Pre-Professional Division

Acceptance into this program is by audition

CBA Students by Mark Hutchens

Colorado Ballet Academy Pre-Professional Division is a daytime training program for career track students ages 13-20. CBA’s PPD provides the necessary training to transition students from the classroom to professional with specially crafted curriculum designed to develop ballet artists ready to take on the challenges of dance in the 21st century.

CBA offers two program options for aspiring professionals

Pre-Professional Division I
An afternoon program offered for students aged 13-15 with a schedule that allows for morning academic studies.

Pre-Professional Divisions II & III
Daytime programs offered for students aged 14-20 who are enrolled in an online academic program or have graduated high school.

ASSESSMENT FOR CONTRACTS

All Pre-Professional Division students are given the opportunity to work with Colorado Ballet’s artistic leaders. Qualified students are given first priority to openings in Colorado Ballet Studio Company. Studio Company is a paid position. Members dance in Colorado Ballet productions as well as their own performances in the region.

TRAINEE POSITIONS

Trainees 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 may be required to take Company classes, as well as rehearse and perform with the Company in addition to training in the PPD. Trainees also receive show allotments when performing with the Company and are given priority for Colorado Ballet Studio Company contracts.

Academy Director, Erica Fischbach, with Pre-Professional Division students.

AUDITIONS

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.

summer intensive/ppd auditions

Register for one of our Summer Intensive audition dates by following the link below. Upon registration you will receive a receipt containing a link to complete your audition form. Please indicate your intention to be evaluated for the Pre-Professional Division on this form.

Summer Intensive

video audition information and registration

Colorado Ballet Academy gives the same priority to those who audition in person or via video audition. However, early audition is encouraged. For questions, please email preprofessionaldivision@coloradoballet.org.

Details

Video registration fee $45, credit card only.
All audition fees are non-refundable, regardless of circumstances.
Videos must be recorded and uploaded to a video sharing site such as YouTube.
Video must be recorded between October 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022. All videos must be received by no later than March 31, 2022. Early audition is encouraged, this deadline may change as the program is filled.
Videos will be reviewed upon receipt and results will be communicated within four (4) weeks. Due to the number of auditions, we are unable to provide individual feedback.
Audition Dress Code
Women: black leotard, pink tights, pointe shoes
Men: black tights, white t-shirt

The audition videotape should be between 10-15 minutes in length and include the following:

Barre work including tendu, rond de jambe a terre, adagio
Center floor work
- adagio
- pirouette combination
- petit allegro
- grand allegro
Ladies: Pointe work
- echappe
- releve in arabesque
- pirouettes en pointe
- diagonal turning combination
Gentlemen
- tour en l’aire
- petit allegro with batterie
- men’s grand allegro
- grand pirouettes

Advanced gentlemen and ladies may include a variation from the classical repertoire

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 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

PROGRAM DETAILS

CBA Students by Mark Hutchens

Pre-Professional I: Training, Schedule & Dress Code

Students accepted into PPD1 can expect to train approximately 20 hours per week with increased rehearsal hours for productions. In an intimate studio setting, up to 12 students receive focused attention in classical ballet training supplemented with jazz, modern, character and contemporary as well as vital conditioning classes. Choreography blocks with monthly performances give PPD1 students unique opportunities to prepare for life as a professional.

Schedule is subject to change due to rehearsals and performances. Students receive detailed schedule upon registration.

Schedule

Monday 11:00-3:15pm
Tuesday 12:00-5:30pm
Wednesday OFF

Thursday 12:00-5:30pm
Friday 3:15-6:00pm
Saturday 10:00-11:30am

*Saturday production rehearsals are added in second semester

Dress Code

Ladies PPD I

Purchase Uniforms

Monday, Saturday (including production rehearsals): “Allison” Leotard by Eleve, Black with CBA logo
Tuesday, Friday: “Cocoa” Leotard by Eleve, Mauve with CBA logo
Thursday: Student choice of colored leotard and optional short ballet skirt
Skirt: Black Bullet Pointe style or chiffon wrap skirt may be worn during pointe/variations classes, and rehearsals
Practice tutu: Conservatory by Primadonna c700 classical tutu in white
Tights: SoDanca Style TS-82 in Ballet Pink or tights that match skin tone.

