Pre-Professional Division

Audition Required

Shaping the Artists of Tomorrow

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.

AUDITIONS

Students are encouraged to audition for the Pre-Professional Division by participating in a Summer Intensive audition. After registering, you will receive a link to complete your audition form. You can opt to be evaluated for the Pre-Professional Division on this form.

REGISTRATION & MORE INFORMATION

Other audition options include video submission. Short-term-study auditions are available by emailing preprofessionaldivision@coloradoballet.org.

VIDEO AUDITION INFORMATION & REGISTRATION

PRE-PROFESSIONAL DIVISION I

Pre-Pro I is designed for dancers ages 13-15 and takes place in the afternoon to enable students to participate in morning academic classes.

Students accepted into Pre-Pro I can expect to train approximately 20 hours a week with additional rehearsal hours for productions. Colorado Ballet Academy prioritizes individualized attention on every dancer in each class. A maximum of 12 students will study in an intimate studio setting and receive focused attention in classical ballet training, jazz, modern, character, contemporary, and conditioning. The Pre-Pro I curriculum also includes monthly performances as well as choreography and repertoire classes to give dancers opportunities to learn and perform as they prepare for their professional careers.

tuition & fees

Pre-Professional Division I: $5,995
2-Pay, 5-Pay and 10-Pay plans are available.
PROGRAM FEES (THESE APPLY TO ALL THREE LEVELS):
Registration Fee: $100
Performance and Production Fee: $395
Activity Fee: $150

Payment Options:

Pay in Full and save 5%

Payment in full up front for entire year and receive a 5% discount on tuition only. Discounted tuition plus fees must be paid in full by April 15, 2023, to receive discount.

5% Discount Not Eligible after April 15, 2023.

Pay in Installments – Simply select your preferred payment plan at Check Out. Payment Installment must be initiated by May 5, 2023.

*Students enrolled in autopay are not excused from future payments by withdrawing after August 31, 2023. All remaining payments are still due and will be collected on the scheduled dates.

2-Pay Plan

Enroll in bi-annual autopay with credit/debit card.
Processing Fee: $20
Can be charged on the 1st or 15th of the Month.

All program fees and 50% of tuition are due on first payment. Remaining balance to paid on November 1 or 15, 2023 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
Can be charged on the 1st or 15th of the Month.

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 July 2023, August 2023, September 2023 and October 2023 on the 1st or the 15th of the month.

10-Pay Plan

Enroll in a 10-month auto-pay with credit/debit card.
Processing Fee: $100
Can be charged on the 1st or 15th of the Month.

All program fees and first installment of tuition are due on first payment. The remaining balance will be divided into 9 payments which will be withdrawn in July 2023, August 2023, September 2023, October 2023, November 2023, December 2023, January 2024, February 2024, and March 2024 on the 1st or the 15th of the month.

PPD 1 Deposit

schedule

Pre-Professional Division 1 Schedule
Mondays, 10:45am - 3:00pm
Tuesdays, 11:45am-5:30pm
Wednesday Optional, 4:30pm - 6:00pm, Technique and 6:30pm - 7:30pm Pas De Deux
Thursdays, 11:45am-5:30pm
Fridays, 3:15pm - 6:30pm
Saturdays, 10:00am - 11:30am and scheduled production rehearsals

dress code

Ladies PPD I

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

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: Wear Moi, Men's “Solo” footed tights – grey, style no. WM126 | https://wearmoi.us/en/182-tights

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 DIVISION II AND III

Pre-Pro II and III is designed for dancers ages 14-20 and takes place during the day. Students in this division must be enrolled in an online academic program or have already completed their high school career.

Students enrolled in Pre-Pro II and III are immersed in a full training curriculum designed to transform their dancing into artistry and prepare them for the demands of what’s to come in their professional career. Dancers can expect to train for a minimum of 25 hours a week in a focused and intimate environment with an average of 18 students per class. Each dancer receives individualized attention in classical ballet training, necessary life skills and vital conditioning classes. Monthly performances are required and give dancers opportunities to learn and perform a wide range of repertoire as they prepare for their career. Additional time is always provided for students to fully engage in their academic schoolwork.

tuition & fees

Pre-Professional Division II & III: $7,995
2-Pay, 5-Pay and 10-Pay plans are available.
PROGRAM FEES (THESE APPLY TO ALL THREE LEVELS):
Registration Fee: $100
Performance and Production Fee: $395
Activity Fee: $150

Payment Options:

Pay in Full and save 5%

Payment in full up front for entire year and receive a 5% discount on tuition only. Discounted tuition plus fees must be paid in full by April 15, 2023, to receive discount.

