Pre-Professional Division

Printable version of Pre-Professional Division flier (including schedule and tuition information)

Students will be considered for acceptance into the Pre-Professional Division when it is felt that they have the technical ability and physical strength required for the advanced work of this Division. They must also have shown that they have the discipline and determination to commit to a serious ballet program.

It is advisable that Pre-Professional students take as many extra classes as they can in the level(s) below their level. This will accelerate progress as well as provide opportunity for make up classes so as to keep up with the attendance requirements.

Pre-Professional Division students participate in a year-end performance with the Professional Division. They have conferences with Ballet Austin Academy Artistic Staff twice a year. In addition, students in this division may take advantage of "Opening Night at the Ballet"; they receive one complimentary ticket to each opening night performance of Ballet Austin’s season.

Electives through the Butler Community School
All other dance and conditioning classes are offered through the Butler Community School. Classes offered include jazz, tap, modern, Broadway Dance, yoga and more. Students enrolled in Ballet Austin Academy can purchase a class card at a special rate of 50% off. All students are encouraged to participate in order to expand their physical understanding of movement and build connections to the greater dance community. Both the Academy and Community School are housed at the Butler Dance Education Center. Community School classes allow for a flexible, pay as you go schedule with no minimum attendance requirements. Class cards can be used interchangeably at any or all of the Community School dance and fitness classes. Schedules will be available in the Schools Office.

2008/2009 Class Schedule
The Pre-Professional Division is open to middle and high school students only. To be enrolled in this division, new students who have had previous training must either attend the Placement Class (see below) before the start of a new school year or arrange for a placement class through the Schools Director of Administration.

Placement policy:
New Students to Ballet Austin ages 8 through high school with previous dance experience
Contact Managing Director of Schools, Vicki Parsons, to schedule a placement class.

Students age 8 to 12, with no previous dance experience, are placed in Youth Level 1. Students age 13 and older, with no previous dance experience, are recommended for the Butler Community School’s Beginning Ballet for Teens and Adults.

Students registering after the start of the school year will be asked to take a class with their age group as a placement class.