Official Healthcare Provider – University Orthopedics

Orthopedist – Paul Fadale, M.D.
Physical Therapist – Jennifer Davis

Originally named Festival Ballet of Rhode Island (FBRI), Ballet RI was founded in 1978 by two former Royal Winnipeg Ballet Principal Dancers, prima ballerina Christine Hennessey and her partner Winthrop Corey. The pair led FBRI for almost 20 years, establishing it as a force in the New England dance community and one of the strongest regional companies in the country.  Hennessey led FBRI until her untimely death in 1997, when her daughter Elizabeth (a leading dancer in the company for many years) acted as Interim Artistic Director.  

In 1998, choreographer and dancer Mihailo “Misha” Djuric was selected to direct the Company.  With his ambitious vision, FBRI broadened audiences, diversified its repertory, and incorporated an unprecedented number of emerging choreographers.  In addition, Djuric’s tenure brought about international touring of the professional company, a relocation to Providence’s historic East Side, the creation of a new “Black Box Theatre,” and a name change to Festival Ballet Providence.  

In 2019, a year before announcing his retirement, Djuric played a central role in bringing in the then principal dancer with Boston Ballet, Kathleen Breen Combes, as its new Executive Director. In 2020 Breen Combes was appointed Director by the Board of Trustees, and Yury Yanowsky, also a dancer and choreographer from Boston Ballet, as its new Artistic Curator and Resident Choreographer.

BALLET RI serves diverse communities in Rhode Island by uplifting the spirit of underserved populations and amplifying the voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. 

• We use the power of art and its impact on culture and community to impact positive change.
• We uphold equity and recognize that our work begins with accountability.
• Our school and community engagement programs embrace differences and impart the transformative power of dance in a manner that encourages a safe and creative space for all.
• We embrace cultural, social, economic and religious differences enriching the dance experience while providing guidance to our artistic output, education, dress codes and staff etiquette.
• We present a diverse repertoire on stage and engage the unique voices of tomorrow to continue the reimagination of our art form.
• We are committed to diversifying our employees, artists, board, students, and audience to better reflect the communities we serve.

Thank you for your interest in Ballet RI!

Ballet Rhode Island (formerly Festival Ballet Providence) is a professional performing arts organization located on the East Side of Providence, RI. The company performs a wide range of classical, neoclassical, and contemporary work. Additionally the School of Ballet RI provides the highest quality dance education in the region and the Company’s robust outreach programming reaches into schools and public spaces across the region with a mission to bring the transformative power of dance to the widest possible audience.

Ballet Rhode Island is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Ballet Rhode Island values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages Black/Brown, Indigenous, and other People of Color to apply.

Company class auditions are by invitation only. Please email [email protected] with your resume, photos, and dance videos.

COMPANY REP WORKSHOP 2025

July 7-11, 2025
Ages 16-22 

The one-week Company Rep Workshop (CRW) will give young professionals the opportunity to experience Ballet RI repertoire in a workshop setting. Classes will be taught by Ballet RI Artistic Staff and Faculty. Participants will work with Artistic Curator and Resident Choreographer Yury Yanowsky on choreography, receive coaching on classical repertoire, and experience the process of a new creation with a leading guest choreographer. 

2025-2026 Ballet RI Trainees will be selected exclusively from the workshop.

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. 

SCHEDULE

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. 

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

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. 

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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. 

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

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

TUITION

Tuition for Ballet RI’s Trainee Program is $7,200.00 for the year. Merit scholarships are offered at the discretion of the Director.

Administrator is responsible for greeting visitors at the front desk of Ballet RI.  Duties include answering the telephone, data entry, reading and replying to emails, maintaining the cleanliness of the facilities.  Admin will serve as the initial contact with visitors, students, and staff.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: High School Diploma Required

EXPERIENCE:   1+ year reception or general office experience, preferred.  OR

                           2+ years customer service experience

SKILLS: Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills necessary

Admin must be able to work assigned hours and possess stamina to work for full shifts.

