Cincinnati Ballet’s Professional Training Division is an elite, 38-week training program designed to support the transition from student to professional dancer. Through full-day training, participants are immersed in a course of study aligned with the artistic standards of Cincinnati Ballet’s professional Company and focused on developing each student’s professional aptitude. Participants dance alongside Cincinnati Ballet’s Second Company and may be invited to perform with Cincinnati Ballet’s professional Company at the discretion of the artistic staff.
Professional Training Division
For dancers on the cusp of professional careers
Program Structure
Professional Training Division participants engage in a minimum of 27 hours of training each week through classes and rehearsals that mirror the professional Company’s schedule. The curriculum is designed to support the versatility required by the ever-expanding repertoire of ballet companies throughout the world with a specific focus on Cincinnati Ballet’s repertoire. Participants take daily classes in technique, pointe and repertoire or variations as well as weekly classes in conditioning, modern, contemporary, men’s class, pas de deux and choreography. Regular classes are supplemented by lectures, seminars and experiences designed to further immerse students in topics essential to professional success (i.e. nutrition, injury prevention, career planning, stage makeup, etc.). Frequent guest instructors include visiting artists, choreographers, directors and repetiteurs. Students also receive extensive personal coaching and career mentoring from the Academy’s faculty.
Performance Opportunities
- Select Cincinnati Ballet Productions*
- Select Second Company Performances*
- Cincinnati Ballet’s Family Series
- Spring Production
- In-Studio Showcases
- Education & Outreach Performances
- *At the invitation and discretion of artistic staff
Program Acceptance
by invitation only
Acceptance in the Professional Training Division is by invitation only. Candidates are those who have potential to seek professional employment but would benefit from an additional year of study. Students are selected by Academy leadership through the Academy’s Main Division program, Cincinnati Ballet’s Summer Intensive and our national audition tour. Professional Training Division candidates are also selected in partnership with Cincinnati Ballet’s Artistic Director.
Student Housing and Academics
Housing
Professional Training Division students are responsible for making their own housing and living arrangements, as Cincinnati Ballet does not have year-round housing options available at this time. Many students seek to live with roommates and make connections with other PTD candidates during Summer Intensive. The Ballet does its best to connect prospective roommates and answer general questions about living in the greater Cincinnati area.
Academic Education
Students participating in the Professional Training Division are typically those who have recently graduated or are about to graduate from their high school academic studies. Students who have not yet graduated are strongly advised to pursue flexible options in order to complete their academic education. These options may include online course study, homeschooling, and courses by correspondence, among others. Students are strongly encouraged to speak with the administration at their current school, as many schools often have opportunities available to students with need for academic flexibility.