Colorado Ballet Academy’s Pre-Professional Division provides diverse training to transform ballet dancers into true artists. This division is offered across three levels and is open to students ages 12-20 who aspire to have a professional career in dance.
Students are encouraged to audition for the Pre-Professional Division by participating in one of CBA’s Summer Intensive auditions. Students may also submit an audition video to be evaluated for acceptance into the program. Please indicate your intention to be evaluated for the Pre-Professional Division on this form.
Experience Colorado Ballet Academy’s year-round Pre-Professional Division program with a Short-Term Stay! Prospective students can participate in a “day in the life” of a Pre-Professional Division dancer by traveling to Denver for a Short-Term Stay for up to 5 days with 4–6 hours of classes per day. Students will meet and take classes from CBA’s esteemed faculty, explore our state-of-the-art facilities, and interact with our current students. Short-Term Stay students will be paired with a current Pre-Professional Division student in advance of the Short-Term Stay and follow their daily schedule alongside them. We recommend an extended stay experience for all students who are considering CBA’s Pre-Professional Division as the best way to immerse yourself in the energy and caliber of the program first-hand.
Students interested in a Short-Term Stay must already be accepted into the Pre-Professional Division program by participating in an in-person or video audition. Upon acceptance, students can request a Short-Term Stay at CBA by emailing academy@coloradoballet.org. Short-Term Stays are by invitation only and are valued at $100 per day.
Dancers interested in the Pre-Professional Division must audition at one of our scheduled in-person auditions or submit a formal video audition for consideration. Students participating in NSIA auditions outside of those held at Colorado Ballet Academy will not be considered for placement in the Pre-Professional Division.
Pre-Registration: $45
Walk-up Registration: $50
Pre-Registration closes at 5:00pm MST the Thursday before each audition date. All audition fees are non-refundable, regardless of the circumstances.
Female identifying students ages 12-20 must be on pointe. When completing the audition form, please indicate interest in the Pre-Professional Division.
Steps to Register for an Audition:
Complete online registration and payment for the audition location of your choice.
Within the online registration, you will be prompted to submit the following required photos:
(1) 4”x6” photo in first arabesque (en pointe if applicable)
(1) 4”x6” headshot portrait
Photos do not need to be professional quality but must clearly portray the student.
|
City |
Date |
Check In & Audition Times |
Location |
|
Phoenix, AZ |
Friday, January 2 |
Check In 11:00-11:30am
|
Ballet Arizona
|
|
Fountain Valley, CA |
Sunday, January 4 |
Check In 9:00-9:30am
|
Southland Ballet Academy
|
|
Portland, OR |
Sunday, January 4 |
Check In 10:00-10:30am
|
Oregon Ballet Theatre
|
|
Denver, CO |
Sunday, January 11 |
Check In 9:30-10:00am
|
Colorado Ballet
|
|
Salt Lake City, UT |
Sunday, January 11 |
Check In 2:30-3:00pm
|
Ballet West
|
|
Seattle, WA |
Sunday, January 11 |
Check In 6:00-6:30pm
|
Pacific Northwest Ballet
|
|
San Francisco, CA |
Saturday, January 17 |
Check In 3:30-4:00pm
|
San Francisco Ballet
|
|
Austin, TX |
Saturday, January 17 |
Check In 3:30-4:00pm
|
Ballet Austin
|
|
Kansas City, MO |
Sunday, January 18 |
Check In 6:00-6:30pm
|
Kansas City Ballet
|
|
Cary, NC |
Saturday, January 24 |
Check In 1:00-1:30pm
|
Cary Ballet
|
|
Philadelphia, PA |
Saturday, January 24 |
Check In 4:00-4:30pm
|
Philadelphia Ballet
|
|
Chicago, IL |
Sunday, January 25 |
Check In 5:00-5:30pm
|
Joffrey Ballet
|
|
Denver, CO |
Sunday, January 25 |
Check In 10:00-10:30am
|
Colorado Ballet
|
|
Denver, CO |
Sunday, February 15 |
Check In 10:00-10:30am
|
Colorado Ballet
|
Can't make an in-person audition? Colorado Ballet
Academy gives the same priority to those who audition in-person or by video.
However, early audition is encouraged. For
questions, please email preprofessionaldivision@coloradoballet.org.
- Video registration fee $50.
- All audition fees are non-refundable, regardless of the circumstances.
- Videos must be recorded and uploaded to a video sharing site such as YouTube or Vimeo
- Please make sure the visibility settings for the video are set to public.