Shoes: Technique and pointe shoes match the tone of chosen tights; SoDanca “Bliss” Stretch Canvas Split-Sole Ballet Shoe Style #SD16)
Required performance underdressing: Nude convertible leotard, pink dance briefs
Character: Colorado Ballet Academy PPD uniform with Mirella Character Skirt MS23 in Black, SoDanca "Celine" CH-50, Black, 1.5" heel Character Shoe
Modern: Colorado Ballet Academy PPD uniform with tights rolled up and bare feet

Hair: Hair should be natural in color and worn in a professional ballet style away from the face and off the neck for daily classes
Jewelry: Small stud earrings or clear gauges allowed. No additional jewelry allowed, including necklaces, rings, bracelets and piercings. You may be asked to remove any jewelry at the discretion of the artistic staff.
Nails: Short and natural color, no colored nail polish or nail jewelry.
Tattoos: No visible tattoos including temporary ink.

Gentlemen PPD I

Purchase Uniforms

Monday, Saturday (including production rehearsals): “Gabe” shirt by Eleve, Black with CBA logo, SoDanca SD16C "Bliss" Stretch Canvas Split Sole Ballet Shoe in Black, SoDanca Style SL-159 tights in Black
Tuesday, Friday: “Gabe” shirt by Eleve, White with CBA logo, SoDanca Style SL-159 tights in Chrome, SoDanca SD16C "Bliss" Stretch Canvas Split Sole Ballet Shoe in white, white Freed ballet socks
Thursday: Student choice of colored fitted shirt and solid black or chrome tights with appropriate shoes.

Dance belt: All tights must be worn with a tan or nude colored dance belt.
Character: Colorado Ballet Academy PPD uniform and SoDanca "Courtney" CH-95, Black, 0.5" heel Character Shoe
Modern: Colorado Ballet Academy PPD uniform with tights rolled up and bare feet.
Hair: Hair and facial hair should be neatly groomed and natural in color
Jewelry: Small stud earrings or clear gauges allowed. No additional jewelry allowed, including necklaces, rings, bracelets, facial piercings. You may be asked to remove any jewelry at the discretion of the artistic staff.

Nails: Short and natural color, no colored nail polish or nail jewelry.
Tattoos: No visible tattoos including temporary ink.

Pre-Professional II & III: Training, Schedule & Dress Code

Pre-Professional Students by Mark Hutchens

In focused settings with an average of 18 dancers per class, students participate in a minimum of 25 hours of specialized classical ballet training, necessary life skills and vital conditioning classes, with additional time provided for schoolwork. Training hours increase during the second semester in preparation for the full-length production.

Schedule is subject to change due to rehearsals and performances. Students receive detailed schedule with Life Skills classes and outings upon registration.

Schedule

Monday 9:30am-4:00pm
Tuesday 9:30am-3:00pm
Wednesday 10:00am-3:00pm

Thursday 10:00am-3:00pm
Friday 9:30am-3:00pm
Saturday 9:30am-10:45pm

*Saturday production rehearsals are added in second semester

Dress Code

Ladies PPD II & III

Purchase Uniforms

Monday, Wednesday, Saturday (including production rehearsals): “Allison” Leotard by Eleve, Black with CBA logo
Tuesday, Friday: “Cocoa” Leotard by Eleve, Mauve with CBA logo
Thursday: Student choice of colored leotard and short ballet skirt
Skirt: Black Bullet Pointe style or chiffon wrap skirt may be worn during pointe/variations classes, and rehearsals.
Practice tutu: Conservatory by Primadonna c700 classical tutu in white
Tights: SoDanca Style TS-82 in Ballet Pink or tights that match skin tone

Shoes: Technique and pointe shoes match the tone of chosen tights; SoDanca “Bliss” Stretch Canvas Split-Sole Ballet Shoe Style #SD16)
Required performance underdressing: Nude convertible leotard, pink dance briefs
Character: Colorado Ballet Academy PPD uniform with Mirella Character Skirt MS23 in Black, SoDanca "Celine" CH-50, Black 1.5" heel Character Shoe.
Modern: Colorado Ballet Academy PPD uniform with tights rolled up and bare feet.
Hair: Hair should be natural in color and worn in a professional ballet style away from the face and off the neck for daily classes.

