Trainee Division
ABOUT THE PROGRAM | Ballet West Academy’s Trainee Division was created in 2009 by Ballet West artistic director Adam Sklute for the purpose of extending a dancer’s formal training post-graduation. Designed as a post-secondary vocational program, the Trainee follows a schedule similar to that of the main company with training in the first half of the day and the possibility of rehearsing with the main company in the second. This two-year program is invitation only.
TRAINEE DIVISION | INVITATION ONLY
2024-2025 | START AUGUST 2024
James Payne, Trainee Coordinator
Trainees participate in Ballet West and Ballet West II rehearsals and tour with Ballet West for Children around the state. They perform in Ballet West’s The Nutcracker, the Ballet West Family Series, and select Company Productions. Trainees learn repertoire in company rehearsals with artistic staff and guest repetiteurs. Trainees also perform in Academy productions with recent repertoire including George Balanchine’s Who Cares, and Divertimento No. 15, and new works by Francisco Gella.
Dedicated training of 20+ hours per week in addition to rehearsal hours with the company as needed.
It is the intent of the Academy Director, faculty, and artistic staff of Ballet West Academy to provide the highest caliber training to ensure that each dancer is prepared to take their place in an ever-changing dance world.
PROGRAM SELECTION & INFORMATION
Trainees are selected by audition and exclusively at the invitation of Ballet West Artistic Director Adam Sklute. There are no in-person open auditions for the Trainee Division at this time. Offers are typically extended through participation in Ballet West Academy’s Summer Intensive and year-round programs.
This is a training position; tuition fees apply.
Submit a Video Audition | Click Here for Audition Information
Tuition for the Academy Year: $7,785
Monthly Installment: $865
Non-refundable deposit: $433
Registration Fee: $45
No performance or costume fees
Apply for Financial Aid by August 1, 2024 | For more information on how to, visit our Academy Policies page
WELLNESS
Through sponsorship with Intermountain Healthcare, we have access to a team of providers including Sport's Psychology, Nutrition, and full-time, onsite physical therapy dedicated to the Academy students.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WELCOME
The FEQBWA is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students in the Professional Training Division including PTD and Trainee students. Administered through the Student Exchange Visa Program, students can obtain an M-1 visa. For more information about obtaining a student visa, contact academy@balletwest.org. There is an International Student Fee of $350. Press release: Student Visas Approved
Informational Packet: Student Visa Information
“I am impressed by the level of our students and am committed to offering opportunities. In fact, 75% of the current company trained with Ballet West Academy. Under Evelyn Cisneros-Legate, I feel the level has increased further and I’m looking forward to the next chapter for these programs.”