The Program
June 29 – July 31, 2020
Summer Intensive is a program of serious study in a warm and companionable atmosphere. The faculty provides caring and careful instruction conducive to technical and artistic progress. In seeking to maintain a feeling of community, Princeton Ballet School purposely limits the number of students in class.
Auditions are conducted throughout the United States and abroad to select 100 students for the program. For students ages 13 and up, classes are held at the Princeton Studio location with optional housing at Princeton University.
For more information, call 609.921.7758 ext. 30.
Post High School Summer Intensive students may also be considered for the American Repertory Ballet/Princeton Ballet School Trainee Program.
Audition Registration Information:
OPTION 1*: Complete this audition form to reserve your spot.
Pre-register online for the audition and pay only $25. If you miss the pre-registration deadline (1 week prior to selected audition date) see options 2 & 3.
OPTION 2*: Register in person on the day of the audition and pay $30. Cash (exact change, please) or check made out to Princeton Ballet School.
OPTION 3: Video auditions (youtube only). Youtube submission must be accompanied by an audition form and $35 audition fee. Please submit a video demonstrating the following:
Barre exercises – Pliés, tendus, dégagés, rond de jambes, grand battements, adagio.
Center exercises – Adagio, Across the floor Pirouette, Petit Allegro, Grand Allegro. Women should show two pointe exercises (one with pirouette)
Upload the video to Youtube and email the link as well as your audition form, headshot and first arabesque (en pointe for women) photo to Carol Bellis at cbellis@arballet.org.
*Please bring two photos: one in first arabesque (en pointe for women) and a headshot. Photos need not be glossies – color copies are acceptable.
Experience the opportunity to:
- Sample a taste of professional life in a full day dance experience, including rehearsals for a final performance
- Grow technically through daily ballet technique, including pointe or men’s class
- Deepen your understanding of important concepts in injury prevention, such as proper alignment and rotation
- Expand your dance background through classes in contemporary, modern, and character dance
- Develop group communication and leadership skills while establishing friendships with equally committed young dancers
- Set effective goals and learn to increase personal discipline and focus
- Interact with dedicated professionals, including the Princeton Ballet School faculty American Repertory Ballet’s professional company members
Classes
Summer Intensive focuses on ballet, including pointe and men’s classes. Other coursework includes variations, partnering, modern, contemporary, character, and repertory. Sessions in BioMechanics gives dancers the opportunity to identify and resolve problems, increasing the sophistication with which dancers approach technique class.
Placement In Levels
Levels are determined on the first day of the program, the classes start meeting in their regular groups on the second day.
“What was particularly interesting, and made a great impression on me, right from the beginning of the first lesson of the Summer Intensive, was a method of studying classical ballet definitely new, in some of its aspects, and in other ways, richly motivating me to reflect on and deepen my prior knowledge: I found every movement, from the very beginning of the barre work, more danced, more lived, more breathed.”
–Federica Valla, Teatro Nuovo, Torino, Italia
The Studios
Princeton Ballet School is located in the heart of Princeton with four large studios featuring high ceilings and sprung dance floors. Live music accompanies all ballet and modern dance classes.
The facility includes a dance library and is adjacent to numerous shops and restaurants, with generous open space, picnic tables, and gardens. The entire studio complex is wireless accessible.
Performance
A high point of the Summer Intensive experience is the performance. It is important to also work in various dance styles, from the classical to the contemporary, and is just a wonderful way to cement friendships and create lasting memories. The performance is presented on the evening of the last day of the program at the historic McCarter Theatre. Families and community members are welcome. Tickets are sold separately.
Housing
Dormitory accommodations are on the historic Princeton University campus. Summer Intensive students will reside in one of the undergraduate dormitories. The University campus adjoins downtown Princeton, a small town of great charm. Transportation to and from the studios is provided.
Fees
Tuition: $2,750
Room & Board: $3,300
Scholarships
A limited number of merit-based tuition scholarships are available. All students attending each audition site are automatically considered for scholarship. There is no separate application process.
RA positions available for dancers 21 and over, contact cbellis@arballet.org to apply.
Age Qualifications
Summer Intensive is for students ages 13 and over.
“Our daughter greatly enjoyed her time at Princeton Ballet School, and we would like to thank you so much for all that you have done to make her stay so pleasant.”
-Famille de Brye, Académie Américaine de Danse de Paris
Further Opportunities: The ARB Trainee Program
The Trainee Program begins with the Summer Intensive and is the bridge between the student phase of training and that of a professional career. ARB Trainees start each day with intensive classes designed to polish technique and build strength. These classes are exclusively for the Trainee dancers, with a focus on the individual participant. The Trainees finish each day with two more classes. These classes include pointe, variations, partnering and modern dance training. After their morning training, which also includes pointe, variations and modern dance, the Trainees join ARB company rehearsals where they understudy company roles. This exposes the Trainee to the expectation of a professional company, learning repertory, polishing technique and performance skills in the more intense professional environment. Trainees also participate in the PBS Workshop—the rehearsal and performance training program for the top levels of Princeton Ballet School. Dancers learn repertory designed for their level of capability, and are given the opportunity to perform in professionally produced productions. Princeton Ballet School is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students.
Other Summer Programs:
Ages 11+: Summer Intensive Intermediates
Ages 9-11: Summer Intensive Juniors
