Conservatory Program

The Fort Wayne Ballet Conservatory Program was created with a mission to give students the opportunity to develop in a nurturing environment that will groom them to become professional dancers.

Advanced students may audition for the Conservatory Program, an intense curriculum designed for students who wish to pursue a career in professional dance. Fort Wayne Ballet Conservatory Program offers classes in Classical Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Jazz, Tap, Character, Repertoire, Dance History and Theory, Pedagogy, Choreography and Terminology. Dancers attend classes, rehearse six days a week, and perform in Fort Wayne Ballet productions.

Academy of Fort Wayne Ballet alumni have gone on to dance professionally with many recognized companies including the National Ballet of Canada, Joffrey Ballet, Louisville Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Les Grands Ballet Canadiens, Milwaukee Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, and Alonzo King's Lines Ballet.

Photographer: Margaret Distler

Performing Level 1:

Performing Level 1 is the first pre-professional step a dancer takes in his or her training at Fort Wayne Ballet. The curriculum of a Performing Level 1 (PL 1) dancer attends classes six days a week including: Performing Level 1 Ballet Technique, Performing Level 1 Pointe, Performing Level Dance Academic, Performing Level Character, Contemporary I or II, Tap and Jazz.

Performing Level 2:

Performing Level 2 (PL 2) is the highest level for dancers in Academy of Fort Wayne Ballet while still in high school. PL 2 students have achieved an advanced level of ballet and pointe technique in preparation for a professional career in dance. A Performing Level 2 dancer attends classes six days a week, the curriculum including: Performing Level 2 Ballet Technique, Performing Level 2 Pointe/Variations, Performing Level Dance Academic, Performing Level Character, Pas de Deux, Contemporary I or II, Tap and Jazz.

Trainee Level:

The Fort Wayne Ballet Conservatory Program was created with a mission to give students the opportunity to develop in a nurturing environment that will groom them to become professional dancers.

The Trainee Level in the Conservatory Program of Fort Wayne Ballet is a two-year intensive program designed specifically for high school graduates 18 years of age and older. Trainees have achieved an advanced level of classical ballet, but seek additional training before auditioning for a professional company.

Tuition for the Trainee Level is covered partially by scholarships. However, full scholarships are available and dependant on skill and artistic quality.

Curriculum:

Along with daily technique classes in Classical Ballet, Trainees study Pointe, Pas De Deux, Contemporary Dance, Jazz, Tap, Character, Repertoire, Dance History and Theory, Pedagogy, Choreography and Terminology. Trainees receive individualized attention within small classes to develop their technical and artistic growth. They receive classes with Master Teachers and are an integral part of all Fort Wayne Ballet performances. This personalized attention encourages students to refine technique and artistry so they grow closer to achieving their professional goals.

Upon completion of the two-year Trainee Program, students receive the Fort Wayne Ballet Certificate of Dance. This coursework is designed to compliment a general education program and consists of approximately 54 credits of work and culminates in a final project, which is a performance or research based project representative of the student's interest, talents, and cumulative experience in dance. Projects are selected and prepared under the supervision of a dance faculty member.

Residence:

Fort Wayne Ballet can assist Trainees in finding affordable housing in the vicinity of the Fort Wayne Ballet.

Auditioning:

An audition is required for acceptance into the Trainee Level. Trainees may be selected from the FWB Summer Intensive National Audition Tour, FWB Summer Intensive or through an audition at Fort Wayne Ballet during the year. Preliminary video auditions are accepted with application form. You can download the Trainee Application here to accompany your video or audition.

For more information regarding the Trainee program or to arrange an audition, please contact the Academy Administrator at 260-484-9646.

To receive more information about the Academy's educational opportunities, contact info@fortwayneballet.org