- Video must be recorded between October 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.
- All videos must be received by no later than March 31, 2026.
- Early video audition submissions are encouraged as the deadline may change as the program is filled.
- Videos will be reviewed upon receipt, and results will be communicated within six (6) weeks. Due to the number of auditions, we are unable to
provide individual feedback.
Audition Dress Code
- Female identifying students must wear a solid color leotard and pink or skin toned tights with matching flat and pointe
shoes
- Male identifying students must wear a fitted white shirt and black tights with black or white ballet shoes.
- Students shall have the right to dress in accordance with their gender identity, within the dress code requirements stated by CBA.
The audition video should be approximately 10 minutes in length and include the following:
Barre
Ages 10-13, one side only with tendu, degage, rond de jamb and adagio.
Ages 14-20 do not need to submit barre work
Center floor work
adagio
pirouette combination
petit allegro
grand allegro
Pointe work for female identifying students
echappe
releve in arabesque
pirouettes en pointe
diagonal turning combination
Male technique for male identifying students
tour en l’aire
petit allegro with batterie
men’s grand allegro
grand pirouettes
With all video auditions for CBA’s Pre-Professional Division, the video must include a classical variation.
Steps to submit video audition
Complete online registration.
Upon registration you will receive a receipt containing a link to complete your audition form. You will provide the link to your video on this form as
well as uploading the required photos:
- (1) 4”x6” photo in first arabesque (on pointe if applicable)
- (1) 4”x6” portrait
Photos do not need to be professional quality but must clearly portray the student.
This form must be completed immediately upon receiving receipt in order to participate in the audition. Receipt will
be generated from Colorado Ballet Ticketing and sent to the email address provided during the registration process.
Experience Colorado Ballet Academy’s year-round Pre-Professional Division program with a Short-Term Stay. Prospective students who have been offered acceptance into the program can participatein a “day in the life” of a Pre-Professional Division dancer by traveling to Denver for a Short-Term Stay for up to 5 days with 4–6 hours of classes per day. Students will meet and take classes from CBA’s esteemed faculty, explore our state-of-the-art facilities, and interact with our current students. We recommend an extended stay experience for all students who are considering CBA’s Pre-Professional Division as the best way to immerse yourself in the energy and caliber of the program first-hand.
Students interested in a Short-Term Stay must already be accepted into the Pre-Professional Division program by participating in an in-person or video audition. Upon acceptance, students can request a Short-Term Stay at CBA by emailing academy@coloradoballet.org. Short-Term Stays are by invitation only and are valued at $125 per day.
Colorado Ballet Academy’s Pre-Professional Division Students train in a safe and positive environment that encourages individuality with esteemed faculty who have had significant ballet careers and are now dedicated to the growth and success of each student. CBA’s PPD provides necessary and diverse training with a curriculum that is carefully crafted to develop ballet artists ready to take on the challenges of dance in the 21st century.
CBA offers two program options for aspiring professionals. In addition to the standard curriculum, CBA also provides opportunities for Male Ballet Training, Trainee positions, and assessment for contracts with Colorado Ballet. PPD students also participate in multiple performances throughout the years.
Daytime program for students ages 13-15 who are enrolled in an online academic program.
PPD A students can expect to train approximately 23 hours per week with increased rehearsal hours for production. In an intimate studio
setting, up to 16 students receive focused attention in classical ballet training supplemented with jazz, modern, character, contemporary, performance rehearsal, and vital
conditioning classes. Performances provide PPD A students with the opportunity to grow as performing artists and prepare for life as a
professional.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition: $7,995
Registration Fee: $125
Performance & Production Fees: $425
Activity Fee: $200
Schedule
Monday: 9:30am - 3:00pm
Tuesday: 9:30am - 3:30pm
Wednesday: 2:45pm - 7:30pm
Thursday: 10:45am - 3:30pm
Friday: 1:45pm - 6:30pm
Saturday: 10:00 - 12:30pm*
*Saturday production rehearsals will be added after Fall Feature performances.
Upon registration, students will receive a detailed schedule of dance training, Life Skills classes, and field trips. The schedule is subject to change due to rehearsals, performances, and other CBA activities.
Daytime programs for students ages 14-20 who are enrolled in an online academic program or have graduated from high school.
