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Photo by Liza Voll
Boston Ballet School’s Professional Training Program prepares young, emerging artists from around the world for professional dance careers through intensive daily training, performance experience, and mentorship. Limited to 24 participants per year, students receive individualized attention and development in a small, focused environment.
Photos by Liza Voll
The Professional Training Program’s curriculum has been designed by Boston Ballet Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen to represent the needs of a Boston Ballet dancer.
Training includes daily technique classes in addition to regular pointe, men’s work, character dance, pas de deux, and conditioning. Students also gain valuable rehearsal experience oriented towards developing their performance skills and stage presence. With in-studio training at the forefront of the experience, most performance opportunities take the shape of informal showings held throughout the year.
Photos by Liza Voll
In addition to our esteemed year-round faculty, Boston Ballet School is pleased to welcome José Manuel Carreño as primary faculty for this program. Students will also have the opportunity to work with Kathleen Mitchell, Director of Boston Ballet’s Donna Egan Graduate Program and Joan Boada, Associate Director of Boston Ballet II. The program is further enriched by a guest artist series, providing students with the opportunity to learn from industry professionals from around the world, as well as Boston Ballet’s own rehearsal directors, répétiteurs, and choreographers.
Students train six days a week at Boston Ballet’s headquarters, where, between 9:30 am and 6:30 pm, they have time for both intensive training and academic studies. Both the curriculum and the daily schedule are intended to offer flexibility, so students get exactly what they need at each point in the year.
Additional program benefits include on-site Physical Therapy, referral to Boston Ballet’s off-site healthcare providers, and audition guidance and support.
Boston Ballet II and Boston Ballet’s Donna Egan Graduate Program artists by Lucia Johnson
Beyond the studio, all students in the Professional Training Program participate in Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker. After a rehearsal process spanning much of the fall, students will perform a variety of roles alongside Boston Ballet dancers at the Citizens Opera House in one of Boston’s favorite holiday traditions.
Each spring, Next Generation is a celebration of Boston Ballet’s and Boston Ballet School’s emerging artists. Performed with a live orchestra at the Citizens Opera House, repertoire consists of excerpts from full-length classical and neoclassical works, as well as commissioned works from both renowned and upcoming choreographers. Professional Training Program students will perform alongside Boston Ballet II and the Donna Egan Graduate Program.
The Newman School by unknown
Students and their families are responsible for independently continuing their academic education and securing local housing. While families have the option to find the solution that best fits their needs, Boston Ballet School highly recommends that students consider THE NEWMAN SCHOOL for both their housing and academics.
Newman provides the opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds to pursue serious studies in a welcoming and supportive environment where self and community are paramount. The Newman School is conveniently located within walking distance of Boston Ballet, and they have committed to providing a flexible academic schedule to accommodate students’ dance training. Learn more about benefits Newman will offer to Professional Training Program students HERE.
Photo by Liza Voll
While high-level ballet students are often on custom academic timelines, the program is intended for students who would normally be in their junior or senior years of high school, approximately between the ages of 16 and 18.
Older or more experienced candidates may also be interested in auditioning for Boston Ballet’s GRADUATE PROGRAM or Boston Ballet II.
Tuition for the Professional Training Program is $15,000. Need-based Financial Assistance is available, and limited merit awards will be offered at the discretion of Artistic Staff.
To apply to the Professional Training Program, candidates must submit audition materials to Boston Ballet School’s DANCE APPLY page. The registration fee for a pre-audition video submission is $50. For more information on what your pre-audition video should feature, please review our PRE-AUDITION GUIDELINES. Select students will be invited to an in-person audition experience in Boston. Auditions will be held on the following timelines:
Option 1
Students must submit audition materials to Dance Apply by January 31, 2027 to be considered for an in-person audition experience in Boston on February 27, 2027.
Option 2
Students must submit audition materials to Dance Apply by April 11, 2027 to be considered for an in-person audition experience in Boston on May 8, 2027.
Summer
It is our goal to have the program as close to fully enrolled as possible by the end of the preceding spring, but audition opportunities will be made available in July on a case-by-case basis.
Please note, those who submit a pre-audition for our Professional Training Program will automatically be evaluated for acceptance into our Summer Dance Program and do not need to separately submit their video audition twice.
For any questions not answered here, please contact SCHOOL@BOSTONBALLET.ORG.
What is the age range for the Professional Training Program?
While high-level ballet students are often on custom academic timelines, the program is intended for students who would normally be in their junior or senior years of high school, approximately between the ages of 16 and 18.
Older or more experienced candidates may also be interested in auditioning for Boston Ballet’s Graduate Program or Boston Ballet II.
What is the difference between the Professional Training Program and the Professional Division at Walnut Hill School for the Arts?
While the Professional Division at Walnut Hill is open to all high-school grades, the Professional Training Program is for a more focused age group. This program is for students in their junior or senior years of high school.
Furthermore, the Professional Training Program will run out of Boston Ballet’s headquarters in the South End neighborhood of Boston, allowing students to have greater access to collaboration with Graduate Program, BBII, and Boston Ballet personnel.
Lastly, while Professional Division students are fully committed to Walnut Hill’s academics and have access to their on campus housing, the Professional Trainee Program will give families the choice to select an academic and housing solutions that best fits their needs and preferences.
How many years can a student be enrolled in the Professional Training Program?
Students may be enrolled in the program for either one or two years, depending on their age. While high-level ballet students are often on custom academic timelines, the program is intended for students who would normally be in their junior or senior years of high school.
Do I have to audition for the program?
Yes. Interested candidates must submit audition materials to Boston Ballet School’s DANCE APPLY page. For more information on what your pre-audition video should feature, please review our PRE-AUDITION GUIDELINES. Based on these submissions, select candidates will be invited to continue the audition review process.
Do you accept international students?
Yes. Boston Ballet School can sponsor Form I-20s and M1 student visas for students from outside the US. Upon their acceptance into the 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 Professional Training Program?
The Professional Training Program is a small group, no more than 24 students, selected by Artistic Staff.
What are the dates for the Professional Training Program?
The Professional Training Program will begin the week of Labor Day (early September) and run through early/mid-June.
Is there a tuition cost for the Professional Training Program?
Yes. The tuition cost is $15,000. Both merit awards and need-based Financial Assistance are available.
Is housing provided for the Professional Training Program?
The program does not provide room and board or academic studies. Please contact SCHOOL@BOSTONBALLET.ORG, to discuss housing and academic solutions that best fit your family’s needs.
