Professional Level Program

An intensive program providing the foundation for a professional career

Sponsored in part by:

Dickson & Associates and Indy Blasting

Additional support from Madelaine and John Schiering and Roger and Leslie Fahlsing

Take your ballet career to the next level.

The best route to becoming a professional dancer is to train with them every day – and that’s the experience offered through the Indianapolis School of Ballet’s new Professional Level Program (PLP), hosted in partnership with Indianapolis Ballet.  

This 1-to-2-year program is designed to guide our dancers through the transition from student life to professional dance or higher collegiate education. PLP dancers are considered for Apprentice positions within the Indianapolis Ballet company, and selected students may also have opportunities to perform in Indianapolis Ballet company productions throughout the year. Additional performance opportunities may arise via IB’s increasing schedule of community performances.

Dancers invited to take part in the PLP concentrate on refining technique and developing artistry through an intensive, full-day, 38-40 week comprehensive program of instruction from August through June. Curriculum includes technique, pointe, variations, men’s class, adagio, modern, choreography, Pilates, strength training, and seminars on such topics as nutrition, personal safety, and injury prevention. The Indianapolis School of Ballet also assists students with career planning by offering workshops on résumé writing for the audition/job search process, resources for audition photos, and through individual counseling or conferences.

PLP dancers are considered for Apprentice positions with the Company. Selected PLP students may also have opportunities to perform in Indianapolis Ballet productions throughout the year. Indianapolis School of Ballet assists students with career planning by offering workshops on résumé writing for the audition/job search process, resources for audition photos, and through individual counseling or conferences.

To be considered for the PLP, dancers must audition and attend Indianapolis School of Ballet’s Summer Intensive. Video auditions are accepted; please view the PLP Video Audition Form (located under PLP Resources) which contains full details on the necessary materials to include with the application and requirements for the video submission. A registration fee of $35 will be due either as part of the online registration process or during in-person registration prior to an audition.

Acceptance to the Professional Level Program is by audition only; students will be notified verbally of their acceptance within seven days of audition. 

The PLP registration process requires information from the prospective student, his/her parents, a recommendation from the student’s current ballet instructor, and financial assistance paperwork (if financial aid is needed). 

Annual tuition cost for the Professional Level Program is $4,000 per year; tuition will be prorated depending on when the student joins the program. Prospective students and their parents must consider living arrangements (ISB does not offer year-round housing) as well as academics. PLP candidates who have not completed high school must have a plan to continue academic studies while attending ISB. Learn more about tuition here.

Dancers interested in obtaining more information about the PLP are asked to contact Kristin Toner, Ballet Master, at 317-955-7525 or at ktoner@indyballet.org.

Indianapolis Ballet is a non-profit organization and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or national origin.