Pre-professional Division
(Ages 13+)

In Levels 6 and 7, students refine their technique into an expressive language. Classes aim to accentuate the clarity of classical line, intensity of pointe work and increased speed and accuracy as a natural extension of existing technique. Levels 6 & 7 will be held in-studio.

Curriculum: Ballet Technique, Pointe, Variations, Repertoire, Modern, Jazz and Pilates mat classes.

In Level 8, training becomes more immersive and students begin learning more advanced repertoire. Admission is by audition and invitation only.

Curriculum: Ballet Technique, Pointe, Variations, Men’s Class, Repertoire, Contemporary Dance, Modern, Jazz and Pilates mat classes.

*Classes are subject to change.

Academics

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School does not hold academic accreditation, so the following resources are intended to help full-time high school students strike a balance between their academic and artistic pursuits:

• Pittsburgh Public Schools Program: Students enrolling from out-of-state have the option of enrolling in the “PPS Program” – a partnership between Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School and Pittsburgh Public Schools. This program enables students to train at PBT six days a week while receiving academic instruction at a local Pittsburgh Public school.
• Correspondence or Cyber Courses: Some high school students opt to arrange correspondence courses with their resident or home high school. Others enroll in cyber school programs, which allow them to take full-time classes at PBT School during the week.
• Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School: Pennsylvania residents can enroll in The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School (PA Cyber), an accredited high school degree program designed to provide a compelling alternative to traditional public and private schools.  Residents of Colorado, Florida, Kansas, New Mexico, Ohio and Wisconsin may be able to enroll in a PA Cyber affiliate program.

Housing for Out-of-Town High School Students

Byham House offers a safe and nurturing “home away from home.” PBT’s student residence offers supervised room and board accommodations for out-of-town high school students from ages 14-18. Learn more about Byham House here.

Graduate students step up their training regimen and bolster their resumes with repertoire ranging from Serenade and Swan Lake to original new choreography. Graduate students represent Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre in performance and promotional appearances throughout the city. Graduate students may be offered opportunities to rehearse and perform with the company. Each year, many PBT School Graduate students are offered contracts and apprenticeships with prestigious companies around the country, and more than half of PBT’s current company dancers are PBT School alumni. Learn more about our alumni here.

The Graduate Program schedule typically runs Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. with additional rehearsals as called from 3-6 p.m.

Graduate Student Housing

Graduate students are responsible for finding their own housing. We encourage students to consider convenient public transportation routes to PBT as well as safety, security and cost. Recommended areas for your search include: Bloomfield, Friendship, Lawrenceville, Oakland, Shadyside and Squirrel Hill. We recommend that students visit these and other areas of Pittsburgh before committing to a rental.

Pre-professional Tuition

Tuition payments may be made in your Family Portal.

Tuition may be paid in full or in payments according the options available upon registration. Installment fees apply.

Pro-rated tuition will go into effect as of October 1. Please contact the school office at 412-281-6727 for a proper tuition quote after this date.

Tuition adjustments will not be made should PBT School need to transition fully to distance/online learning at any point this year.

A registration fee of $45 is required of all students.

Early full-pay discount or multiple payment plans are available upon registration.   (Installment fees apply.)