Evening Program
The Academy
Pre-Professional 11-19
Pre-Professional Ballet Training in the Midwest
The Pre-Professional Division at the Kansas City Ballet is the most comprehensive ballet education available in our region.
The focus of this program is refining technique while fostering artistry. It prepares students for professional careers or further studies such as our Trainee Program and KCB II.
Requirements
Be available to dedicate 6 days a week to attending class
Students will expand their knowledge:
- Variations
- Modern
- Jazz
- Body Conditioning
- Contemporary
- and more
Pre-Professional Levels
Auditions
Students are accepted into the Pre- Professional Program by invitation or audition only. In order to be considered for an audition, please send the following items to school@kcballet.org
Once you have submitted all the below materials, students will be notified by email within two weeks of any next steps in the audition process. Students may be invited to attend an in-person audition at the Bolender Center.
- Evening Audition Form
- $35 Evening Audition Fee
- 3 Photos (Headshot, First arabesque, Tendu a la seconde)
- Video Audition: Female-identifying students should wear a simple, single-colored leotard, pink tights, and pink ballet shoes. Male-identifying students should wear a fitted white shirt, black, white or gray tights, and white or black ballet shoes.
Barre work (one side only)
- Pliés
- Tendus
- Degagé
- Rond de jambe
- Développé with fondu
- Grand battement
Center work (ladies on pointe)
- Adagio
- Pirouette combination
- Petit allegro
- Grand allegro
- Beginner pointe students (DAYTIME ONLY), please complete center work on flat. Please add combination on pointe at barre with sous sus and échappé.
Gentlemen, please add:
- Tour en l’air
- Tours a la seconde
- Entrechat
- Big jumps
Performing with Kansas City Ballet
Kansas City Youth Ballet
Pre-Professional students may also be invited to participate in the school’s performing ensemble, Kansas City Youth Ballet. KCYB, under the direction of Kimberly Cowen and Dmitry Trubchanov, produces two performances each school year. Space is limited.
Competitions
Dancers in the Pre-Professional Program have the opportunity to compete in the Youth American Grand Prix or the Universal Ballet Competition, by invitation only.
End of School Year Performance
All Kansas City Ballet School Pre- Professional students have the opportunity to participate in an end-of-the-year performance at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, in May.
WATCH WEEKS
KCBS hosts two annual watch weeks for families, one in the fall and one in the spring (see the school calendar for dates).
Company Productions
Academy students are eligible to audition for Kansas City Ballet productions where roles and ages vary. Casting of students into KCB Company productions is at the sole discretion of the KCB Artistic Director and not a guarantee.
LEARN MORE
Get Moving
Any student who wishes to join our Pre-Professional program must take a placement class to determine his or her skill level.
Additional Resources
Please visit the level page for information on schedules, tuition and dress code. In addition to the level pages, Kansas City Ballet’s Parent Resources will tell you everything you need to know to set up your child for success.