The Pre-Professional Division is open to students by audition only and offers intensive study in ballet, pointe, male and female variations, pas de deux, men’s technique, modern and jazz. The purpose of our Pre-Professional Program is to provide a transitional experience for dancers as they move from the academic ballet setting to the world of professional dance. It is also an opportunity to increase the stylistic range and versatility of a dancer by exposing them to a variety of dance styles in class, rehearsals and performances. Students in this Division are primarily training for professional performing careers in classical ballet or modern dance but are also encouraged to pursue their interests in teaching, choreography or arts administration.
The North Carolina Dance Theatre is known for its eclectic repertory and we are committed to preparing our dancers to be as versatile as possible not only for work with our own company but to increase their chances for employment with other dance companies. By working closely with instructors such as Patricia McBride, Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, Dwight Rhoden, Mark Diamond and Kathryn Moriarty, students benefit not only from their expertise in the studio but also from their wisdom and professional support as offered in conferences, counseling sessions and letters of reference. Not only do our students receive top training in dance, they also learn how to write a resumé and make an audition video and all students receive mentoring from our professional company members. Pre-Professional students have the opportunity to work and perform with the NC Dance Theatre main company, learn the repertoire of the second company and are considered for future employment with the Company and second company.
Please contact Katie Jenkins, Pre-Professional Division Administrator, at 704.414.2770 or kjenkins@ncdance.org with any questions or to request additional information.
Academic Options>
Auditioning & Program Eligibility>
Positions 
Apprentice
Apprentice positions are given to the most technically advanced students. All Apprentices receive a full-tuition scholarship, and a select few are offered stipends for the year. Apprentices are the first called to Company rehearsals and to learn the repertoire of NCDT2.
Trainee
Trainees have the opportunity to work and perform with NC Dance Theatre as well as with the School of Dance’s Student Repertory Ensemble. North Carolina Dance Theatre offers a limited number of tuition-based scholarships for Trainees.
Conservatory
Conservatory students have the opportunity to work and perform with NC Dance Theatre as well as with the School of Dance’s Student Repertory Ensemble. North Carolina Dance Theatre offers a limited number of tuition-based scholarships for Conservatory students.
Ballet 5
The Ballet 5 program offers talented local students the ability to train at the pre-professional level. These dancers tend to be younger than the typical pre-professional student but demonstrate an advanced level of talent and potential. The Ballet 5 students attend the afternoon classes as the majority of them have academic requirements during the day. Ballet 5 students have the opportunity to work and perform with NC Dance Theatre as well as with the School of Dance’s Student Repertory Ensemble.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte Certificate in Dance
The UNC Certificate Program is perfect for the serious dancer who also wishes to pursue a bachelor’s degree. The UNC Charlotte Certificate students train in the afternoons with our pre-professional students while attending UNC Charlotte as a full-time student. Click here for more information about the UNC Charlotte Certificate in Dance.
Class Schedule
September 10, 2012 - June 9, 2013
All classes held at Patricia McBride & Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance.
Sample class schedules
Apprentice/Trainee/Conservatory Schedule>
Ballet 5 Schedule>
Class Descriptions
All Classes Listed are Required for this Division.
Ballet 5
Highest level of ballet offered with emphasis on strength, speed, artistry and technical proficiency.
Supplemental Classes
Contemporary Ballet, Composition, Repertory Class, Pointe, Variations, Pas De Deux, Men’s Technique/Variations
These classes are designed to further develop the most advanced student’s artistry and skill.
Modern 5
This class will offer the highest level of challenge in the modern medium and the students will be encouraged to find not only their technical best, but also a high performance level in their focus, projection and musicality.
Jazz 5
Highest level of Jazz instruction offered, with challenging combinations, body strengthening and creative choreography.
NC Dance Theatre Repertory Ensemble
This most advanced level student performing company has the privilege of working with Patricia McBride on Balanchine ballets, North Carolina Dance Theatre choreographer Mark Diamond on cutting edge works and other top level choreographers to prepare for performances at dance festivals throughout the Southeast. The Repertory Ensemble also participates in the School’s annual Benefit Performance at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. The Repertory Ensemble is an honor company with the Regional Dance America/Southeast Regional Ballet Association (SERBA). Ballet 5, Conservatory and Trainee dancers are required to participate in the Repertory Ensemble.
Dress Code
School of Dance dress code attire may be purchased at 25% off the retail price by calling tutu.com at 704.542.2433 or by visiting their website. Morris Costumes (4300 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28205) also carries School of Dance dress code attire.
Women’s Ballet Class Attire
| Item |
Brand |
Style |
Color |
| Leotard – Monday & Thursday |
Mirella |
#MR207LM |
Black |
| Leotard – Tuesday & Friday |
Tutu.Com |
#TC401 |
Black w/Plum trim |
| Leotard – Wednesday, Saturday & Ensemble |
Tutu.Com |
#TC401NL |
Black w/Coral trim |
| Skirt |
Skirts are not allowed except for variations/rehearsals |
| Tights |
Capezio |
#CP9C (youth sizes) |
Classic (ballet) Pink |
| Capezio |
#CP9 (adult sizes) |
Classic (ballet) Pink |
| Shoes |
Bloch |
#BL258G (youth sizes) |
Pink Leather |
| Bloch |
#BL208L (youth & adult sizes) |
Pink Leather |
| Rehearsal Tutu |
Tutu.Com |
TC9510HPAD |
Black |
Rehearsal Tutus
All female dancers in the Pre-Professional Division of the School are required to purchase a black rehearsal tutu to be used in pas de deux and variations classes and in rehearsals as needed. These tutus should be purchased through tutu.com. A tutu bag for storage should be purchased as well. All tutus will be stored in the Company’s wardrobe department with the dancers name listed on the tutu storage bag.
Women’s Hair
Slicked back into a tightly secured bun with no loose ends. Short hair must be slicked back and held in place with a headband or tiny ponytail.
Men’s Ballet Class Attire
| Item |
Brand |
Style |
Color |
| Shirt |
M. Stevens |
#MS1441 (youth sizes) |
White |
| M. Stevens |
#MS1442 (adult sizes) |
White |
| or Leotard |
M. Stevens |
#MS3410 (adult sizes) |
White (cotton) |
| Footed Tights |
M. Stevens |
#MS1097 (youth sizes) |
Black (milliskin) |
| M. Stevens |
#MS1099 (adult sizes) |
Black (milliskin) |
| Dance belt |
Capezio |
#CPN5930 |
Nude |
| Bloch |
#BLB3914 |
Nude |
| Shoes |
Bloch |
#BL208L, #BL208M |
Black Leather |
Modern Class Attire
Solid colored leotard, footless black tights, or unitard, bare feet. Boys same as above, bare feet.
Jazz Class Attire
Solid colored leotard, black jazz pants, black jazz shoes, no sweatpants. Boys shirt same as ballet class attire.
Tuition
| |
Monthly Installment* |
| Ballet 5 |
$580 |
| Conservatory Program |
$685 |
| |
Annual |
| Repertory Ensemble |
$300 |
*Semi-Annual and Annual tuition payment plans also available. Please see additional information here.
School Year Programs
