Trainee

Ages 16-20
Approx. 24-26 hours/week
Audition Required

Dancers invited into the Trainee program show potential for a career in dance. While continuing to refine their technical level, they develop a greater understanding of artistic and performance qualities. Trainees may be selected to perform with PBII and the Company. Trainees will be offered guidance and advice regarding auditions, further career planning, and achieving their goals in the dance world. Trainee-level students are expected to commit to the program for at least two years.

Audition for the Trainee Program

Admission to the Pre-Professional Program is by audition only. In-person auditions are held annually, and video submissions are accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more and register for an audition at the link below. 

UPCOMING AUDITIONS 

Program Schedule and Curriculum

Class schedules for the Pre-Professional Program are subject to change and may vary based on rehearsal demands, community performances, and company productions. Dancers may be called to additional rehearsals as needed. A sample class schedule is provided below for reference.

2025-26 Sample Class Schedule

Monday 9:30-11:00 AM Ballet
11:00 AM-12:00 PM Men’s Conditioning^
12:30-1:30 PM Pas de Deux
1:30-3:00 PM Character
Tuesday 9:00-11:00 AM Ballet on Pointe*
9:00-11:00 AM Men’s Ballet^
11:00 AM-12:00 PM Pas de Deux^
11:00 AM-12:00 PM Ladies’ Variations*
1:00-2:00 PM Repertoire
1:00-2:00 PM Men’s Variations^
Wednesday 9:00-11:00 AM Ballet
12:30-1:30 PM Contemporary
2:30-4:30 PM Repertoire
Thursday 9:00-11:00 AM Ladies’ Ballet*
9:00-11:00 AM Men’s Ballet^
11:00 AM-12:00 PM Pas de Deux^
12:00-1:00 PM Pointe*
1:00-2:00 PM Pas de Deux
2:00-3:00 PM Music
Friday 9:30-11:00 AM Ballet
11:00 AM-12:00 PM Character
1:00-2:30 PM Contemporary
2:30-3:30 PM Conditioning
Saturday 9:30-11:00 AM Ballet
11:00 AM-1:00 PM Flamenco

*Female-Identifying Students Only
^Male-Identifying Students Only[/expand]

Tuition Information

Tuition information for the 2026-27 School Year will be announced in Spring 2026.

2025-26 Tuition Information

Registration Fee
Due upon registration
$80.00
Tuition $875.00/month
Spring Showcase Participation Fee
Due on February 1st
$185.00

 

Performance Opportunities

Performance is central to the Pre-Professional experience, helping dancers develop stage presence, versatility, and confidence across styles. Learn more about performance opportunities for School of Philadelphia Ballet students at the link below.

LEARN MORE

Living & Training in Philadelphia

Training at SPB means studying in the heart of one of America’s most vibrant and historic cities. Philadelphia offers a dynamic arts community, rich cultural institutions, world-class universities, and a thriving professional dance ecosystem.

Students benefit from:

  • Direct access to a professional ballet company environment
  • A city known for its strong contemporary and interdisciplinary arts scene
  • Walkable neighborhoods and public transportation
  • Major performance venues, museums, and cultural events

Residence Program
For students training away from home, SPB offers a structured and supportive Residence Program designed specifically for pre-professional dancers.

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Academic Resources and Cyber Classroom
We understand that serious dance training must be paired with strong academic support. SPB partners with respected academic institutions to provide flexible, high-quality educational options for student dancers.

LEARN MORE

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Faculty

Meet our school’s highly respected roster of dance educators as well as our lineup of renowned guest instructors.

Auditions

Don’t miss out! Learn the when, where, and how of our national audition tour, scheduled in cities around the country each January and February.

Parent Community

As part of the Philadelphia Ballet family, we gladly provide this page as a useful resource for important information pertaining to your child’s dance education.