Dynamic Boys Scholarship Program

The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School Dynamic Boys Program is a two-year, tuition-free training initiative within the Children’s and Student Divisions for boys ages 2–14.

This program provides young boys with access to conservatory-style dance training while fostering camaraderie in a fun, engaging, and structured environment. Its primary goal is to inspire and prepare students to progress into the highest levels of PBT School’s Pre-Professional Division. No prior dance experience is required upon entering the Children’s Division (ages 2-7). However, dancers who wish to join the Student Division (ages 7-14) must take a placement class in order for assessment by PBT School faculty.

Curriculum

Classes are designed to develop strength, flexibility, coordination, and musicality, while cultivating the discipline, focus, and determination shared by professional male athletes and dancers.

Students in the Children’s Division attend classes once per week, while Student Division participants train two to five days per week based on level placement.  The academic year begins in September and concludes in May.

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Application Process

Application

This application and agreement is for the 2026-27 school year and must be renewed each year. This scholarship may be awarded for up to two (consecutive) years. After reading, we ask that you electronically apply and sign, date and submit the form. 

We thank you for your commitment to ballet training for your student. Though we are asking you to agree to the stipulations listed below, we also pledge to you that PBT is committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment at PBT and PBT School and to supporting students and their families.

If interested, please fill out the application. Students in the Children’s Division do not require any prior experience, whereas students in the Student Division will require level placement. Once this application is received, the results of the scholarship are returned within approximately one week, unless the student needs to be placed into a level.

Scholarship availability is limited to class capacity.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact pbtschool@pittsburghballet.org.

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Scholarship Expectations and Commitment

Of Students:

• Attend PBT School for the full term of the award, which is the entire 2026-27 school year.
• Meet increasing standards of accomplishment by remaining engaged and showing commitment through the course of the class. A student’s progress is outlined in an annual evaluation. (Please see “Evaluations,” below.)
• Maintain class attendance.
• Be prepared, focused, and enthusiastic!
• Participate fully in all School activities.
• Participate in all rehearsals and performances.
• Participate in end-of-year Spring Performance programs in May 2027.
• Participate only in PBT training programs (exceptions such as PPS’s CAPA will be considered on a case-by-case basis).
• Adhere to school regulations and policies outlined in the Student Handbook.

Of Caregivers:

• Affirm that your student plans to attend PBT School for the full term of the 2026-27 school year.
• Thoroughly read and understand the Student Handbook’s policies and regulations. Ensure the student follows rules stipulated in the Student Handbook.
• Let us know about an absence and any attendance issue on the PBT Family Portal.
• Communicate with us about any concerns you may have. Instructors and staff are happy to help in any way possible.
• Provide transportation to and from classes and rehearsals at PBT Studios (2900 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15201).
• Ensure student arrives on time and is prepared for class.
• Provide proper ballet attire for the student as listed in the PBT School Handbook.
• Ensure that your current email address and cell phone number are on file in the PBT School office. The vast majority of PBT School communication is done via email and the Family Portal.
• Attend class orientation and other education activities.
• Attend periodic and end-of-school-year progress meetings with PBT School staff / faculty.

Attendance and Participation

Attendance

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School provides an exciting opportunity for children to explore and to begin to love dance. It is also a ballet training program. We ask that both students and caregivers make this program a priority and that every effort be made to attend all scheduled classes.

Consistent class participation is crucial to your student’s success. If a student misses class multiple times their progress may suffer and they may be required to repeat their training level the next school year. Missing classes may also mean that the student could be excluded from performance opportunities, including the end-of-year performance. Poor attendance may also affect the student’s annual evaluation.

Please note: Communication is very important! Please notify us of an absence BEFORE your student’s class time at the PBT Family Portal.

Students arriving more than 15 minutes late for an in-person class will not be permitted to participate (due to safety reasons) but will be expected to stay in the class to observe.

Additional Requirements

Jazz is required for Level 2 – 5. All required classes are covered by the scholarship. Please recognize the additional attendance requirements for these classes, which are subject to attendance policies above.

Spring Performance

We believe that performance is an important part of training. Our curriculum culminates in a Spring Performance in May 2027 for Preparatory Ballet through Pre-Professional students. Attendance at rehearsals and at the performance is required. Please note that rehearsals may be outside of regular class times – a schedule and specific information will be provided early in the spring of 2027.

Evaluations and Scholarship Renewal

Evaluations

Instructors conduct a formal evaluation of all students in the spring. Evaluation assesses student progress and determines class placement for the next school year. Please note that it is very common for a student not to advance to the next level for a variety of reasons! Continued participation in the scholarship program is partly determined in the evaluation process.

Students will be evaluated on the following:

• Listening and responding to teacher feedback
• Incorporating feedback to improve technique
• Work ethic
• Attendance and promptness
• Focus and dedication
• Physical aptitude
• Technique
• Alignment and coordination
• Musicality
• Terminology