About Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre school is the official training institution of Pittsburgh ballet theatre. While the founding of Pittsburgh ballet theatre school pre-dates that of the company, the two were merged under the direction of Patrick Franz, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s artistic director from 1977-1982.

The pre-pre-professional division of the school experienced a surge of growth and development under the direction of Patricia Wilde, Pittsburgh ballet theatre’s artistic director from 1982-1998.

Today, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School (PBTS) is recognized as one of the nation’s finest schools for dance education and training. The School is under the direction of internationally renowned PBT Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr, School Directors Marjorie Grundvig, and Dennis Marshall, and many other internationally acclaimed PBT faculty members and guest teachers. PBTS offers a thorough and well-rounded dance education for over 750 students of all ages, levels, and degrees of interest.

PBTS provides classical ballet training through four divisions: Children, Student, Pre-Professional (High School & Graduate), and Adult. The Children’s Division introduces very young children to dance through Pre-Ballet and Beginning Ballet classes. As students move into the Student Division, they begin studying classical technique. Many students in this division have the opportunity to audition for and perform in Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s annual presentation of The Nutcracker and other repertoire productions.

The Pre-Professional Division (High School & Graduate) is the keystone of the School, training the next generation of professional dancers. Admission to this program is by audition and invitation only.

PBTS’ Open Ballet classes are offered for adults in beginning through advanced level ballet. Pilates Mat classes and Private Pilates sessions are also offered.

Each year, PBTS embarks on an audition tour, traveling across the United States auditioning students for a five-week Intensive Summer Program (ISP). Approximately 150 students attend the ISP program. From this group, select students are invited to attend the Pre-Professional program each year.

The School’s modern and air-conditioned facility is conveniently located in Pittsburgh’s famed Strip District, just 1.5 miles from the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. It features five spacious studios with sprung Marley and Harlequin floors. Free parking is available.