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Pre-Professional Division

acceptance into this program by Audition

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 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.

VIDEO AUDITION INFORMATION & REGISTRATION

Can't make an in-person audition? Video auditions are available through March 31, 2024. 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. 

DETAILS

- Video registration fee $50, 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 or Vimeo. 
- Videos must be recorded between October 1, 2023 and June 1, 2024. All videos must be received by no later than June 1, 2024. 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 
Option A: black leotard, pink- or skin-tone tights with matching pointe/ballet shoes 
Option B: black tights, white t-shirt 

The audition video should be approximately 10 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 

- Pointe work
 
echappe 
releve in arabesque 
pirouettes en pointe 
diagonal turning combination 

- Males
 
tour en l’aire 
petit allegro with batterie 
men’s grand allegro 
grand pirouettes 

- Students auditioning for PPD2 or PPD3 may include a variation from the classical repertoire in addition to class work.  

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. 

Pre-professional divisions

Colorado Ballet Academy’s Pre-Professional Division is a daytime training program for students ages 13-20 who are interested in a professional dance career. 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 person as a whole. 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.

Pre-Professional Division I 
Afternoon program for students ages 13-15 with a schedule that allows for morning academic studies. 

Pre-Professional Divisions II & III 
Daytime programs for students ages 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 priority to contracts with Colorado Ballet Studio Company. Studio Company is a paid position; members dance in Colorado Ballet productions as well as their own performances across the region. 

TRAINEE POSITIONS 
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. 

MALE SKILLS and REPERTOIRE TRAINING 
CBA's Male Dance 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 the body’s needs. Our facility provides a fully equipped room for body conditioning, Pilates, weightlifting, and cardio. At CBA, we believe that cross training the body daily, along with proper form and technique, is crucial for injury prevention and longevity. 

program details

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Pre-Professional Students by Amanda Tipton 

PRE-PROFESSIONAL DIVISION I

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, contemporary and vital conditioning classes. Choreography blocks with monthly performances give PPD1 students unique opportunities to grow as performing artists and prepare for life as a professional. 

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

tuition & fees

Pre-Professional Division I: $6,185 
2-Pay, 5-Pay and 10-Pay plans are available. 
Registration Fee: $100 
Performance and Production Fee: $395 
Activity Fee: $175 

schedule

Pre-Professional Division I schedule:
Monday 11:00-3:15pm 
Tuesday 12:00-5:30pm 
Wednesday OFF or optional technique and pas de deux 
Thursday 12:00-5:30pm 
Friday 3:15-6:30pm 
Saturday 10:00-12:30pm 
*Saturday production rehearsals are added after Fall Feature performances

dress code
Option A PPD I 

Leotard Schedule 
-Monday, Saturday (including production rehearsals): Black “Allison” Leotard by Eleve Purchase link
-Tuesday, Friday: Mauve “Cocoa” Leotard by Eleve Purchase link 
-Thursday: Student choice of colored leotard and optional short ballet skirt

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, 

Skirt 
-Short black Bullet Pointe style or short black chiffon wrap skirt may be worn during pointe/variations classes, and rehearsals

Practice Tutu 
-Conservatory by Primadonna c700 classical tutu in white 
-Add hoop for stability 
-Purchase link

Required performance underdressing 
-Skin tone convertible leotard 
-Pink and skin tone 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. 

Option B PPD I 

Shirt and Tights Schedule 

Monday, Saturday (including production rehearsals) 
-Black “Gabe” shirt by Eleve Purchase link
-Black SoDanca SD16C “Bliss” Stretch Canvas Split Sole Ballet Shoe 
-Black MStevens unisex convertible tights #1100 Purchase Link  
Tuesday, Friday 
-White “Gabe” shirt by Eleve  Purchase Link
-Grey “Solo” Wear Moi men's footed tights, Style No:WM126 Purchase Link
-White SoDanca SD16C “Bliss” Stretch Canvas Split Sole Ballet Shoe 
-White Freed ballet socks 
Thursday 
Student choice of colored fitted shirt and solid black or grey tights with appropriate shoes. 

Dance Belt 
All tights must be worn with a skin toned dance belt. 

Character 
-Colorado Ballet Academy PPD uniform 
-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. 

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Pre-Professional Students by Amanda Tipton 

PRE-PROFESSIONAL DIVISION II AND III

In focused settings with an average of 18 dancers per class, students participate in a minimum of 25 hours of specialized classical ballet training, life skills classes and vital conditioning, 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 a detailed schedule of dance training, Life Skills classes and field trips upon registration. 

tuition & fees

Pre-Professional Division II & III: $8,245 
2-Pay, 5-Pay and 10-Pay plans are available. 
Registration Fee: $100 
Performance and Production Fee: $395 
Activity Fee: $175

schedule

Pre-Professional Division II and III schedule:
Monday 9:30am-3:00pm 
Tuesday 9:30am-3:00pm 
Wednesday 9:30am-3:30pm 
Thursday 9:30am-3:30pm 
Friday 10:00am-3:00pm 
Saturday 9:30am-10:45am technique with Colorado Ballet Studio Company 
*Saturday production rehearsals are added in second semester 

dress code
Option A PPD II & III 

Leotard Schedule 
-Monday, Wednesday, Saturday (including production rehearsals): Black “Allison” Leotard by Eleve Purchase link 
-Tuesday, Friday: Mauve “Cocoa” Leotard by Eleve Purchase link 
-Thursday: Student choice of colored leotard and short ballet skirt 

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, 

Skirt 
Short black Bullet Pointe style or short black chiffon wrap skirt may be worn during pointe/variations classes, and rehearsals 

Practice Tutu 
-Conservatory by Primadonna c700 classical tutu in white 
-Add hoop for stability 
-Purchase link

Required performance underdressing 
-Skin tone convertible leotard 
-Pink and skin tone 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. 

Option B PPD II & III 

Shirt and Tights Schedule 
Monday, Saturday (including production rehearsals) 
-Black “Gabe” shirt by Eleve Purchase link
-Black SoDanca SD16C “Bliss” Stretch Canvas Split Sole Ballet Shoe 
-Black MStevens unisex convertible tights #1100 Purchase Link
Tuesday, Friday 
-White “Gabe” shirt by Eleve Purchase Link
-Grey “Solo” Wear Moi men's footed tights, Style No:WM126 Purchase Link
-White SoDanca SD16C “Bliss” Stretch Canvas Split Sole Ballet Shoe 
-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 skin toned dance belt. 

Character 
-Colorado Ballet Academy PPD uniform 
-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. 

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Pre-Professional students during Saturday Soiree and Fall Feature performances in the Black Box Theatre Performance by Bernadette Torres

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Pre-professional students performing The Sleeping Beauty at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.

PERFORMANCE

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-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.  

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. 

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Annual PPD hike at the beautiful Rocky Mountains.

CULTURAL EDUCATION

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, museums, films and attractions unique to Colorado.

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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. 

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?

On average, PPD II & III students fulfill their academic requirements through an online high school program. Parents and students choose the program best suited for their individual needs. The schedule for PPD I students allows those attending in-person school to customize their education.   

Colorado Ballet Academy studios are surrounded by multiple housing complexes, a grocery store, small businesses, and art studios. Most of the neighboring apartment buildings have been built within the last two years. On average, students share a two-bedroom apartment with up to four total students. Apartment stays are unchaperoned and arranged by the student.  

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 our friendly administrative team at academy@coloradoballet.org 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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