TRAINEE PROGRAM

School of Cleveland Ballet's Trainee Program is a 2-year commitment for dancers who are preparing for a professional dance career. The goal of this program is to create working professionals and perfect their ballet training.

DAILY ACTIVITIES

Trainees will participate in company class and company rehearsal during the early part of the day as well as advanced professional ballet technique, pointe and variation classes with the Pre-Professional Division.

COST

The Trainee Program's tuition is purposely kept reasonable with the intent of facilitating accessibility for a broad range of dancers. We are fully aware of the necessity for trainees to work to cover their expenses while attending the program and that paying tuition on top of their expenses can be tough.

EVALUATIONS

Trainees are evaluated twice each year by School of Cleveland Ballet artistic staff to receive detailed feedback on their progress. Those who successfully graduate from the program receive individual career advice, assistance, and counseling towards a career in dance and professional performance. Graduating trainees are seriously considered for apprenticeship positions in Cleveland Ballet as they become available, though such positions are not guaranteed.

2023-2024 TRAINEE PROGRAM AUDITIONS

PROGRAM DATES

The Trainee Program runs for 40 weeks. The 2023-2024 dates are August 21st-December 19th (17 weeks) and January 2nd-June 8th (23 weeks) but are subject to change. In addition, if accepted to the program, trainees are required to attend the summer intensive. Partial scholarships will be given for the summer intensive.

TUITION

$550 per month, totaling $5,500 for the year (August-June)

HOUSING

Housing is available and will be provided upon request. Please email school@clevelandballet.org after acceptance to learn more. Housing is not included in the tuition price.

AUDITION FEE

Due to the turbulent times, School of Cleveland Ballet understands the financial burden and will not be collecting audition fees this year.

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AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

  • Resume/CV

  • Ballet photographs

    • Headshot​

    • First arabesque (en pointe if applicable)

    • Tendu à la seconde en face (in pointe shoes if applicable)

    • Two images in the fifth position taken from the side (camera should be in front and dancer should be facing a side wall so the side profile is visible): one on flat and one on relevé for men or en pointe for women

  • Video of class (see Video Requirements)

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Audition dates are as follows:

January 29th (video audition due by January 3rd)

February 19th* (video audition due by January 30th)

March 26th (video due by March 6th)

All auditions will take place on Sundays at 1 p.m. at Cleveland Ballet studios except February 19th.

*Audition will be held at Manhattan Movement & Arts Center in New York City

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All audition materials should be emailed to audition@clevelandballet.org. Results will be released 2-4 weeks after submission.

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Due to the competitive nature of School of Cleveland Ballet's Trainee Program, space in the program is limited. We suggest sending your audition materials as soon as possible to secure your spot in the program pending acceptance.

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VIDEO REQUIREMENTS

  • Videos may be submitted as a YouTube or Vimeo link

  • Videos must be current and filmed this audition season

Exercises must be done on both sides and include the following elements:

  • Barre Work​

    • Plié​

    • Tendu

    • Dégagé

    • Rond de jambe (à terre & en l'air)

    • Fondu

    • Développé

    • Frappé

    • Grand battement

  • Center Work (women should complete en pointe if age and ability allows)

    • Tendu

    • Adagio

    • Pirouettes (fifth position, fourth position en dehors and en dedan)

    • Waltz

    • Petit allegro (sauté, jeté)

    • Grand allegro (assemble, saut de chat)

    • Pique turns for women

    • Entrechat six and tours en l'air for men

  • Classical variation of your choice (women should complete en pointe if age and ability allows)

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Women should wear a simple leotard and pink tights. Men should wear tights and a snug-fitting shirt. Flat shoes should be worn for barre, and pointe shoes should be worn by women for the center if age and ability allow. If your location requires a mask, that is acceptable to be worn as well.

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We understand that current spatial restrictions may not allow for some of the steps below to be completed. Modifications may be made if necessary, but please complete the requirements to the best of your ability.