Ballet Help Desk

A rerelease: In our first episode of Dancer Stories, Jenny and her daughter Abbey share how Abbey got her first ballet contract. Tune in to hear how a meeting about dorm policy violations at a summer intensive turned into an apprenticeship offer with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. After a last-minute decision to attend the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Company Experience, Abbey's unexpected journey underscores the importance of seizing opportunities—you never know where they might lead! Learn more about Pittsburgh Ballet Theater on their website. Interested in following Abbey's career? You can find her on Instagram @abbeyahuang Links: Read Our Ballet School Summer & Year-Round Reviews Buy Corrections Journals Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk Facebook: BalletHelpDesk TikTok:  Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Raymond Rodriguez, Dean of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, breaks down their Company Experience program and why they created it. Unlike traditional summer intensives, the Company Experience simulates professional dancer life through repertoire-heavy training and direct interaction with Pittsburgh Ballet's artistic staff. Raymond explains what a typical day looks like, the types of choreography students work on, and who mentors participants throughout the program. The conversation covers how the program helps dancers understand company realities, what discussions happen around professional life expectations, and who should consider attending. Raymond also addresses opportunities for students to be observed by artistic staff and how often participants transition into Pittsburgh Ballet's postgraduate levels or main company. He shares what sets Pittsburgh Ballet's approach apart from similar company experience programs and offers guidance on whether this type of specialized training is the right next step. If you're considering programs that go beyond traditional technique-focused intensives, this episode explains how Pittsburgh Ballet prepares dancers for professional life. Links: Read Our Ballet School Summer & Year-Round Reviews Buy Corrections Journals Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk Facebook: BalletHelpDesk TikTok:  Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI Takeways The Pittsburgh Summer Company Experience started in 2014 with 30 students. The program has grown to accommodate around 70 students, split into cohorts. Students learn a mix of classical, contemporary, and new works during the program. The daily schedule mirrors that of professional company artists, with extensive rehearsal hours. Auditions are held on the first day to determine casting for the performances. The program emphasizes the importance of versatility in dance training. Students are encouraged to support each other in learning choreography. Eligibility is limited to students aged 16 and older, based on their readiness. The program offers opportunities for students to be seen by artistic directors for potential contracts. PBT's program is designed to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for dancers.    

Davit Karapetyan and Laura Bowman Goldstein from Philadelphia Ballet break down three focused summer programs designed for dancers considering specialized training: the Pas de Deux Intensive, Variations Intensive, and Company Experience. They start with partnering, an essential skill that many students cannot get in their local schools. Davit and Laura talk about how much partnering really matters in today's job market, what experience dancers need going in, and how this intensive tackles the challenges students struggle with most. Next, they dive into the Variations Intensive, where dancers receive targeted competition coaching and individualized feedback. They explain why dedicated variation work matters, how pieces are chosen, and what dancers can expect from the final showing. Finally, the Company Experience offers a taste of professional life, with daily training and direct access to Philadelphia Ballet's artistic staff. The conversation covers schedules, repertoire, and how often students move from this program into trainee, second company, or even the main company. Davit and Laura also share guidance for dancers and parents trying to decide which program makes the most sense, and what sets Philadelphia Ballet's summer training apart. If you are looking beyond a traditional summer intensive, this episode lays out three distinct options and who each one is really for. Learn more about Philly's summer programs. Links: Read Our Ballet School Summer & Year-Round Reviews: https://reviews.ballethelpdesk.com/ Buy Corrections Journals Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk Facebook: BalletHelpDesk TikTok:  Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI    

div]:bg-bg-000/50 [&_pre>div]:border-0.5 [&_pre>div]:border-border-400 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8"> _*]:min-w-0 standard-markdown"> Durante Verzola, resident choreographer for Miami City Ballet School, breaks down their Summer Choreographic Workshop, a specialized program that simulates professional dancer life for students as young as 14. Unlike traditional summer intensives, this program focuses on preparing dancers for the quick turnaround and varied repertory demands of company life. Durante explains why they created a separate choreographic track, how company artistic staff are involved, and what types of mentors and choreographers work with participants. The conversation covers the balance between new and existing works, whether students learn to choreograph themselves, and what the final performance looks like. Durante discusses why younger dancers benefit from this experience, how often participants transition into Miami City Ballet's year-round program, and what common growth areas he observes. He also addresses why specialized programs like this are growing in popularity and what sets Miami City Ballet's approach apart from similar workshops. If you're considering programs that go beyond traditional technique training, this episode explains what makes the choreographic workshop format valuable for pre-professional dancers. Learn more on the MCBS  website. Links: Read Our Ballet School Summer & Year-Round Reviews Buy Corrections Journals Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk Facebook: BalletHelpDesk TikTok: @ballethelpdesk Takeaways The Choreographic Intensive is a two-week program at Miami City Ballet School. The program aims to develop students' artistry and professional skills. Students experience a daily routine similar to that of professional dancers. Artistry is emphasized alongside technical training in ballet. The program includes creating original works specifically for the students. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their choreography. Performance opportunities are crucial for developing confidence and skills. The program fosters a supportive environment for students to grow. Choreography is created in response to the dancers in the moment. The intensive prepares students for the realities of a professional dance career. Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI  

Oliver Till, Artistic Director of Kansas City Ballet School, walks us through ChoreoLab, their unique summer program that pairs aspiring dancers with emerging choreographers. The program runs two tracks: Movers (dancers 17+) and Makers (choreographers 18-24). Instead of traditional technique classes, participants collaborate on original work, learning about lighting, costume design, and tech rehearsals along the way. The focus is on the creative process, not just the final product, with dancers exploring new movement styles they wouldn't encounter in standard training. Oliver explains the application process, including in-person auditions for dancers and portfolio-based selection for choreographers. He discusses why the program culminates in a ticketed performance to raise the stakes, and how they've incorporated mindfulness sessions to support mental well-being during the intensive creative process. If you're interested in choreography, want to understand how professional work gets made, or are looking for a summer program that goes beyond technique, this episode breaks down what makes ChoreoLab different. Links: Read Our Ballet School Summer & Year-Round Reviews Buy Corrections Journals Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk Facebook: BalletHelpDesk TikTok:  Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI Takeaways: The Mover track is for aspiring dancers aged 17 and up. The Maker track is for aspiring choreographers aged 18 to 24. The program emphasizes collaboration between dancers and choreographers. Participants learn about lighting, costume design, and tech rehearsals. The focus is on the process of creation rather than just the final product. Dancers are encouraged to explore new movement styles and techniques. The application process includes in-person auditions for movers. Makers are selected based on their choreographic ideas and experience. The culmination performance is a ticketed event to enhance accountability. Mindfulness sessions are introduced to support dancers' mental well-being.