Trainee Program

Since 1954, Princeton Ballet School provides excellent training so that students have the foundation and opportunity to pursue a professional dance career. Nearly 50% of current American Repertory Ballet company dancers are alumni of the PBS Trainee Program. Other notable alumni include New York City Ballet principal dancer Unity Phelan, Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancer Angelica Generosa, Broadway and film star Bebe Neuwirth, and many others. The school has a highly qualified faculty dedicated to providing the training necessary to allow gifted students to achieve their goal of a professional dance career.

The Trainee Program is a two-year program, and is the bridge between the student phase of training and that of a professional career. Trainees start each day with intensive classes designed to polish technique and build strength. The program includes ballet, pointe class, variations, contemporary, bio-mechanics/conditioning, choreography and repertoire to further develop classical, contemporary technique and performance skills in a professional environment. Based on an individual’s progress and performance, trainees will have the opportunity to dance in American Repertory Ballet productions.

Additionally, trainees will receive the valuable experience of having classes and coaching from ARB artistic staff throughout the year.

Trainee’s participation in classes and performance with ARB are by invitation ONLY.

Potential Performance Opportunities for the 2025-2026 School Year
– The Nutcracker
– Cinderella
– Annual Gala
– Community Outreach Events
– Princeton Ballet School Choreography Workshop: students receive the opportunity to choreograph original pieces with their peers to be performed in an end of year workshop.

International Students: Princeton Ballet School’s Trainee Program is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll nonimmigrant students on F-1 visas

How to Apply
Prospective Trainees are encouraged to audition for the PBS Advanced Summer Intensive prior to joining the year-round Trainee program. However audition materials for the Trainee program are also accepted throughout the year and dancers may join the program if accepted and if space is available. Please see below for how to audition:

In-Person Auditions 
– Email [email protected] to schedule your audition

Video Auditions 
– Barre exercises –  Pliés, tendus, dégagés, rond de jambes, grand battements, adagio.
– Center exercises – Adagio, Across the floor Pirouette, Petit Allegro, Grand Allegro.
*Female identifying students should show several pointe exercises (one with pirouette)

To learn more: please contact [email protected] or call 609.921.7758.

FEE
Pay in Full:
$7050 + $80 registration fee due at registration

Payment Plan:
$420 + $80 due at registration
$1423 due 9/15/25, 10/15/25, 11/15/25, 1/15/26, 2/15/26

Merit and need-based scholarships may be available. Please contact us for information.