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.
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.
- 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.
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.
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.
Pre-Professional Students by Amanda Tipton
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Pre-Professional Students by Amanda Tipton
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Pre-Professional students during Saturday Soiree and Fall Feature performances in the Black Box Theatre Performance by Bernadette Torres
Pre-professional students performing The Sleeping Beauty at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.
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.
Annual PPD hike at the beautiful Rocky Mountains.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.