In focused settings with an average of 24 dancers per class, students participate in a minimum of 25 hours of specialized classical ballet training supplemented with jazz, modern, character, contemporary, performance rehearsal, and vital conditioning classes with additional time provided for schoolwork. Training hours increase during the second semester in preparation for full-length production.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition: $8,695
Registration Fee: $125
Performance & Production Fees: $425
Activity Fee: $200
Schedule
Monday: 9:30am - 3:00pm
Tuesday: 9:30am - 3:00pm
Wednesday: 9:30am - 4:00pm
Thursday: 9:30am - 3:30pm
Friday: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Saturday: 9:30am - 10:45am*
* Saturday technique is attended alongside Colorado Ballet Studio Company. In addition, production rehearsals will be added after Fall Feature performances.
Upon registration, students will receive a detailed schedule of dance training, Life Skills classes, and field trips. The schedule is subject to change due to rehearsals, performances, and other CBA activities.
CBA's Male Ballet Training Program is designed to support the physicality and the athleticism necessary to succeed in the professional field. Specific male technique classes and conditioning are tailored to maximize student’s potential while remaining mindful of age-appropriate training. Our facility provides a fully equipped room for body conditioning, Pilates, weightlifting, and cardio. At CBA, we believe that cross training, along with proper form and technique, is crucial for injury prevention and longevity.
Trainees at CBA are Pre-Professional students who receive scholarships to train and work closely with Colorado Ballet. Pre-Professional Division students are assessed each year by Artistic Director Gil Boggs for the opportunity to become a Trainee with Colorado Ballet for the following season. Depending on repertoire, Trainees take Company classes, as well as rehearse and perform with the Company in addition to training in the PPD. Trainees also receive shoe allotments when performing with the Company and are given priority for Colorado Ballet Studio Company contracts.
All Pre-Professional Division students have the opportunity to work with Colorado Ballet’s artistic leaders. Qualified students are given priority to available contracts with Colorado Ballet Studio Company. Studio Company is a paid position with members performing in Colorado Ballet productions as well as their own performances across the region.
Saturday Soirée
The Pre-Professional Division training schedule mimics the professional dance experience as students work with a series of rotating choreographers.
Each series culminates in a Saturday Soirée performance in Colorado Ballet’s Black Box Theater at the Armstrong Center for Dance.
Academy Full Length Production
PPD students participate in additional large-scale performances with the Academy: A full-length classical production at the
prestigious Ellie Caulkins Opera House each spring and a classical Fall Feature production in Colorado Ballet’s Black Box Theater.
Colorado Ballet Productions
Select PPD students have the opportunity to perform in Colorado Ballet’s The Nutcracker as well as additional productions during the Company
season such as The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, The Wizard of Oz, Alice and other repertoire. Students chosen to perform in Company productions will be required to
attend Company rehearsals in addition to their PPD classes as specified.
Students experience cultural life in Denver through organized excursions including Colorado Ballet performances at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, performances at Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Wonderbound, Boulder Ballet, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, museums, films and attractions unique to Colorado.
Female Students
Monday, Wednesday, Saturday classes and production rehearsals: Black leotard
Tuesday, Friday: Mauve leotard
Thursday: Student choice of leotard and short ballet skirt.
Skirt: Black Bullet Pointe style or chiffon wrap skirt may be worn during pointe/variations classes and
rehearsals. Depending on repertoire being taught, a longer skirt may be worn with permission.
Practice Tutu: Conservatory CBA Portal
Performance Underdressings: skin tone convertible leotard, skin tone thong, skin tone and black
briefs
Accessories: Rhinestone stud earrings, approximately 6mm
Male Students
Monday, Wednesday, Saturday classes and production rehearsals: Black shirt and tights
Black tights: Wear Moi, Men’s “Solo” Footed Tights in Black
Tuesday, Friday: White shirt and grey tights
Grey tights: Wear Moi, Men's “Solo” Footed Tights in Grey
Thursday Class: Student choice of colored fitted shirt and solid black, grey or white tights with appropriate shoes.
Dance Belt: All tights must be worn with a tan or skin tone colored dance belt.
In addition to the standard dress code, all students may be asked to purchase additional items or accessories for performance specific costumes.
For tights and shoes, use code SDPLUSCB10 to receive 10% off
CBA provides the option to pay in installments. Select your preferred payment plan at the end of the registration process.
$1,000 non-refundable deposit due upon registration. The deposit will be applied to the total tuition due and is not eligible for a refund or scholarship.
Students enrolled in autopay are not excused from future payments by withdrawing after August 31, 2026. All remaining payments are still due and will be collected on the scheduled dates.