5% Discount Not Eligible after April 15, 2023.

Pay in Installments – Simply select your preferred payment plan at Check Out. Payment Installment must be initiated by May 5, 2023.

*Students enrolled in autopay are not excused from future payments by withdrawing after August 31, 2023. All remaining payments are still due and will be collected on the scheduled dates.

2-Pay Plan

Enroll in bi-annual autopay with credit/debit card.
Processing Fee: $20
Can be charged on the 1st or 15th of the Month.

All program fees and 50% of tuition are due on first payment. Remaining balance to paid on November 1 or 15, 2023 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
Can be charged on the 1st or 15th of the Month.

10-Pay Plan

Enroll in a 10-month auto-pay with credit/debit card.
Processing Fee: $100
Can be charged on the 1st or 15th of the Month.

PPD 2 Deposit

schedule

Pre-Professional Division 2/3 Schedule
Mondays, 9:30am - 3:00pm
Tuesdays, 9:30am - 3:00pm
Wednesdays, 9:30am - 3:30pm
Thursdays, 9:30am - 3:30pm
Fridays, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Saturdays Optional with Colorado Ballet Studio Company, 9:30am - 10:45am
Saturday class required during production rehearsals second semester.

dress code

LADIES PPD II & III

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.

Nails: Short and natural color, no colored nail polish or nail jewelry.

Tattoos: No visible tattoos including temporary ink.

GENTLEMEN PPD II & III

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

Nails: Short and natural color, no colored nail polish or nail jewelry.

Tattoos: No visible tattoos including temporary ink.

Photo by Mark Hutchens

PRE-PROFESSIONAL DIVISION MALE DANCER TRAINING

Our Male Dancer Program is designed to support the physicality and athleticism necessary to maintain a professional career in dance. Males enrolled in the Pre-Professional Division are required to take technique and conditioning classes specifically designed for building technique as a male dancer. These classes are tailored to maximize each student’s potential while remaining mindful of the body’s limits and needs. Our facility provides a fully equipped room for body conditioning, pilates, weight lifting and cardio. Colorado Ballet Academy believes that training the body daily with proper form and technique is crucial for injury prevention and longevity.

COLORADO BALLET STUDIO COMPANY & TRAINEE OPPORTUNITIES

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.

STUDIO COMPANY CONTRACTS

Pre-Professional Division students work with Colorado Ballet’s artistic leaders and are given first priority to openings in Colorado Ballet Studio Company. Studio Company positions are paid and members train and perform alongside Company dancers, as well as participate in additional performances across the region.

LEARN MORE

TRAINEE POSITIONS

Colorado Ballet 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 to become a Trainee with Colorado Ballet for the following season. Trainees are often required to participate in Company technique classes, as well as rehearse and perform with the Company in addition to their training in the Pre-Professional Division. Trainees receive shoe allotments during performance runs with Colorado Ballet and are given top priority for Studio Company contracts.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Colorado Ballet Academy values and prioritizes performance opportunities in order to allow dancers to achieve their greatest artistic growth. Pre-Professional students train with a series of rotating choreographers over each semester, culminating in monthly Saturday Soirée performances. Additional opportunities to perform and engage with the community include Fall Feature, First Friday Art Walks and an annual full-length production at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.

LEARN MORE

LIFE IN DENVER

Students navigate life in Denver outside of the studio with Colorado Ballet Academy through organized day trips. Outings include traveling to the Rocky Mountains for the annual Pre-Pro hike, attending theater, opera and symphony performances at Denver Performing Arts Complex, and viewing art at local museums. Colorado Ballet Academy is located in the heart of the Santa Fe Arts District near downtown Denver where there are many options in walking distance for housing, grocery stores and entertainment. Students looking to board in Denver have apartment share options or can stay with a host family.

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. 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.

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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