STUDENT DIVISION
Ages 7+
Learn more about the program from the Head of Curriculum & Student Division, Eun Young Ahn.
Our Student Division is for dancers ages 7 years and up who wish to continue their ballet training. Beginning with the Preparatory level and culminating in Level 5, Student Division classes focus on technique, repertoire and varied dance disciplines.
We place students in the Student Division based on the class that will best suit their continued development as a dancer. Dancers who wish to join this division must take a placement class in order for our faculty to assess the best option for them.
Curriculum Overview
Weekly classes occur during our school year, which runs from September through May. School year programming includes family observation weeks, seminars, music theory classes, workshops and performances.
Preparatory: Stepping into a New Division
The preparatory level places a strong emphasis on developing musicality and concentration. To better equip students for the Student Division, the curriculum incorporates an extra day of training. As a result, dancers participate in classes twice a week.
Level 1: Beginning the Nutcracker Journey
The curriculum places a greater focus on ballet terminology. At this level, students begin to engage more deeply with barre work, utilizing both hands or one hand on the barre and the other on the shoulder, to concentrate on the correct placement of the body, head, and arms. Students in Level 1 are eligible to audition for PBT’s production of The Nutcracker. Dancers participate in classes twice a week.
Level 2: Adding Jazz Training
Students are introduced to new vocabulary and exercises, incorporating basic arm coordination and focusing on correct placement primarily in the 1st, 2nd, and 5th positions. Level 2 also begins exercises that lay the groundwork for pointe work in Level 3. Additionally, jazz is introduced into their curriculum. Dancers attend class twice a week.
Level 3: Starting En Pointe
Dancers are introduced to the 4th position and an increased use of arm movements. Pointe work is incorporated into their curriculum, leading to extended class durations and an additional day in their weekly schedule. As a result, dancers now attend classes three days a week.
Level 4: Introducing Variations Class
Students are introduced to extended combinations, emphasizing strength building. They begin practicing simple center exercises on pointe. Dancers attend class four days a week, with variations incorporated into the curriculum.
Level 5: Leading the Student Division
Students broaden their classical ballet vocabulary, engaging in longer and more stylistic combinations while focusing on maintaining correct placement. Additional pointe work is incorporated, and classical variations may be introduced. An extra day is added to the weekly schedule, with dancers attending class five days a week.
Class Schedule and Tuition
Preparatory
Tuition: $1,800 | Registration Fee: $45
Option 1 (Prep A)
Tuesday 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Thursday 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Option 2 (Prep B)
Monday 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Wednesday 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Level 1
Tuition: $1,800 | Registration Fee: $45
Option 1 (Level 1A):
Monday 5-6 p.m.
Thursday 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Option 2 (Level 1B):
Monday 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Level 2
Tuition: $2,275 | Registration Fee: $45
Tuesday 5:30-6:45 p.m. | Ballet
Tuesday 6:45-7:45 p.m. | Jazz
Thursday 6:30-8 p.m. | Ballet
Level 3
Tuition: $3,000 | Registration Fee: $45
Monday 6-8 p.m. | Ballet
Tuesday 5:45-6:45 p.m. | Jazz
Tuesday 6:45-8:15 p.m. | Ballet
Friday 5:30-7:15 p.m. | Ballet
Level 4
Tuition: $3,500 | Registration Fee: $45
Monday 6-8 p.m. | Ballet
Tuesday 6-7:30 p.m. | Ballet
Tuesday 7:45-8:45 p.m. | Jazz
Wednesday 6-7:30 | Ballet
Thursday 5:30-8 p.m. | Ballet/Pointe/Variations
Level 5
Tuition: $4,225 | Registration Fee: $45
Monday 6-8 p.m. | Ballet
Tuesday 5:30-8 p.m. | Ballet/Pointe/Variations
Wednesday 6-7:30 p.m. | Ballet
Wednesday 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Jazz
Thursday 6-7:45 p.m. | Ballet/Pointe
Friday 4:15-5:45 p.m. | Ballet
Performance Opportunities
The Nutcracker
One of the most unique and rewarding experiences for students of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School is the opportunity to audition for the professional company production of The Nutcracker. With The Nutcracker, the young student’s experience expands to include auditioning, rehearsals, backstage exposure, costuming and performing on a professional stage before a live audience. Performing in The Nutcracker is an experience that will last a lifetime. Please note that enrollment in PBT School does not guarantee casting or participation in The Nutcracker.
Spring Performance
PBT School presents Spring Performances in May for dancers in our Student and Pre-Professional Divisions. These performances are an exciting opportunity to showcase the hard work of our students in the Preparatory through Graduate levels.
Family Observations
Families are invited to attend class for observation. This occurs two times throughout the school year.
Jazz/Modern/Variations In-Studio Demonstrations
Families are invited to attend in-studio demonstrations of their students’ jazz, modern and variations classes. This begins when students are in Level 2.
Seminars and Workshops
PBT School is dedicated to providing opportunities that enrich each student’s experience, both inside and outside of the studio. Rooted in this approach to whole-dancer health, PBT School invites guest speakers for seminars in key areas including diversity in dance, gender identity and inclusivity, mental health, stress management, physical wellness, healthy relationships, audition preparation and more.
PBT School is committed to the PBT Company’s vision of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. This commitment is woven into the curriculum throughout the year via a series of workshops with guest artists in varying dance genres, allowing students to broaden their training and knowledge with experience in African dance, hip-hop, modern, improvisational techniques and more.
One workshop available to PBT School students in Level 2 or Level 3 is the Midweek Technique series. These six-week sessions are taught by a PBT company artist, feature live accompaniment, and allow young dancers an additional opportunity to hone in on their craft.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Financial aid and scholarships are not available in the Student Division, but families are encouraged to apply for PBT’s Community Youth Scholarship Program.
What happens after the Student Division?
After the Student Division, dancers advance to the Pre-Professional Division where they continue to nurture a deep appreciation for and understanding of dance, music and the fine arts as a whole.