Ballet RI’s trainee program offers an encouraging, supportive environment that will develop young artists into the professional dancers of tomorrow. Aspiring dancers who are at or almost at professional level are accepted into the Trainee Program through an audition process offered during our Company Rep Workshop (CRW). The program offers devoted technique and extra curricular classes to bridge the gap between student and professional, offering real world professional experience working along side Ballet RI’s resident company when repertoire opportunities arise. Additionally, Trainees will have the opportunity to explore other arts management and administrative roles within the organization to develop future career paths and experience beyond their dancing. Audition preparation classes and mentorship is also provided for the trainees, helping them move into the professional world at the end of the trainee program, whether that be with Ballet RI or another organization. The program is designed to be a guiding hand into the professional world. Trainees will share many of the same responsibilities as company dancers, and will be held to the same level of professionalism, while being supported and encouraged through additional dedicated training and development. The program will be capped at 20 dancers to maintain the intensity and focus of training, and will be highly selective to ensure the continuation of high-level individualized growth. Housing will not be provided, and pointe shoes will not be supplied through the company.

Trainees will be required to take the noted trainee technique class every day. Professionalism within the classes, including timeliness, preparation, and focus is expected of all trainees within the program. Additional required classes will be offered after the technique class, including but not limited to pointe, variations, conditioning, contemporary. Additional professional development classes will include, mental strength training, wellness workshops, and living seminars that will touch on topics from taxes to the importance of reading and understanding contracts. Mentoring utilizing the experience of Ballet RI’s resident company dancers will also be offered to trainees. All classes are required unless trainees are requested for company rehearsals. There is no guarantee trainees will be cast in company rehearsals, and it will be repertoire dependent throughout the course of the season.

Multiple performance opportunities will be available to the trainees throughout the course of the year. Performance opportunities with the company will depend on repertoire, and trainees are not guaranteed performance opportunities alongside the company. There will be performance opportunities available to the trainees through our community engagement programs and School of Ballet RI Culmination which will serve as the completion of the trainee program for the Academic Year.

Trainees will have a multitude of responsibilities within the organization to help prepare them for professional life. Beyond being present and engaged in all rehearsals they are called to, and learning all parts and roles assigned to them whether or not they are cast to perform the role, trainees are expected to explore opportunities within the administrative and education sides of the organization. Trainees will connect with staff early to determine areas of interest, and where specific skills could be best utilized within the organization. Having an understanding of the functionality of an arts organization, through the lens of an administrator or an instructor can open doors to other interests and possible career paths so that dance may remain a part of each young artists life beyond their performance career. Additionally, trainees not performing in repertoire shows will be required to assist the Box Office Manager as ushers and production staff. Trainees on full scholarship will be required to fulfill volunteer hours through social media, administrative, event, health and development, and performance support.

While some of these responsibilities will fall under volunteer hours required of all trainees, there are opportunities for paid positions. Instructor and assistant positions within our community engagement programs are paid per hour. Additional teaching and administrative opportunities may become available.

Tuition for Ballet RI’s Trainee Program is $7,425 for the year. Merit scholarships are offered at the discretion of the Director.