School
Privates & Coaching
Princeton Ballet School is excited to launch a new Coaching Program where students will have the opportunity to participate in two of the most prestigious ballet competitions in the 2026/27 Season:
- Universal Ballet Competition (UBC)
- Youth American Grand Prix Ballet Competition (YAGP)
Participation in ballet competitions offers students a distinctive opportunity to deepen their artistic development and refine their performance skills in a professional environment. At Princeton Ballet School, we view this experience as an extension of our educational mission, focused on personal growth, process, and meaningful stage experience.
Please note the following:
- This process requires a significant commitment of time and resources from both students and their families.
- The School emphasizes the learning journey of preparing solos and gaining performance experience—regardless of competitive outcome.
- Participation is optional; many successful dancers have chosen paths that did not include competition.
Policies:
- Princeton Ballet School students are not permitted to participate as a competitor or non-competitor representing other dance schools in any competition.
- Competitions other than the Youth American Grand Prix or Universal Ballet Competition must be individually approved by the Director.
Eligibility:
- Open to students age 9 and up
Audition Information:
- Date: May 29, 2026
- Time: 4:30pm-6:00pm
- Location: PBS, 301 N. Harrison Street, Princeton
Students should wear level uniform and be prepared to workshop both ballet and contemporary movement. Dancers should bring pointe shoes if applicable.
Competition Dates and Locations (Subject to change)
Universal Ballet Competition (UBC)
February 19-21, 2027
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP)
TBA (potentially February 2027)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Please note: Our intention is to participate at these locations. Participation is dependent on availability in each location. PBS faculty will not accompany dancers to semi-regionals outside of the above locations.
To confirm participation in the audition please click here
Competition Opportunities
Solo Category 1 – $1,450 – Includes One Classical Variation
This comprehensive package provides individualized coaching and full support for student participation in YAGP and/or UBC.
Package Includes:
Artistic Preparation Assistance
Guidance throughout the entire artistic process, including:
• Selection of classical variation
• Music editing, formatting, and production
• Technical support
• Costume selection approval and advice
Note: Costume rentals from PBS are available for an additional fee.
Rehearsal Coaching
A minimum of 12 half-hour semi-private rehearsal sessions (6 hours total), led by Princeton Ballet School faculty and overseen by Artistic Director Samantha Dunster.
Artistic Support
Complete staging and coaching for one classical variation.
Administrative Support
All communication, scheduling, and registration is managed by PBS staff.
Registration Fees
Full coverage of the competition registration and workshop fees. (Additional fees may be applied depending on the amount of solos and competitions dancers participate in.)
Solo Category 2 – $2,360 – Includes One Classical Variation and One Contemporary Solo
This all-inclusive package supports dancers preparing for both classical and contemporary solo entries at YAGP and UBC Competitions.
Package Includes:
Artistic Preparation Support
Personalized guidance in all artistic areas, including:
• Selection of classical variation
• Selection and coordination with a contemporary choreographer
• Music editing, formatting, and technical support
• Assistance in costume selection
Costume rentals from PBS are available at an additional cost.
Rehearsal Coaching
A minimum of 24 half-hour semi-private rehearsal sessions (12 hours total), led by Princeton Ballet School faculty and overseen by Artistic Director Samantha Dunster.
Classical Coaching
• Full staging and coaching for one classical variation
• A minimum of 12 30-minute rehearsal sessions
Contemporary Coaching
• Rehearsal and coaching for one contemporary solo
• A minimum of 12 30-minute rehearsal sessions
Note: Choreography is not included; additional fees apply for choreographer selection.
Administrative Support
All communication, scheduling, and registration is managed by PBS staff.
Competition Fees
Full coverage of all registration and workshop fees. (Additional fees may be necessary depending on the amount of solos and competitions dancers participate in.)
Category 3 – $1,285 per Couple – Pas de Deux* (Participation by invitation only from Artistic Team)
*Workshop Fee is required for a partner not competing with a solo
This package provides coaching and full support for Pas de Deux performances at the YAGP or UBC in addition to any solo preparation. The student must already be performing a variation in the competition.
Package Includes:
Pas de Deux Coaching
A minimum of 12 half-hour rehearsal sessions (6 hours total), separate from solo coaching hours, led by Princeton Ballet School faculty and overseen by Artistic Director Samantha Dunster.
Artistic Development
Full staging and coaching for the selected Pas de Deux.
Administrative Support
All communication, scheduling, and registration is managed by PBS staff.
Competition Fees
Includes all registration and workshop fees.
(Workshop fee applies to both dancers. A $125 fee is required for any non-soloist partner.)
Artistic Preparation Support
Guidance throughout the process, including:
• Selection of Pas de Deux or choreographer for a contemporary duet
• Music editing, formatting, and technical support
• Costume selection assistance
Costume rentals from PBS are available at an additional cost.
Category 4- $600 per student for Ensemble Piece
This package provides choreography and rehearsals for an ensemble piece decided by the Artistic Team. Students may participate in the ensemble, without necessarily competing in the solo categories. Casting is at the discretion of the Artistic Team.
Package Includes:
Artistic Preparation Support
Guidance throughout the process
A minimum of 6 hours of rehearsal
Choreography and staging of work
Administrative Support
All communication, scheduling, and registration is managed by PBS staff.
Competition Fees
Includes all registration and workshop fees.
(An added $125 fee is required for a person not doing a solo.)
Category 4- $600 per student for Ensemble Piece
This package provides choreography and rehearsals for an ensemble piece decided by the Artistic Team. Students may participate in the ensemble, without necessarily competing in the solo categories. Casting is at the discretion of the Artistic Team.
Package Includes:
Artistic Preparation Support
Guidance throughout the process
A minimum of 6 hours of rehearsal
Choreography and staging of work
Administrative Support
All communication, scheduling, and registration is managed by PBS staff.
Competition Fees
Includes all registration and workshop fees.
(An added $125 fee is required for a person not doing a solo.)
Additional Fees for Competing
Costumes
Obtaining an approved costume is the responsibility of the student and parent. All costumes must be selected and approved in consultation with the Artistic Director, well in advance of the competition. PBS/ARB wardrobe may have a limited selection of costumes available for rental and may not have all costumes that are required. Rental requests should be submitted early to the Artistic Team and the following fees will apply:
- Women’s Classical Costume Rental $125
- Men’s classical Costume Rental $100
- Men and Women Contemporary Costume Rental $75
Participants may be required to rent costumes from another source. PBS is not responsible for finding outsourced costumes.
Master Class
UBC requires $150 for participation in their master classes. These classes are mandatory for solo categories, but optional for ensemble participants.
Contemporary Choreography:
PBS/ARB Faculty or Dancer – additional $500. Please note: A choreographic piece is required for a dancer wanting to participate in the Contemporary division. Dancers may work with their own contemporary choreographer if desired, but must be approved by the Artistic Director.
Finals TBA
Participation in the YAGP or UBC Finals will require extra coaching and registration fees along with travel. Transportation and Room & Board to all levels of competitions are the responsibility of the family/student.
Selection of Variations and Coaching Process
The Director and Artistic Team carefully select variations that are most suitable for each student. PBS supports the preparation of either: one classical variation or both a classical variation and one contemporary solo. The final selection of the variation is founded on consensus between the Artistic Director and the Artistic Team.. Contemporary solos are choreographed to be creative and interesting, with the goal in mind to showcase a student’s particular strengths and to work on strengthening their weaknesses.