Jewelry: Small stud earrings or clear gauges allowed. No additional jewelry allowed, including necklaces, rings, bracelets and piercings. You may be asked to remove any jewelry at the discretion of the artistic staff.
Nails: Short and natural color, no colored nail polish or nail jewelry.
Tattoos: No visible tattoos including temporary ink.

GENTLEMEN PPD II & III

Purchase Uniforms

Monday, Saturday (including production rehearsals): “Gabe” shirt by Eleve, Black with CBA logo, SoDanca SD16C "Bliss" Stretch Canvas Split Sole in white, SoDanca Style SL-159 tights in Black
Tuesday, Friday:
- “Gabe” shirt by Eleve, White with CBA logo, SoDanca Style SL159 tights in Chrome, SoDanca SD16C "Bliss" Stretch Canvas Split Sole in white, white Freed ballet socks
Thursday: Student choice of colored fitted shirt and solid black or chrome tights with appropriate shoes.

Dance belt: All tights must be worn with a tan or nude colored dance belt.
Character: Colorado Ballet Academy PPD uniform and SoDanca "Courtney" CH-95, Black, 0.5" heel Character Shoe
Modern: Colorado Ballet Academy PPD uniform with tights rolled up and bare feet.
Hair: Hair and facial hair should be neatly groomed and natural in color
Jewelry: Small stud earrings or clear gauges allowed. No additional jewelry allowed, including necklaces, rings, bracelets, facial piercings. You may be asked to remove any jewelry at the discretion of the artistic staff.

Nails: Short and natural color, no colored nail polish or nail jewelry.
Tattoos: No visible tattoos including temporary ink.

Performance

Pre-Professional Students during Black Box Theatre Performance by Mark Hutchens

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.

PPD students participate in additional large 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.

Select PPD students are chosen 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 others, repertory permitting. Students chosen to perform in Company productions will be required to attend Company rehearsals as specified.

Cultural Education

Annual PPD hike in the beautiful Rocky Mountains

Pre-Professional Division Students observing dress rehearsal of a
Colorado Ballet production.

Students experience cultural life in Denver through organized excursions including performances at Denver Center for the Performing Arts, museums, films and attractions unique to Colorado.

Housing

Colorado Ballet Academy is located in the heart of the Santa Fe Arts District near downtown Denver with many housing options, grocery stores and entertainment within walking distance. Students who wish to board have the option of apartment shares or staying with a host family.

Tuition & Program Fees

Tuition:

Pre-Professional Division I: $5,995/year
Pre-Professional Division II & III: $7,895/year
2-Pay, 5-Pay and 10-Pay plans are available.

Program Fees (these apply to all three levels):

Registration Fee: $65
Production Fee: $295
Activity Fee: $150

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How are students chosen for Pre-Professional Division?

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.

How do I audition for Pre-Professional Division?

Auditions are held across the country in specific locations in conjunction with our CBA Summer Intensive audition schedule. Please see schedule above. 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 deadline above.

How are Pre-Professional students chosen for Trainee?

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.

Where do Pre-Professional Division Students live and go to school?

Most PPD 2 & 3 students participate in an online high school program. Parents and students choose the online program best suited to their individual needs. Colorado Ballet Academy does not provide tutors, however, teachers from Denver Online Highschool visit CBA once per week during the lunch/study break provided in the schedule.

The schedule for PPD 1 allows those attending school to customize their education.

The Parkway Marquis is an apartment complex where current Company, Studio Company and Pre-Professional students live, located just two blocks from Colorado Ballet’s studios and two blocks from King Soopers. Students typically share a two-bedroom apartment with up to four students. Apartment stays are unchaperoned and arranged by the student. Other apartment options are also available within walking distance.

Students may have the opportunity to stay with a host family or rent a room from a CBA family. These opportunities vary from year to year. Please contact the CBA Administration if you are interested in staying with a host family.

When are students able to register for Pre-Professional Division?

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.

Are scholarships available?

Scholarships are offered based upon merit and skill.

How many opportunities do PPD students have to perform?

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.

Can Colorado Ballet Academy and PPD students participate in Youth America Grand Prix or Denver Ballet Guild?

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.

Do students need their own transportation?

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.

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