About
Colorado Ballet Academy Pre-Professional Division is a daytime training program for career track students ages 14-21. The Academy’s Pre-Professional Division provides the necessary training to transition students from the classroom to professional dancers and is geared toward developing ballet artists ready to take on the challenges of dance in the 21st century.
- Students must either be enrolled in an online academic program or have graduated high school.
- Acceptance into this program is by audition.
Assessment for contracts with the Colorado Ballet
All Pre-Professional Division students are given the opportunity to work with Colorado Ballet’s artistic leaders, and qualified students are given first priority to openings in the Colorado Ballet Studio Company.
Training/Schedule
In a focused setting with an average of 15 dancers per class, students participate in a minimum of 24 hours of specialized classical
ballet training, necessary life skills and vital conditioning classes.
Male and female students train both together and separately depending on the class. Female students train daily in
Technique, Pointe Technique and Variations, Pirouettes, Batterie, and Pas de Deux. The Pre-Professional Division Men’s
training includes Men’s Conditioning and Weight Training, Men’s Technique, Men’s variations, Batterie and Pas de Deux.
Additional time is provided for schoolwork. Training hours increase during the second semester in preparation for
the full-length production.
2018-2019 Schedule
Schedule is subject to change due to rehearsals and performances
Monday, Wednesday 9:30-4:30
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:30-3:00
Saturday 10:30-1:30 (Second semester production rehearsal)
Performance
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The Pre-Professional Division training schedule mimics the professional dance experience as students work with a series of
monthly rotating choreographers. Each series culminates in a Saturday Soiree performance in Colorado Ballet’s Black Box Theater
at the Armstrong Center for Dance.
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Dress code
Ladies
| Leotard | Colorado Ballet Academy Eleve Leotard, Black with Academy logo (Monday, Friday) Colorado Ballet Academy Eleve Leotard, Mauve with Academy logo (Tuesday, Thursday) Student provided colored leotard and short ballet skirt of choice (Wednesday) |
| 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 | Pale pink tights |
| Shoes | Pink canvas ballet slippers, pink pointe shoes, character shoes |
| Hair | Hair should be worn in a professional ballet style away from the face and off the neck for daily classes. |
Gentlemen
| Shirt | Colorado Ballet Academy Eleve Gabe with sleeve, White with Academy logo (Monday, Friday) Colorado Ballet Academy Eleve Gabe with sleeve, Mauve with Academy logo (Tuesday, Thursday) Student provided colored shirt and solid black, grey or white tights |
| Tights | Gray tights (MStevens milliskin) (Tuesday, Thursday) Black tights, convertible or footed (MStevens milliskin) (Monday, Friday) All tights must be worn with a Tan (or nude) colored dance belt. |
| Socks | White Freed ballet socks |
| Shoes | White canvas pair & black canvas pair - split sole ballet technique shoes with sewn elastics |
| Hair | Hair should be neatly groomed |
Cultural Education
Students are exposed to cultural life in Denver through organized excursions to performances at the 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
The cost for the Pre-Professional Division is $7,500 for the year. A 5% discount is given when paying in full for the year. Bi-annual and monthly payment plans are available.
Program Fees
| Production Fee | $150 |
| Activity Fee | $100 |
| Registration Fee | $30 online, $50 in person |
| Payment Plan Fee | $20 bi-annual, $100 monthly |
Frequently Asked Questions
How Are Students Chosen For The Pre-Professional Division?
Students are assessed for the Pre-Professional Division 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 The Pre-Professional Division?
Auditions are held across the country in conjunction with our the Academy’s Summer Intensive audition schedule. Students who auditioned
for SI and were placed in the highest level may also be invited to participate in the Pre-Professional Division.
Students may audition online via GetAccepted.
Arrangements may also be made for a student to audition by
attending a regularly scheduled class during the school year. Please contact the Academy’s Administration for requests to schedule
an audition or shadow day.
Where Do Pre-Professional Division Students Live And Go To School Who Aren't From Denver?
Most Pre-Professional Division 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 currently provide tutors or academic counseling, however, there will be a qualified adult onsite
during daily lunch/study time to provide assistance with homework.
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 an Academy family. These opportunities vary from year to year.
Please contact the Academy’s Administration if you are interested in staying with a host family.
When Can Students Join The Pre-Professional Division?
Upon invitation to the program, students may register at the start of each semester in August or January. Priority is given to those who attend the entire school year and availability is extremely limited for those who register in January.
Are Scholarships Available?
Scholarships are offered based upon merit and skill.
How many performances do students in the PPD have?
The PPD students have approximately seven 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 of 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 student who wishes to participate in a solo choose variations suited to their age and skill level.
Do students need their own transportation?
Yes. The 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.
