While the founding of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School pre-dates that of the company, the two were merged under the direction of Patrick Franz, PBT’s Artistic Director from 1977-1982. The 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 (PBT School) 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, and School Directors, Marjorie Grundvig and Dennis Marshall. PBT School offers a thorough and well-rounded dance education for over 800 students of all ages, levels, and degrees of interest - taught by faculty and guest teachers of international acclaim. The School works to instill a long-term value of the art form in each student while emphasizing the study of diverse, high quality curriculum in a positive and inspirational learning environment.

PBT School provides classical ballet training through four divisions: Children's, Student, Pre-Professional (Level VI, 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 (Level VI, 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.

The Adult Division’s Open Ballet classes are offered for adults in beginning through advanced level ballet. Cardio Kickboxing, Hip Hop, Pilates Mat classes and Private Pilates sessions are also offered.

Each year, PBT School 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 brand new sprung Harlequin floors. Free parking is available. Live music accompanies most classes.