Trainee Program
Our Trainee program is nationally recognized. We annually select students from our Summer Intensive audition tour as well as video auditions to participate in the Trainee Program.
Our Training
Trainees receive a full course of dance study, which includes ballet, pointe, jazz, modern, character dance, pas de deux, rep and variations. Trainees also take part in lectures about nutrition, anatomy, marketing and other aspects of ballet company administration.
There are 2 levels of trainees as well as a boys training program.
Our typical schedule is similar to below
Ballet Technique 1 hr 30 min-1 hr 45 min daily (Mon-Sat)
Male Ballet/Variations 1 hr daily (M-F)
Pointe/Variations/Rep 1 hr daily (M-F)
Pas de Deux 1 hr per week
Jazz 1 hr 30 min per week
Modern/Comp 4 hours per week
Pilates 1 hour per week
Misc other styles
Trainees typically train 6 days and approximately 30 hours a week.
Performance Opportunities
All trainees have the opportunity to be observed for selection by BalletMet Artistic Staff to perform with the BalletMet professional company as well as the second company. Last year our trainees performed in The Nutcracker, Don Quixote and Cinderella.
Attendance at the Summer Intensive Program is recommended for students who are accepted into BalletMet Trainee Program. The BalletMet Trainee Program is tuition based. Merit scholarships are awarded to selected trainees and financial aid is available to those who qualify.
Our Faculty
Become a BalletMet Trainee
Trainees are selected through auditions.
You can audition via our summer intensive.
We love Columbus, you will too!
Trainee FAQ
How long is the Trainee Program? The Trainee program beings and ends with our Academy year. The final performance is the Spring Performance which occurs in June.
Does BalletMet assist with finding housing and roommates? We have some local apartment buildings that have housed trainees in the past. They are The View on Grant, The Seneca, The Abigail and The Normandy. These are all in walking distance to BalletMet. We can also recommend certain zip codes for those that have transportation.
What is tuition? Tuition for the Trainee Program for 2021-22 is $7900.00 per student.
Are there scholarships? Yes, there are limited merit based scholarships that are awarded at the discretion of the Academy Director.
Is there financial aid? Yes, there is limited need based financial aid available.
Are there performance opportunities? Trainees perform in the performance ensemble shows, in Academy roles in The Nutcracker and in the Trainee Showcase and the Spring Performance. At the artistic staff’s discretion, trainees may be asked to perform in roles with The Company. In previous season trainees have performed in Giselle, The Nutcracker, Dorothy and the Prince of Oz, Cinderella, and Serenade.
If you have any questions, please email Kathy Wilson at kwilson@balletmet.org.