APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

The Saint Louis Ballet launched its Apprenticeship Program in August 2014 sponsored by Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation, Novus International and also in part by Arts and Education Council. The program offers training and performance opportunities to artists ages 18-20 years that will result in careers as professional ballet dancers while simultaneously strengthening the artistic model for the Saint Louis Ballet (SLB).

This 35-week annual program is offered free of charge to ballet dancers from across the nation who have just graduated from high school, but are not yet artistically prepared to enter a professional dance company. The selection process occurs through a scheduled audition in St. Louis. 

The program provides classes in ballet, pointe, and pas de deux six times weekly; 2 hour rehearsals, 5 days each week and 10-20 live performance opportunities at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. Additional performing opportunities are provided for these artists in the greater St. Louis community through collaborative events with other arts organizations.

For its inaugural year, the company selected 5 dancers for the program after a nationwide audition process. Since then 4 of them have received contracts to dance professionally with Saint Louis Ballet starting in the Fall of 2015.  For the 2015-2016 season, 5 more apprentices were chosen after the same audition process.

An important part of the program is the evaluation of artistic technique. In addition to classes, artists are given assistance in developing auditioning technique, and preparing resumes. Letters of recommendation and free audition photos will also be given to participants. Artists who are interested in pursuing higher education will be encouraged to enroll at a local university offering a schedule that is compatible with the dance program. Character education and guidance on social and emotional growth will be integrated into the program.