Transportation is a must.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Answer all incoming calls to the front desk.  Make transfers and take messages effectively. Be able to communicate needs of callers if you cannot assist effectively.
• Greet students when they arrive for class.  Answer questions from students and parents.  Direct new students to appropriate studios and facilities.
• Accept payments for registration, tuition, and merchandise in accordance with the school’s procedures. Effectively use Dance Manager to accept payments.
• Maintains the reception area, changing rooms, studios, and lobby.  Keeps the bathrooms fully stocked with soap, paper towels, toilet paper, and keeps debris off the floor. When required, removes trash from all bathrooms, studios, and dressing rooms.
• Ensure each studio is fully stocked with sanitizing wipes or cleaning spray with paper towels, hand sanitizer, gloves, thermometer, first aid supplies, and gloves.
• Data entry as needed.
• Assist with basic office tasks including copying, faxing, and mail distribution.
• Understands the policies and regulations of Ballet RI to assist staff and students to maintain protocols.
• Communicates effectively with the administrative staff and team members to keep all shifts aware of any issues that required continued attention.
• Presents a friendly and welcoming first impression for all visitors, students, and parents to Ballet RI.
• Sell tickets to our Black Box and Culmination performances and be proficient in Box Office system and protocols.
• Be knowledgeable and up to date on the specific classes and performances that are currently available or are upcoming and be able to answer basic questions about them upon inquiry.
• Be able to cover other shifts if needed.

Please send resumes to [email protected]

ProviDANCE after-school program for second graders is focused around beginning ballet technique, storytelling through dance and dance improvisation. Through these content areas, students will build a wide range of physical, mental, social and emotional skills over an entire school year. Students will increase their movement awareness, developing greater strengths, flexibility, coordination and expression. The program involves 2 after school classes per week, plus an additional class at either Ballet RI or Jacqueline Walsh HS for the Arts for select students inclusive of transportation and ballet uniforms. The ProviDANCE program provides a graduated pathway to the profession of dance for marginalized populations.

Position: ProviDANCE Teacher(s)

Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30 – 5:30 pm October – June; additionally assist Academy class Monday or Wednesdays after school.

Pay rate: $20 – $40/hour

Locations: Providence and Pawtucket, Rhode Island

Skills/Experience Required

• Dance teaching experience working with elementary age students.
• Understanding of beginning ballet pedagogy.
• Experience working in diverse communities and/or public school settings.
• Experience with restorative practices preferred.
• Spanish proficiency a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support the program in creating a safe learning environment that fosters positive social and emotional development and model professionalism as a mentor and educator.
• Report any incidents that are in conflict with Ballet RI code of conduct or impedes a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Facilitate after-school transition with tasks such as dance space set up; possibly including sound equipment, moving small chairs or desks, taking attendance.
• Teach 2 after school classes per week (Tuesdays) and (Thursdays) arriving at the school at 3:30 to gather students for a 4:00 – 5:00 class.
• Oversee and coordinate work with teaching assistant for the Tuesday/Thursday classes.
• Evaluate student performance in class making recommendations for the ProviDANCE Academy program.
• Choreograph and coordinate the end of school year performance with the Pawtucket ProviDANCE after-school Tuesday/Thursday classes at each school.
• Contribute to a strong productive working relationship with elementary school community including teachers, staff and parents.
• Contribute to the Ballet Rhode Island team by maintaining communication with other departments and supporting the needs of the Pawtucket ProviDANCE program.
• Work with the Director of Community Engagement to meet the program curriculum and enrollment goals, reporting areas of need or program challenges as they arise.
• Mentor students providing social, emotional, and academic support as needed.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and flexibility.
• Follow all COVID protocols for public schools and Ballet Rhode Island.
• Assistant the Academy class on Wednesdays (4-5pm) or Mondays (4:30-5:30PM) starting in January.
• Assist coordinating uniform and costume sizing for Academy students and distributing t-shirts, socks and water bottles to Tues/Thursday ProviDANCE students.

