Trainee Program

Ballet Hartford’s trainee program provides dancers (ages 18 and up) with further training and performance opportunities with the professional company. The trainee program is also affiliated with Woodbury Ballet, under the direction of Christine Harris, where dancers receive personal attention and the opportunity to perform in additional ballets. 

At the end of each season, Trainees are evaluated by Ballet Hartford’s Artistic Director and presented with one of the following opportunities:

  1. Invitation to continue with the Trainee Program

  2. Promotion to Apprentice with Ballet Hartford

  3. Release from the program and encouragement to pursue other professional dance opportunities

Trainee Program technique classes are taught by the Ballet Hartford’s Artistic Director and Guest Instructors. Trainees will also participate in Ballet Hartford rehearsals and performances and may be asked to tour with the company. Touring and performances with Ballet Hartford are by invitation only and at the discretion of the Artistic Director.

Audition Information

Pre-registration for the open audition is required. Dancers should submit completed application form (available below), a resume/CV, current headshot and two (2) dance photos (photo requirements below). Ladies must bring pointe shoes and wear them for the center portion of the audition class.

Please contact ldoran@ballethartford.com with inquiries. 

  • *Applicants must be 18 years of age and have completed High School by September 1st of the year they will enter the program.

    *Applicants must submit a completed Application packet and audition video.

    *Prior to the start of the season, Dancers must submit completed and signed forms, all required payments and signed adherence and liability forms.

    Ballet Hartford reserves the right to adjust and amend all aforementioned rules and requirements, at its discretion, in circumstances it deems unique or extraordinary

  • *Please send an audition video link via email to ldoran@ballethartford.com

    *Any other type of footage except what is listed will not be accepted.

    *The audition video provides the Artistic Director of Ballet Hartford with the necessary information needed to make an informed decision regarding the applicant’s admittance.

    1. INTRODUCTION

    State your name, age, and city and state you are from.

    2. BALLET TECHNIQUE CLASS

    Consisting of 6-10 minutes in length, please record barre work from the side and center work from the front.

    3. CLASSICAL VARIATION

    *Female applicants, en pointe

    *Male applicants, standard classical ballet shoes

    4. CONTEMPORARY SOLO

    *Female applicants, en pointe

    *Male applicants, standard classical ballet shoes

    5. PERFORMANCE REEL

    A minimum of three (3) excerpts of performance footage *Please clearly indicate the dancer auditioning.

  • Participating in the Trainee Program affords many benefits:

    *Training in Classical Ballet

    *Free Workshops

    *Exposure to professional choreography

    *Performance

    *Travel

    *Potential teaching opportunities

    Trainee Performance:

    *Ballet Hartford Main Stage Performances

    *Ballet Hartford Trainees may be invited to tour with the professional company. (Invitations are at the discretion of the Artistic Director)

    *Trainees may have the opportunity to perform in outreach events in local schools, festivals, and nursing homes.

    *Bookings and Performances TBD

  • Calendar: Trainee Program runs September - May

    Holidays: Dancers observe standard holidays following the company's schedule including Thanksgiving break, Winter break, and certain observed holidays.

    Tuition: Trainees pay tuition to participate. Tuition is divided into monthly payments with a one-time $50 registration fee.

    Scholarships: Potential scholarships are available for dancers who meet qualifications. Please contact us for more information.

    Training Requirements: Trainees are required to adhere to the training requirements established by Ballet Hartford’s Artistic Director.

    Dress Code: Trainees are permitted to dress for class and rehearsal as is fitting to a Professional Ballet Company.

PC: Ian Christmann