Pre-Professional Program
‘21-’22 Pre-Pro student, Kyla Marcus, as the Russian Girl in a studio showing of Balanchine’s Serenade. Kyla just finished a two-year trainee position with Ballet Idaho.
‘21-’22 Pre-Pro student, Mia Snape, as Odette in Swan Lake, Act II. Mia ia currently a junior at the Gloria Kauffman School at USC.
Apply for DTC/SF's successful Pre-Professional Program and Level 6 for ’24-’25 school year. Led by former SFB Principal Dancer & Associate Artistic Director, Kristin Long, Associate Artistic Director, Samantha Clark, and Artistic Director, Julianne Spratlin, DTC's Pre-Pro Program provides small group, semi-private & private instruction up to 5 days per week, along with the Level 6 curriculum 6 days per week, for the serious ballet student preparing for a professional career or entrance into high-level college dance. Individual attention, instruction, and guidance given in a positive, nurturing environment to help each student achieve their fullest potential. Come and train with our highly experienced faculty in our beautiful facility, with access to Pilates and Gyrotonic training on site. Teachers and students collaborate in preparation of repertoire, production of videos, audition guidance, and college recommendations.
Tailored for students aged 16 and up, attending school online or with flexible schedule. 24-28 hours of training per week, with a morning/early afternoon block of class and rep or variations work (approximately 10am-1pm, Mon-Fri), a midday break for school work, rest, or conditioning, followed by the DTC Level 6 curriculum in the evenings (Mon-Fri; Sat 10am-4pm). The physical, mental, and emotional health and preparedness of each student for a future in dance is our priority!
A Year In Review
September/October
Daily class and repertoire preparation for filming and audition planning. We take time with each student to get to know them, their history and interests, and to discuss goals and plans for auditions and video submissions. Class and private work is tailored to each student’s needs. We help choose variations and repertoire for filming and discuss various future audition options. Students are given a chance to perform their variations at DTC’s Fall Classic in October to give them full confidence in filming.
November/December
Preparation and rehearsals for DTC’s “The Nutcracker” performances, along with filming of variations and classwork for video audition submission during the day. After Nutcracker, more detailed planning of audition schedule, conference to discuss the student’s progress, and refinement of repertoire.
January/February
Privates and rehearsals take a back seat to auditions. DTC faculty give both physical support through classes and cross-training, and emotional support throughout the audition season, as students travel to audition or participate in auditions in SF.
March-June
The spring months are spent working on new repertoire for Spring Concert, as well as callbacks for auditions and decisions about the future. The year culminates in our Spring concert performances in late May/early June.
‘23 PrePro graduate, Lily Peta. Lily is now in her second year in the Professional Division at Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB).
Making the Journey
From student to professional can be an arduous one. Students need guidance and support to feel independent and prepared for the career ahead. Our goal is for each student to have as many options open to them as possible when it comes time to make a decision about the coming year and their dance future.
‘22-23 Pre-Pro student, Emma Lin