Payment Plan Options
2-Pay Plan
Enroll in bi-annual autopay with credit/debit card.
Processing Fee: $20
All program fees and 50% of tuition are due on first payment. Remaining balance to paid on November 15, 2026 and will be charged to the card
provided.
5-Pay Plan
Enroll in a 5-month auto-pay with credit/debit card.
Processing Fee: $50
All program fees and first installment of tuition are due on first payment. The remaining tuition balance will be divided into 4 payments which will be
withdrawn in August 2026, September 2026, and October 2026.
8-Pay Plan
Enroll in a 8-month auto-pay with credit/debit card.
Processing Fee: $80
All program fees and first installment of tuition are due on first payment. The remaining balance will be divided into 7 payments which will
be withdrawn in August 2026, September 2026, October 2026, November 2026, December 2026, January 2026, February 2026.
PPD Refund Policy
$1000 deposit and all fees are non-refundable.
Any tuition refund, not including deposit or fees, must be requested before July 31, 2026. Refund requests received after July 31, 2026, will be
considered by CBA individually. Refunds are not guaranteed.
Any decisions regarding refunds and credits may take 3-5 weeks of processing time and will not be issued without a signed Withdrawal Form
provided by CBA Administration.
Failure to pay all fees and tuition may affect future ability to participate in the academy.
Supervised apartment housing is offered during the 2026/2027 academic year for Pre-Professional Division students ages 13-20 years. Designed to prepare students for living independently as young professionals, Colorado Ballet Academy’s dorm-style apartment residences are furnished and equipped with a live-in Resident Assistant for high school students.
We strive to cultivate a safe, nurturing, and healthy community with a focus on meeting the unique needs of adolescent residents ranging from 13 to 20 years old. Colorado Ballet Academy housing is located just across the street at Nita Santa Fe, 1040 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204.
We look forward to being your new home for the 2026/2027 academic year.
-Full-size stainless steel kitchen appliances
-Dorm-style bedrooms with full-sized bunk or side by side beds
-Fully furnished living rooms
-24-hour management and maintenance on call
-Secure fob key access
-Washer and dryer in each apartment
-Central air conditioning and heat
-Year-round rooftop heated pool
-Coworking Pods for study or meetings
-Club Room Featuring Entertaining Space
-Fitness center
-Bike Storage and Washing Station
Please note that meal plans are NOT provided. There are several grocery stores, delis, and cafes nearby.
Nita Santa Fe is conveniently located in the Santa Fe Arts District, across the street from Colorado Ballet. Students live in one or two-bedroom fully furnished apartments and share a room with another Pre-Professional student. Students may submit a roommate request after registration.
CBA’s Resident Assistants provide professional supervision of our residential students and maintains a visible and engaged presence in our community, ensuring that students and parents can connect with staff as needed. The RA and Colorado Ballet Academy staff work together to guide students in developing their abilities to take care of their individual living needs. All residents within an apartment are responsible for maintaining a clean and healthy living environment. To ensure that this standard is met, the RA will conduct monthly “walk-throughs” of the apartments to make sure they are kept in a safe and sanitary condition.
CBA staff are responsible for implementing all departmental policies and regulations, responding to students and their families, and overseeing the community’s safety and well-being. The RA will assist residents with establishing community living standards within their apartments by conducting apartment agreement meetings, as necessary. Failure to comply with Colorado Ballet policies and housing agreement may result in documentation of a conduct violation and/or expulsion from the program and premises. Students expelled from CBA programs and housing are responsible for all agreed upon housing fees.
Nita Santa Fe provides security, on-call maintenance, and key fob entry.
Student housing is available to CBA Pre-Professional dancers ages 13-20 years. Students will be placed with a roommate: 2 students in a one-bedroom apartment and 4 students in a two-bedroom apartment. Apartments are furnished with dining room and living room furniture, two double beds and two dressers per bedroom.
Pricing for housing is separated into separate tiers based on a student’s age. Supervision, movement, and accountability for each tier listed below.
Registration is open through the CBA Parent & Student Portal.
Please reach out to preprofessional@coloradoballet.org with interest or questions.
Residential Program Dormitory Tiers
Tier 1: Ages 13–14
Monthly fee per student: $1,495
August through May. Fees include rent, utilities, and Resident program.