The ProviDANCE Teacher will be paid at a rate of $40/hr for the class time per class per day. Hours that are beyond the amount needed for generating class content, and result from administrative duties such as meetings, uniform coordination and communications are paid at an administrative rate of $20/hr but not to exceed 2 hours per week. Additionally, the Academy Assistant rate of $20/hr will be allocated to the time supporting the Academy classes on Mondays or Wednesdays.  Classes are subject to cancellation due to school closings including weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

E-Mail Application

Ballet RI’s ProviDANCE program increases access to dance education for Providence Public School System’s elementary students. Ballet RI is seeking a part-time on-call driver who will be an integral part of the overall ProviDANCE program and mission.

As part of our mission to make dance accessible to the communities this program serves, the driver’s role is to safely deliver students both to our Providence studios for dance class and back to their schools at the end of the day. The small 14 passenger bus will live at our Hope St. studios, where the driver will take the bus to both elementary schools in Olneyville to pick up the students and bring them back to take class. At the end of class, driver will return the students to their schools to be picked up by their parents. A bus monitor/dance teacher will be there to assist with this process.

Requirements:

–Immediate availability (after-school hours 3:15pm-7:15pm) 
– Chauffeur’s license, or ability to obtain one – NO CDL REQUIRED
– Possess a clean driving record
– Can pass a Federal background check

E-Mail Application

Ballet RI is seeking part-time musicians with advanced level piano skills who are prompt, responsible, and interested in collaborating with teachers and students to accompany classical ballet classes. Applicants should be strongly committed to excellence.

Ballet RI values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages Black/Brown, Indigenous, and other People of Color to apply.

Skills/Requirements

– Advanced level piano skills, with preference given to classical training.
– Previous experience playing for ballet technique/pointe classes is recommended.
– Knowledge of ballet terms/repertoire is preferred and ability to improvise is required.
– Experience providing and maintaining a professional studio and performance atmosphere within the classroom.
– Ability to provide inspirational accompaniment for dance classes.
– Ability to work with teachers in a wide variety of styles and rhythms.
– Prior experience or a wide range of repertoire necessary.
– Willing to work with others, flexible, and creatives.
– Having a book and/or repertoire already compiled strongly recommended.

Academic Credentials: We will evaluate your level of experience and education. An audition is required. Some training provided. Benefits include free tickets to Ballet RI performances.

SUMMARY: Interns gain valuable administrative experience, working within an active and vibrant nonprofit setting, assisting staff and interacting with clients and customers. Interns are an important part of the organization, working closely with staff in the following departments: Administration (Database and file organization) Development (Donor engagement and management, fundraising projects) Marketing and Box Office, (Ticketing and subscriber management), School of Ballet RI (Client file management, scheduling and communication), Production Tasks (Backstage and front of house production duties).

HOURS: Interns typically work 15-20 hours per week and are eligible to receive college credit.

SESSIONS: Currently recruiting for all terms (Fall, Spring, Summer)

Please send resume and cover letter to [email protected].

E-Mail Application

SUMMARY: Ballet RI is offering learning opportunities to eligible college students. This internship provides an opportunity for students to shadow Ballet RI Outreach Educators for 9 weeks. This will provide the dance education interns additional experience teaching dance in a public-school setting, and prepare the interns for hiring and placement in future classes.

The intention of the program is to build skills students interested in teaching dance in a public-school setting through shadowing an Ballet RI Outreach Educator. The internship is not a paid position but can be applied for credit (student is responsible for organizing required enrollments, paperwork, etc. in order to receive credit). Students who successfully complete the internship program will be eligible to apply for a paid teaching position in Ballet RI’s Outreach Education program during the following session.

REQUIREMENTS
• Letter of Recommendation
• Interview by Nicole Laliberte, Director of Community Engagement for Ballet RI
• Transportation to and from outreach school locations
• Participation in no less than one hour a week for 9 weeks at a Ballet RI outreach education program
• Students 18 years or older will be required to complete a BCI through the Attorney General’s Office