CURRICULUM
Ballet
Classical Repertoire, Men’s Technique, Pointe, Technique, Variations
Specialty Concentrations
Coda, Grande Allegro, Pirouettes
Partnering
Classical Pas de Deux, Contemporary Pas de Deux
Additional Disciplines — May Include
Character, Contemporary, Modern, West African
Cross Training
Conditioning, Pilates, TRX, Yoga
SCHEDULE
Classes are held six days per week, Monday- Saturday.
On the first day of the program, students will be assessed in a placement class and assigned to a level for the remainder of the program. This will determine their schedule for the following weeks.
Each Level will have 4 – 5 classes daily with approximately 30 hours of instruction per week.
HOUSING
Housing during the summer is provided in partnership with Chatham University. Located only 3.5 miles away from the studio, dancers are shuttled to and from the studios for all of their classes. Our Residential Advisors are on site 24/7 with our dancers during the entirety of the program.
MEALS
For dormitory students, all meals are included in the cost of housing. Monday-Saturday, this includes breakfast in the dining hall, catered lunch at the PBT studios, followed by dinner at the dining hall. Sundays differ slightly, with brunch and dinner served in the dining hall.
*Please note students may sign up to participate in the lunch program upon registration. This includes dancers not residing at the dormitory.
STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY
*Student Choreography will only be offered during the
2-Week Session dates in July. Dancers enrolled in the
Full 5-Week program may participate as well.
ISP dancers who are interested in choreography may submit an application to choreograph on their peers while dancing in our 2-week intensive. The choreographic application is reviewed by Artistic staff prior to arrival for approval to participate. Choreographers will be given several rehearsal opportunities with a final in-studio presentation of their work on the final Friday of the program. This performance is open to families.
EXCURSIONS
Our excursion programming offers weekly optional outings to all dancers, commuter and resident alike. These outings provide the chance to connect with fellow ISP dancers and to get to know the city.
These excursions typically include:
- Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game
- Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium
- Kennywood amusement park
- A performance at The Benedum Center for Performing Arts
- An evening sail on Pittsburgh’s famed rivers on the Gateway Clipper
WELLNESS
In addition to providing a comprehensive classical ballet education, PBT School structures programming and resources to support the health of the whole dancer.
An approach to wellness is woven into all aspects of the school, from faculty corrections in class to dancer seminars to staff professional development. We recognize the strengths and weaknesses of the individual dancer and strive to cultivate confidence in navigating both.
Working closely with members of the University of Pittsburgh Sports Medicine and other experts in the Pittsburgh area, PBT School wellness programs emphasize injury prevention, mental health, nutrition, conditioning and more.
Our priority is to ensure that each dancer entering our studios not only trains but thrives.
CONNECTION
At PBT School, our dancers’ experience extends beyond classes: a balance between life in and out of the studio is crucial for ISP students. From our location in the vibrant Strip District in the heart of Pittsburgh, we support our students in fostering relationships with their peers and making the city their home by exploring all it has to offer, from its biggest draws to its hidden gems.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Program Dates
Full 5-Weeks | June 22-July 25
3-Weeks | June 22-July 11
2-Weeks | July 13-25
Audition Information
Dancers are encouraged to attend an in-person audition during our 2026 National Audition Tour. Dancers unable to join us for an in-person class may send us their audition video. To view audition and video requirements, please visit our Auditions page.
Tuition
TBD
Housing
Provided in partnership with Chatham University. Information about applying for housing will be communicated following acceptance into the Company Experience program.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Eligibility: Merit-based scholarships will be awarded at the discretion of our auditioning faculty and will be communicated to students in their acceptance letters. There is no application process for merit-based scholarships–any auditioning student will be considered for merit-based scholarships.
Need-based financial aid is available via application for dancers whose household income is less than 300% of the federal poverty guidelines for their household size. Dancers who do not meet this requirement are not eligible for financial aid and will not be considered.
Process: Dancers interested in need-based financial aid should apply upon acceptance to the Intensive Summer Program. A link to the application form will be included in all acceptance letters. This short form will require a few pieces of information about the dancer’s household, as well as the inclusion of verifying documentation, such as a W2 form or similar documentation.
Deadlines: Dancers applying for financial aid should register for the ISP program by the deadline given in their acceptance letter. However, no payments would be required until after notice of financial aid is received/accepted.
All financial aid applications will be reviewed collectively following the completion of the audition tour. Decisions regarding financial aid will be announced by March 10. Dancers will have a two-week window from the date of their financial aid notification to accept their award or withdraw from the program.