Professional Track
Training Program

State Street Ballet's Trainee Program

Designed for the advanced dancer, the State Street Ballet Professional Track Program is a full-time 32-week course that meets five days a week. Classes include ballet technique, pointe, pas de deux, modern, contemporary, conditioning, and choreography. In addition to their rigorous training schedule, Professional Track dancers are invited to take company classes and attend company rehearsals if cast. Select Professional Track dancers will have the opportunity to perform in State Street Ballet productions. 

The Professional Track curriculum is designed for dancers interested in fine-tuning their technique and exploring their artistic expression through classical repertoire and contemporary choreography. Each year consists of 2 semesters of instruction, during which time dancers work with a world-class faculty, including former and current State Street Ballet company members. 

Ages: 17-23

Frequency: 5 days/week (25+ hrs)

For further information, please email: meredith@statestreetballet.com or call 805.845.1432.

Please note that at this time, we are not able to offer student visas for the Professional Track training program.

Interested in Joining the Professional Track?

This year, all of our Company, ProTrack, and Summer Intensive applications can be submitted via DanceApply.com.

2024-2025 Season Trainees

Angelia Lane

Ava Fox

Clementine Lubin

Elianne Holt

Emily Artist

Emma Hamell

Emma Stenger

Faye Zink

Fiona Allen

Hailey Maynard

Hannah Rodriguez

Hope Patterson

Izabel Pearce

Kailey Luebrecht

Kristin Sholberg

Madeline Stiner

Madelyne Herbert

Natalie Burkhart

Rosalind Young

Sophie Delacrose

Tabitha Metts

New in 2024: Specialized Training in Dance Education and Choreography

The Dance Education and Choreography specializations are new, comprehensive certificate programs within State Street Ballet Professional Track’s full-year program that equip dancers with additional skills and training integral to a successful career in the dance world. These cutting-edge courses consist of 2 semesters of instruction (one year of training), during which time dancers work with a world-class faculty, including former and current State Street Ballet company members, and receive personalized 1-on-1 mentorship in their specialization of choice. Specialization cohorts are kept smaller to ensure a high-quality training and professional experience.

Dance Education Specialization

This specialized course provides a comprehensive approach to training the next generation of dance educators and provides dancers with the essential skills, knowledge, and ethical considerations required to become effective dance educators. Key parts of this certificate program include dance teaching methodologies for studios and public schools, lesson planning, creating an inclusive learning environment, using digital tools, and culturally sensitive pedagogy. Dancers will have the opportunity to teach at the State Street Ballet Academy and in local elementary schools.

Choreography Specialization

The first of its kind for a professional ballet company, our Choreography Specialization equips dancers with a well-rounded understanding of choreography, blending theoretical knowledge with practical experience and cultural awareness. Dancers will choreograph on their Professional Track colleagues and present their work on stages throughout the Southern California region. Each dancer in the Choreography specialization will be paired with a program mentor who will assist in their artistic development and serve as a resource throughout their tenure in the program.

FAQs

  • There are several ways to audition for the Professional Track Training Program, including in-person and video audition options through DanceApply.com. Check our Auditions page for times, dates, locations, and registration deadlines.

  • Registration is open each audition season from December to March. Go to DanceApply.com and determine which audition location or option works best for you, then click the registration button and follow the prompts.

  • Female-Identifying Dancers | A leotard and pink tights with no restriction on color or style. Ballet slippers and pointe shoes will be required for the audition. Hair should be pulled back and secured. 

    Male-Identifying Dancers | T-shirt (black or white), tights, jazz pants or short, ballet shoes.

  • Results of the audition are sent via email on a rolling basis. If you have progressed from this initial stage, Candidates should expect to receive notification of their acceptance status within 2-4 weeks of their audition date. Note: If you have not received an email within 4 weeks, please make sure to check all email addresses affiliated with your account and the junk mail folder of each. If you have still not received notification, then email contact@statestreetballet.com.

  • Our maximum enrollment is 24 students.

  • September 2, 2025 – May 4, 2026
    Fall Semester | September 2–December 21, 2025
    Spring Semester | January 5–May 2, 2026

  • Students have classes and rehearsals Monday through Friday, between 3-5 classes per day. Each day starts at 9:30 AM with ballet class followed by a variety of other classes, including pointe, partnering, modern, contemporary, jazz, improvisation, composition, choreography, yoga, anatomy, rehearsals, State Street Ballet repertoire, and/or master classes.

  • Students participate in Showcase Performances at the midpoint of each semester in Professional Track showings in both the fall and winter. In the Spring, the Professional Track will perform in a repertory show in downtown Santa Barbara. In addition, several outdoor and collaborative performance opportunities arise throughout the year and select Professional Track dancers will have the opportunity to perform in State Street Ballet productions.

  • The Professional Track is designed as a rigorous training program to nurture and develop the potential within our students to pursue and be successful in both the professional dance world and other professional paths. Though the purpose of the Professional Track is primarily as a training program, there are currently State Street Ballet company dancers and apprentices who have entered the company through the Professional Track.

  • The Professional Track schedule leaves time for dedicated dancers to enroll in college courses while continuing their training. UC Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara City College are both options for dancers who would like to continue their education while in the Professional Track. In particular, Santa Barbara City College’s courses are well-suited to dancers who would like to take classes on a part-time basis and is also one of the highest-rated community colleges in America and is located a few miles from State Street Ballet.

  • Tuition for those starting as first-year Training Program students for the 2024-2025 year is $7,000. Tuition for the Specialization Courses is an additional $2,000. Tuition can be paid in full or in nine monthly installments beginning June 15th.

  • Yes! State Street Ballet awards scholarships based on both financial need and artistic merit. Scholarship funds are limited and dependent on the generous contributions we receive from individual donors.

  • Yes! Work-study opportunities are available. You can apply for these opportunities via the scholarship application.

  • Upon acceptance, students will receive an email detailing guidelines and required materials to apply for a scholarship. The scholarship application and required financial documentation are due by April 1. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

State Street Ballet’s Summer Intensive Program

Ready to elevate your dance skills? Learn more about our 4-week Summer Intensive program today! Classes take place in our state-of-the-art studios near downtown Santa Barbara and the shores of the Pacific Ocean.

Learn more about our program for dance students ages 12-25, the ideal program to strengthen your technique and enhance your artistry in the beautiful American Riviera.