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.
Begin Your Pre-Professional Training
Students who are ready to take their training to the next level are invited to audition for the Colorado Ballet Academy Pre-Professional Division (PPD). There are four ways to audition and experience the program:
In-Class Audition | Summer Intensive Audition | Video Audition | Summer Programs
Students may arrange an in-class audition during the Academy year. Please contact the Academy Operations Manager, Julie.Anderson@coloradoballet.org to schedule an audition and receive information about available classes.
Dancers interested in the Pre-Professional Division may attend one of our scheduled in-person auditions. 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.
26-27 Audition Tour Dates Coming Soon
Can't make an in-person audition? Colorado Ballet Academy gives the same priority to those who audition by video. PPD video auditions are accepted September through July for the following Academy year. For questions, please email preprofessionaldivision@coloradoballet.org.
DETAILS & REGISTRATION
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, 2026, and May 31, 2027.
- All videos must be received by no later than July 31, 2027.
- 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 two (2) 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
All video auditions for CBA’s Pre-Professional Division must include a classical variation.
Students who are accepted through video audition are invited to attend one complimentary day of PPD classes to experience the program firsthand. Additional class days may be requested for a fee.
Students who attend our Summer Intensive and/or Choreographic Workshop have the opportunity to be considered for placement in our PPD and Trainee Programs, pending program availability.
Learn more about our Summer Programs.
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City |
Date |
Check In & Audition Times |
Location |
|
Phoenix, AZ |
Friday, January 2 |
Check In 11:00-11:30am
|
Ballet Arizona
|
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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
|
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Seattle, WA |
Sunday, January 11 |
Check In 6:00-6:30pm
|
Pacific Northwest Ballet
|
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San Francisco, CA |
Saturday, January 17 |
Check In 3:30-4:00pm
|
San Francisco Ballet
|
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Austin, TX |
Saturday, January 17 |
Check In 3:30-4:00pm
|
Ballet Austin
|
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Kansas City, MO |
Sunday, January 18 |
Check In 6:00-6:30pm
|
Kansas City Ballet
|
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Cary, NC |
Saturday, January 24 |
Check In 1:00-1:30pm
|
Cary Ballet
|
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Philadelphia, PA |
Saturday, January 24 |
Check In 4:00-4:30pm
|
Philadelphia Ballet
|
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Chicago, IL |
Sunday, January 25 |
Check In 5:00-5:30pm
|
Joffrey Ballet
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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
|
Experience the year-round Pre-Professional Division at Colorado Ballet Academy through a Short-Term Stay. Designed for students who have been accepted into the program, this immersive experience offers the opportunity to spend up to five days training alongside CBA students and experiencing the daily life of a Pre-Professional dancer.
During your stay, you will participate in 4–6 hours of classes each day, train with CBA’s esteemed faculty, explore our state-of-the-art facilities, and connect with current Pre-Professional Division students. A Short-Term Stay is an excellent way to experience the training, community, and environment at CBA firsthand before beginning your journey with us.
Eligibility & Registration
Students must first be accepted into the Pre-Professional Division through an in-person or video audition. Following acceptance, students may request a Short-Term Stay by emailing
preprofessional@coloradoballet.org. Short-Term Stays are offered by invitation and are valued at $150 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.
2027-2028 Tuition Information
Coming Soon
Schedule
Monday: 9:30am - 3:00pm
Tuesday: 9:30am - 3:30pm
Wednesday: 2:30pm - 7:30pm
Thursday: 9:30am - 3:30pm
Friday: 2:30pm-7:00pm
Saturday: 10:00 - 11:30am*
*Saturday production rehearsals will be added in the second semester.
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.
2027-2028 Tuition Information
Coming Soon
Schedule
Monday: 9:30am - 3:00pm
Tuesday: 9:30am - 3:00pm
Wednesday: 9:30am - 4:00pm
Thursday: 9:30am - 4:00pm
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.
Colorado Ballet Trainees are advanced students within the Pre-Professional Division who are selected for unique training and performance opportunities in close collaboration with Colorado Ballet. Trainee positions are awarded by Artistic Director Gil Boggs, with current CBA Pre-Professional Division students given first consideration. Remaining positions may be offered to new students following this initial selection.
Trainees receive tuition scholarships including a shoe stipend and engage in an immersive training experience. This includes participating in Colorado Ballet Company classes, learning and rehearsing select repertoire, performing in company productions such as The Nutcracker, and learning repertoire with Studio Company community and regional performances. When not working directly with the company, Trainees continue their development through classes and performance opportunities within the Pre-Professional Division.
Trainees receive:
- Tuition scholarships
- Stipend for pointe shoes and flat shoes
- Female and Male Trainees receive a designated stipend to help offset the cost of pointe and flat shoes
Training & Class Integration
- Participation in company or studio company class twice per week dependent on the company rehearsal/production
schedule.
- Some classes may be specific female or male technique.
Repertoire & Performance Experience
- Trainees may be called to rehearsal to learn company repertoire and may be cast to perform in company productions at the Ellie Caulkins Opera
House.
- Trainees learn repertoire with Colorado Ballet Studio Company and participate in select community and regional
performances.
- Trainees participate in all Pre-Professional Division Saturday Soirees and the full-length Academy classical production at the Ellie
Caulkins Opera House.
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.
Colorado Ballet Academy students have the opportunity to participate in two distinguished dance competitions—the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and the Denver Ballet Guild Young Dancers Competition (DGB). These experiences encourage students to develop their technical and artistic skills while building confidence, discipline, teamwork, camaraderie, and a strong work ethic.
Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP)
YAGP is the world’s largest student ballet scholarship audition, providing dancers ages 9–19 with opportunities for education, performance, scholarships, and professional development. Colorado Ballet Academy has been recognized as YAGP’s Outstanding School in the region since 2019, reflecting the high caliber of training and the accomplishments of our students. Students who choose to participate may prepare classical and contemporary solos, duets, and trios with individual coaching, as well as ensembles that represent Colorado Ballet Academy at Regional and Finals competitions.
Denver Ballet Guild Young Dancers Competition
The Denver Ballet Guild Young Dancers Competition provides Colorado ballet students with an opportunity to perform, receive feedback, and pursue funding for continued dance education. The competition awards scholarships to young dancers from across Colorado and is supported by the Denver Ballet Guild, a volunteer organization dedicated to promoting dance and enriching the lives of Colorado children through the arts.
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 available during the academic year for Pre-Professional Division students ages 13–20. Students live in furnished apartments within a residential building shared by CBA’s housing community. Resident Advisors also live in the building and provide support and supervision to students throughout the academic year. The program is designed to give young dancers the experience of independent living while providing a supportive environment as they prepare for life as young professionals. Colorado Ballet Academy housing is located across the street at Nita Santa Fe, 1040 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204.
- Full-size stainless steel kitchen appliances
- Dorm-style bedrooms with full-size bunk or full-size 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
- 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 academic year for Pre-Professional Division students ages 13-20 years. Colorado Ballet Academy students study in various academic settings that work with their PPD schedule. Colorado Ballet Academy partners with Dwight Global Online School and Denver Online High School.
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.
Students do not need to own a vehicle. Students and their families are responsible for arranging transportation to and from Colorado Ballet Academy and for personal activities, appointments, and travel. Denver’s well-established public transportation system, including RTD bus and light rail, provides convenient options for students who do not have access to a car. Many housing options are also located within walking distance of Colorado Ballet, grocery stores, and Denver’s arts and cultural attractions.
Yes. Colorado Ballet Academy partners with health and wellness organizations in the greater metro area and individual practitioners within our facility. A detailed list is made available to students and families upon registration.