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Trainee

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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 Pre-Professional 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

Registration for the 2026/27 School Year Opens on June 1, 2026!

Accepted students can complete program registration through the JackRabbit Parent Portal linked below.

Access the PARENT PORTAL

The 2026/27 School Year begins on August 31, 2026, and ends on June 6, 2027. Families can view the 2026/27 School Calendar at the link below.

2026/27 School Calendar

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.

2026/27 Sample Class Schedule

Monday 8:45-9:30 AM Ladies’ Conditioning*
9:30-11:30 AM Men’s Ballet^
9:45-11:30 AM Ladies’ Ballet*
11:45 AM-12:45 PM Pas de Deux
1:15-2:45 PM Character
3:00-4:30 PM Repertoire rehearsals as called
Tuesday 9:30-11:30 AM Ballet
12:30-2:00 PM Contemporary
4:00-4:45 PM Dance History
Wednesday 9:00-9:45 AM Men’s Conditioning
9:30-11:30 AM Ladies’ Ballet*
11:30 AM-12:30 PM Pointe*
11:30 AM-12:30 PM Pas de Deux^
2:30-4:30 PM Repertoire rehearsals as called
Thursday 9:30-11:00 AM Ballet
11:00 AM-12:00 PM Pointe*
11:00 AM-12:00 PM Pas de Deux^
12:30-1:30 PM Variations
2:00-5:00 PM Repertoire rehearsals as called
Friday 9:30-11:30 AM Ladies’ Ballet*
9:30-11:30 AM Men’s Ballet^
11:45-12:45 PM Pas de Deux
12:45-1:45 PM Men’s Variations^
Saturday 10:00-11:30 AM Ballet
11:30 AM-1:00 PM Flamenco

*Female-Identifying Students Only
^Male-Identifying Students Only

Tuition Information

2026/27 Tuition Information

Registration Fee
Due upon registration		 $80.00
Tuition $875.00/month
Health & Wellness Fee
Due on September 1, 2026		 $200.00
Spring Showcase Participation Fee
Due on February 1, 2027		 $185.00

 

2026/27 Tuition Installments

A one-time Registration Fee is due upon enrollment. Tuition for School Year programs is divided into nine (9) equal installments, billed on the first business day of each month. Please note that billing dates may be adjusted in observance of School Office closures.

Billing Date Tuition Installment
September 1, 2026 September Tuition Installment
Health & Wellness Fee
October 1, 2026 October Tuition Installment
November 2, 2026 November Tuition Installment
December 1, 2026 December Tuition Installment
January 4, 2027 January Tuition Installment
February 2, 2027 February Tuition Installment
Spring Showcase Participation Fee
March 3, 2027 March Tuition Installment
April 1, 2027 April Tuition Installment
May 3, 2027 May Tuition Installment
Students enrolling after September 1, 2026, will begin tuition installments during their month of enrollment. Tuition installments are not prorated.

Payment Information

All payments are processed manually by the School Office. Families cannot submit payments directly through the Parent Portal. Tuition and fees will be charged to the primary card on file in JackRabbit, which may be updated at any time through the Parent Portal. Checks are also accepted onsite at our Philadelphia studios.

School of Philadelphia Ballet is committed to working with families to support their child’s dance education. Alternative payment plans may be available. To connect about payment options, contact the School Office at [email protected]. All tuition and fees must be paid in full by May 15, 2027.

Refund Policy

Registered students who need to withdraw due to injury must submit a letter of explanation from a licensed physician. At that time, School of Philadelphia Ballet will consider refunds towards tuition fees only. All other fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Should a student withdraw without recommendation from a licensed physician, all paid fees will be forfeited to SPB. School of Philadelphia Ballet is not liable or obligated in any way to process refunds or issue any tuition credits. Refunds or tuition credits will not be given for classes missed due to illness, injury, vacation, or weather.

Scholarships

At School of Philadelphia Ballet, we are committed to fostering talent, diversity, and accessibility within our student body, as reflected through our scholarship program. We are proud to offer scholarships designed to support students who demonstrate exceptional talent or financial need, ensuring that opportunities for artistic growth are accessible to all. Learn more about School of Philadelphia Ballet’s Scholarship Opportunities at the link below.

LEARN MORE

Health & Wellness Program

School of Philadelphia Ballet’s Health & Wellness Program is designed to equip dancers with essential knowledge and skills to support a sustainable and healthy dance career. Integrated into the Pre-Professional Program curriculum, this program features a series of 1×1 sessions, group classes, and seminars led by distinguished professionals in the dance health field. Participants will gain valuable insights into injury prevention, nutrition, and overall well-being. Offerings include:

  • 1:1 sessions with a licensed Physical Therapist
  • Individual consultations with sports medicine physicians
  • Nutrition classes and consultations
  • Seminars with a Certified Mental Performance Consultant®
  • Gyrokinesis classes
  • Seminars with a Certified Sleep Coach

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.

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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.

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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.