PRE-PROFESSIONAL DIVISION

The Pre-Professional Division is open to dancers ages 15-21 by audition only and offers intensive study in ballet, pointe, male and female variations, pas de deux, men’s technique, modern, and jazz. The purpose of our Pre-Professional program is to provide a transitional experience for dancers as they move from the academic ballet setting to the world of professional dance. It is also an opportunity to increase the stylistic range and versatility of a dancer by exposing them to a variety of dance styles in class, rehearsals, and performances. Students in this Division are primarily training for professional performing careers in classical ballet or modern dance but are also encouraged to pursue their interests in teaching and choreography.

At Charlotte Ballet we recognize that a student’s transition from the academic training setting to the world of professional dance, is a vital point in the journey of a dancer. Our Pre-Professional Division is designed to support and grow dancers during this critical and exciting time.

Charlotte Ballet has a reputation for producing versatile dancers. Our Pre-Professional Division is designed to not only prepare dancers for a possible career with Charlotte Ballet, but our ultimate goal is to increase a student’s chances of a prosperous professional career with a variety of companies. Pre-Professional Division students have the opportunity to work and perform with the Charlotte Ballet, and are considered for future employment with Charlotte Ballet II and the first Company.

Please contact ruth gibbs, Academy program manager with any questions.

How are students prepared for a professional career?

– A dynamic training curriculum the incorporates a variety of dance styles in class, rehearsals and performances

– The opportunity to learn and perform Charlotte Ballet’s and Charlotte Ballet II’s eclectic repertoire

– Access to work alongside our professional company dancers and artistic staff

– Professional support from faculty, offered in conference sessions and letters of reference

POSITIONS

SENIOR TRAINEE – Training culminates in the Senior Trainee position, in which dancers participate in the Pre-Professional Division curriculum and have access to additional opportunities such as once weekly company class and individual repertoire coaching. Senior Trainees are engaged to perform in Charlotte Ballet’s large-scale company productions. The Senior Trainee is a full scholarship position.

TRAINEE – Trainees engage in 30 hours per week of classes and rehearsals that comprise the Pre-Professional Division curriculum. Trainees rehearse and perform original choreographic works and repertoire ranging from classical to contemporary as part of Charlotte Ballet Repertory Ensemble. Trainees have opportunities to perform in Charlotte Ballet company productions. The Trainee is a tuition-based position for which Charlotte Ballet offers a limited number of scholarships. Contact ruth gibbs, Academy program manager, for further tuition information.

CLASS SCHEDULE

MONDAY
Ballet Technique 9:30 – 11 AM
Composition 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Lunch Break 12:15 – 1:15 PM
Men’s/Women’s Variations 1:15 – 2:30 PM
Workshop Studies (Jazz) 2:30 – 4 PM

TUESDAY
Ballet Technique 9:30 – 11 AM
Pointe 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Men’s Technique/Variations 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Lunch Break 12:15 – 1:15 PM
Classical Repertoire 1:15 – 2:45 PM
Conditioning 3 – 4 PM

WEDNESDAY
Conditioning 8:30 – 9:30 AM
Women’s Technique 9:30 – 11 AM
Men’s Technique 9:30 – 11 AM
Variations 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Lunch 12:15 – 1:15 PM
Rehearsals 1:15 – 3:15 PM
Pas de Deux 5 (Men Only) 7:30 – 8:30 PM

THURSDAY
Ballet Technique 9:30 – 11 AM
Pointe 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Men’s Technique/Variations 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Lunch Break 12:15 – 1:15 PM
Classical Repertoire 1:15 – 2:45 PM
Rehearsals 2:45 – 4 PM
Pas de Deux 4:15 – 5:15 PM

FRIDAY
Ballet Technique 9:30 – 11 AM
Men’s/Women’s Variations 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Lunch Break 12:15 – 1:15 PM
Classical Repertoire 1:15 – 2:45 PM
Workshop Studies (Modern) 3 – 4:30 PM

SATURDAY
Ballet Technique 9:30 – 11 AM
Rehearsals 3 – 5 PM

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

PRE-PROFESSIONAL TECHNIQUES – Ballet, Contemporary, Repertory Class, Pointe, Pas de Deux, Men’s/Women’ Variations and Ensemble. These classes are designed to further develop the most advanced student’s strength, artistry and technical proficiency.

SUPPLEMENTAL CLASSES – Pilates, Floor Barre, Conditioning and Cross Training

WORKSHOP STUDIES – This class will offer the highest level of challenge in
both Modern and Jazz medium. Students will be encouraged to find not only their technical best, but also a high-performance level in their focus, projection and musicality while gaining a solid understanding of specific techniques.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Trainee dancers are required to participate in the Repertory Ensemble. This most advanced level student has the privilege of working with Charlotte Ballet as well as guest choreographers in preparation for performances at the annual Regional Dance America/Southeast Regional Ballet Association festival (RDA/SERBA). Scheduled appearances for Repertory Ensemble include dance festivals, workshop performances, and an annual spring performance. The Repertory Ensemble also participates in the Academy’s annual Benefit Performance at the Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux and Patricia McBride Center for Dance.

Auditioning & Program Eligibility

Please check back soon regarding 2019/2020 Pre-Professional Division auditions.

Those who are interested in the Charlotte Ballet Pre-Professional Division will be asked to attend our Summer Intensive. The Academy uses the Summer Intensive as a time to evaluate dancers for acceptance into our year-round training programs at the Senior Trainee & Trainee levels. Dancers may audition for the Summer Intensive program either by video or in person in part of our National Audition Tour.

Students are evaluated on the following criteria to determine eligibility for this intense level of training:

– Natural physical attributes such as flexibility, coordination, body proportion, arch of the foot, line of the leg, muscle strength, stamina, jump, turn-out
– Musicality
– Focus, level of discipline, ability to learn quickly
– Commitment level which includes desire, drive, passion for the art form, attendance record

Please note Charlotte Ballet Academy is not an SEVP certified school.

Dress Code

Academy dress code attire is available for purchase at Morris Costumes and M.A.Zing Dancewear.

Women’s Ballet Class Attire

Item	Brand	Style	Color
Leotard 1 (required for classes Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays)	WearMoi	Faustine OR Emeraude	Black
Leotard 2 (required for classes Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays)	WearMoi	Faustine OR Emeraude	Maroon

Skirt	Skirts are not allowed except for variations/rehearsals
Tights	pink or flesh tone tights

Rehearsal Tutus

All female dancers in the Pre-Professional Division of the Academy are required to purchase a rehearsal tutu to be used in pas de deux and variations classes and in rehearsals as needed. A tutu bag for storage should be purchased as well.

Women’s Hair

Hair should be neatly pulled away from the face, and secured in a bun, twist, or style without loose ends. Hair shorter than length needed for a bun or twist should be secured with a headband.

Men’s Ballet Class Attire

Item	Brand	Style	Color
Shirt	Eurotard OR WearMoi	Crew Neck Top OR Conrad	White AND Black


Footed Tights	Eurotard OR WearMoi	Footed Euroskins OR Orion	Black

Dance belt	Capezio	#CPN5930	Nude
	Bloch	#BLB3914
Shoes	Bloch	#BL208L, #BL208M	Black Leather

Men’s Hair

Hair should be worn neatly away from the face. Long hair should be secured in a ponytail, headband, or similar.