Supervision & Room Checks
- Nightly room checks conducted every evening
- Staff verify student presence and welfare each night
Movement & Outings
- Students may not leave the established boundaries without staff supervision
- Permitted outings limited to
- Weekly grocery trips (staff-supervised)
- Urgent care or medical appointments as needed
- No recreational off-campus outings without written parental consent or Resident Advisor Supervision
Accountability
- Immediate intervention for rule violations
- Parent/guardian notification for significant incidents
- Repeated violations result in further restriction of privileges and/or meeting with Academy Staff and Resident Advisory
Team
Tier 2: Ages 15–16
Monthly fee per student: $1,395
August through May. Fees include rent, utilities, and Resident program.
Supervision & Room Checks
- Room checks conducted multiple nights per week (minimum 2)
- Additional checks implemented as needed
Movement & Outings
- Independent movement allowed within approved boundaries only, or upon approval of RA Staff
- Off-campus outings permitted only with prior approval and communication
Accountability
- Progressive discipline system, point system
- Loss of privileges or suspension for noncompliance
- Repeated violations may result in increased supervision or tier regression
Tier 3: Ages 17-20
Monthly fee per student: $1,345
August through May. Fees include rent, utilities, and Resident program.
Supervision & Room Checks
- Minimum of one nightly room check per week
- Additional checks conducted if concerns arise
Movement & Outings
- Independent movement permitted within approved boundaries
- Off-campus movement and later curfew allowed with RA approval
- No visitors permitted under any circumstances
Accountability
- Students responsible for managing privileges and compliance
- Serious violations result in increased supervision or loss of autonomy as well as disciplinary action
- Continued privileges contingent on consistent rule adherence
Universal Residential Rules (All Tiers)
- All students must be in their assigned rooms by 10:00 PM nightly
- Visitors are permitted in student rooms and apartments with prior written approval. Students must notify the Resident Advisors in advance
of any visitors. Overnight guests are not permitted; only registered students may stay overnight in student housing.
- All students are subject to a minimum of one nightly room check per week
- Quiet hours begin at 10:00 PM and are strictly enforced
- Students must comply with all residential staff instructions
- Rule violations may result in loss of privileges, increased supervision, or disciplinary action
Tier Review & Adjustments
Tier placement is primarily age-based but may be adjusted for safety, behavior, or program compliance
Students are assessed for the PPD based on their previous classical ballet training, ability to receive and apply correction, physical attributes, strength, focus, attitude, and overall potential for a successful career in ballet.
Auditions are held across the country in specific locations in conjunction with our CBA Summer Intensive audition schedule. Students who auditioned for and attended SI may be invited to
participate in the Pre-Professional Division. Please complete pre-registration for the city in which you are auditioning.
Arrangements may also be made for a student to audition by attending a regularly scheduled class during the school year. Please contact the CBA Administration for requests to schedule an
audition or shadow day by emailing academy@coloradoballet.org
Students may audition online, see details and deadlines under the audition tab.
Eligible Pre-Professional Division students are assessed each year by Colorado Ballet Artistic Director Gil Boggs for the opportunity to become a Trainee with Colorado Ballet for the following season. Trainees must be current Pre-Professional students in order to be considered.
Supervised apartment housing is offered during the 2025/2026 academic year for Pre-Professional Division students ages 15-18 years. Designed to prepare students for living independently as young professionals, Colorado Ballet Academy’s apartment-style residences are fully furnished and equipped with a live-in Resident Assistant for high school students.
Colorado Ballet Academy housing is located at Nita, 1040 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204.
Upon invitation to the program, students may register as soon as they receive the registration link. Mid-year acceptance into the program is possible depending on availability, however, priority is given to students who attend the entire school year.
Scholarships are offered based upon merit and skill.
PPD students have approximately four Saturday Soiree performances, three Fall Feature performances, and two Spring Production performances as part of their curriculum. Additionally, PPD students may perform in several First Friday performances throughout the year, YAGP or DBG performances, community showings, and Colorado Ballet Company productions.
Yes. CBA allows all their students to participate in YAGP or DBG. Auditions are held annually at the beginning of the Academy year. The auditions allow the CBA faculty to cast students in ensembles as well as guide each eligible student to choose variations suited to their age and skill level.
Yes. Colorado Ballet Academy does not provide transportation for students; however, Denver is a thriving city with a well-established public transportation system that includes RTD Bus & Light Rail. There are several very nice apartment complexes within a few blocks of Colorado Ballet, a large grocery store, and artistic and cultural entertainment. Downtown theaters, museums, attractions, and shopping are a 15-20 minute walk from the studios.