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Dancers of Boston Ballet’s Donna Egan Graduate Program and Boston Ballet II in La Esmeralda Suite by Brooke Trisolini
Donna Egan Graduate Program
Boston Ballet’s Donna Egan Graduate Program provides an entryway for young artists to experience the daily life of a professional dancer. Graduates train, rehearse and perform alongside Boston Ballet’s second company (BBll) and Boston Ballet’s main company. Through direct interaction with all aspects of Boston Ballet, Graduates thrive, grow and expand their understanding of the profession.
Graduates develop both artistic and technical qualities in a small, supportive environment. Immersed in classes, repertoire rehearsals, coaching, mentoring sessions and performances, these emerging professionals develop the skills needed to become well-rounded working artists.
Rising Stars presents repertoire curated for Boston Ballet’s blackbox theater, comprised of classical, contemporary and new works selected to showcase each Graduate and BBll dancer.
Next Generation is performed to live orchestra on Boston Ballet’s mainstage, the Citizens Opera House. Repertoire consists of excerpts from full-length classical, neoclassical and commissioned works designed to celebrate these future professionals.
Artists of Boston Ballet in Frederick Ashton’s Cinderella by Liza Voll
Company Productions
In addition to their own dedicated performances, Graduates participate in Boston Ballet repertoire rehearsals and performances. They are instrumental in Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker, full-length productions such as Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, Cinderella, La Bayadère, Giselle, Balanchine’s Jewels, and larger contemporary works such as Crystal Pite’s The Seasons’ Canon. For the 2026–2027 season, Graduates perform in Ashton’s Cinderella and Balanchine’s Coppélia and Gounod Symphony.
Emily Aston (Boston Ballet Artist, former Graduate Program dancer) and Artists of Boston Ballet in Marius Petipa’s The Sleeping Beauty by Brooke Trisolini
Additional Program Benefits
Regular Company class participation.
Guest stagers and choreographers. (Previous choreographers include: Resident Choreographer Jorma Elo, Ricardo Amarante, Adrienne Canterna, Lia Cirio, Paul Craig, Chyrstyn Fentroy, Jodie Gates, Anna Hughlett, Sonia Kim, Valentina Kozlova, Alexander Mockrish, Daniel Rubin, Andrea Shermoly)
Physical Therapy and Conditioning (individual sessions, consultations and assessments)
Direct referral to Boston Ballet’s Physician and Health and Wellness Team.
Audition guidance and oversight (coaching, resume review and access to headshot and photo sessions)
Pointe shoe/soft shoes provided for use during the season. Individual pointe shoe fittings.
“Grad Gatherings” for mentorship moments (nutrition seminars, mental health seminars, individual consultations as needed)
To apply to the Graduate Program, visit Boston Ballet’s AUDITIONS page. Applicants should submit their materials by the end of January.
Students of Boston Ballet School’s Professional Division at Walnut Hill are evaluated throughout the year and do not need to submit separate audition materials.
Older or more experienced candidates may be interested in auditioning for Boston Ballet II.
Frequently Asked Questions
For any questions not answered here, please contact Caroline Elliott, Manager of Professional Track Programs, at CELLIOTT@BOSTONBALLET.ORG.
What is the age range for the Graduate Program? Graduate Program candidates have completed their high school education and are between 18 and 20. Older or more experienced candidates may be interested in auditioning for Boston Ballet II.
Do I have to audition for the program? Yes, acceptance to the Graduate Program is by audition only. Please visit Boston Ballet’s AUDITIONS page for more information.
Do you accept international dancers? Yes. Boston Ballet School can sponsor M1 student visas for Graduates from outside the US. Upon their acceptance into the Graduate Program, Boston Ballet School will work with families to make sure all the necessary steps are taken. Please be aware that Boston Ballet School does not cover the expenses of visa processing or other related fees.
What is the size of the Graduate Program? The Graduate Program is a small group, no more than 15 dancers, selected by the Artistic Team.
What are the dates for the Graduate Program? The Graduate Program follows Boston Ballet’s season calendar which runs from early August to early June. A brief winter break in early January follows the conclusion of Nutcracker.
Is there a tuition cost for the Graduate Program? No, the Graduate Program is endowed to remain tuition-free for participants.
Is housing provided for the Graduate Program? We help incoming Graduates connect with each other and local realtors to search for housing. The program does not provide room and board.
Do Boston Ballet Graduates get a salary? No, participants in the Graduate Program are not employees of Boston Ballet and do not receive a salary. However, some Graduates may independently apply for limited part-time work within Boston Ballet and Boston Ballet School. (Unfortunately, we are not able to offer employment to any international participants.)
Is there Physical Therapy? Regular physical therapy is included as part of the Graduate Program.
Does Boston Ballet provide health insurance for Graduates? No, Graduates must provide proof of their own health insurance.
Boston Ballet School is proud to be a partner of the PRIX DE LAUSANNE.
2026–2027 Donna Egan Graduate Program
Back Row: Lukas Rueda, Rio Katumba, Peter Simonini, Fletcher Thomas, Daniel Cruden; Middle Row: Payton Woodham, Jane Woodford, Amelia Ball, Natalie Heldmann, Jocelyn Herstone, Hayden Floyd; Front Row: Eika Sakaguchi, Hannah Anderson, Misha MacGowan, Luxi He
