and here for Boston.
Are there different levels within the program? How and when does level placement happen?
All level placements are determined from a placement class that occurs on the first day of each program. No students are placed in any level prior to placement day.
SDP-Boston has 5 levels for women, with two classes per level, and 2 levels for men.
SDP-Newton has 3 levels for women, with two classes per level, and 1 level for men.
Are there classes on Saturdays?
Due to the rigorous dancing schedule during the week, there are no dance classes on Saturdays. Structured supplemental trips and activities are offered on Saturdays and Sundays.
Can I request to room with a specific person?
Prior to arrival at SDP, all residential students fill out a Residential Information Form indicating living habits and preferences. Students may request a roommate on this form, but requests are not guaranteed. Our residential life staff pairs students based on age, curfew group, and mutual roommate requests.
How do residential students commute between the dorms and the Boston Ballet studios?
SDP-Newton students are bussed between Mt. Ida and the Newton studios each day.
SDP-Boston students take Boston’s subway (the “T”) from Kenmore Square two short stops to Copley Square, and walk a short distance through Boston’s historic South End to the downtown studio. SDP-Boston residential students are provided with a prepaid "T" pass, required to travel in pairs, and are escorted by the Residential Staff at the beginning of the program to assist with the route. This "T" pass is included in the residential fees.
Is my student eligible for Boston Ballet School’s year round program after attending SDP?
During the second week of SDP, Boston Ballet School holds an audition for our year round pre-professional program. All SDP students are eligible to attend the audition, and if accepted, are notified within the third week of SDP. For more information about Boston Ballet School’s year round programs please click here.
