Cincinnati Ballet’s Professional Training Division is an elite 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 perform their own repertoire, dance alongside Cincinnati Ballet’s Second Company, and may be invited to perform with Cincinnati Ballet’s professional Company at the invitation of the artistic staff.
Professional Training Division participants engage in approximately 25 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. Regular classes are supplemented by classes in other genres (i.e. modern, conditioning, contemporary and choreography) as well as lectures, seminars and experiences designed to further immerse students in topics essential to professional success (i.e. 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.
Back Row: Andrew Fung, Ciarán Barlow, Caroline Love, Charlotte Gularson, Elizabeth Jacobson, Engler Gonzalez, Noah Gnes
Middle Row: Madison Taylor, Anna Doggett, Elizabeth Swisher, Brianne Falanga, Helen Jardon, Anneliese Welsh
Front Row: Fiona Allen, Sierra Severt, Fiona Murphy, Taylor Petrowski, Jenna Renfield
Back Row: Gianna Brace, Madeline Flythe, Julianna Varner, Katie Stuckenschneider, Carmen Doll
Front Row: Frances Bennett, Claire Daley, Sanaa Brown, Catherine Voorhees
Performance is an integral component of the Professional Training Division experience. Participants have opportunity to engage in the following performance opportunities:
* At the invitation of artistic staff
Acceptance in the Professional Training Division is by invitation only. Candidates are those who have potential to seek professional employment but would benefit from additional study. Students are selected by Academy leadership through the Academy’s Advanced Division program, Cincinnati Ballet’s Summer and Collegiate Intensives, and our national audition tour.
An in-person program experience or audition is a requirement for consideration. Those interested in pursuing candidacy for Cincinnati Ballet’s Professional Training Division may express their interest through an initial video audition. From there, students may be invited to an in-person audition or to participate in an Academy program.
Video submissions received between August 2023 and May 2024 will be considered for the 2024-2025 Season. Early application is strongly encouraged as opportunities become more limited through the year. Applicants may register via the link below. Video applications will not be reviewed until online registration is received.
VIDEO AUDITION FEE:
$50 (nonrefundable)
| VIDEO AUDITION GUIDE |
| Video auditions should be performed in leotard and tights or tight-fitting dancewear. Videos require no introduction or fancy editing, should be recorded after August 1, 2023, and should not exceed 15 minutes in length. They should be shot indoors with proper lighting. Applicants should include the following elements: • 3–5 minutes of barre work including pliés, battement tendu, fondu, frappés, adagio and grand battement (applicants may demonstrate one or both sides) • 3–5 minutes of center work including adagio, pirouettes, petit allegro and grand allegro • Applicants on pointe may dance center work on pointe OR should include separately an échappé/passé combination and a turning combination danced in the center on pointe • Applicants may also include à la second turns and tours en l’air if applicable to their training • A classical and contemporary variation or rep selection Additional Notes/Requirements: • Applicants who do not have access to studios for the purpose of filming should modify combinations to be safely executed at home and be cautious of proper flooring for allegro combinations. Digital media may be submitted to the Academy Administrative Office at cbacademy@cballet.org. |
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.
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.
