Junior Trainee Program

The Junior Trainee Program bridges the gap between full-time training and professional performance.

Designed for advanced dancers ages 17 and up, the Junior Trainee Program is an audition-only hybrid program that combines the rigorous training of the Pre-Professional dancer with performance opportunities from the Trainee Program.

Junior Trainees split their time between Pre-Professional Daytime 3 classes and Trainee classes, rehearsals, and productions alongside Trainees – strengthening technical development while offering valuable insight into the professional ballet environment.

TRAINING

Junior Trainees are not just students; they are emerging artists fully integrated into the professional life of Kansas City Ballet.

PHYSICAL THERAPY & WELLNESS

On-site physical therapy provided by Performance Rehab, along with dedicated Pilates training to support strength, conditioning, and injury prevention.
STUDIO ACCESS

Complimentary studio rentals and access to classes in the Academy’s Open Division, giving students space to develop their artistry independently.
Junior Trainees are more than students – they are emerging artists integrated into the professional fabric of Kansas City Ballet.
COMPANY INTEGRATION

Weekly classes alongside Trainees, providing direct experience in the professional ballet environment and building relationships with the Company.
EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS

Seminars shared with pre-professional dancers, including Dance History, Pedagogy, Anatomy, Injury Prevention, Music, Audition Tips, Careers in Dance, and more.

Schedule

SEASON DATES
August through mid-May

REGULAR SCHEDULE
Monday-Friday, 9:15am-3:00pm

PRE-PRO DAYS
Three days a week embedded with Pre-Pro Level 3

TRAINEE DAYS
Two days a week with Trainees for class

PRODUCTIONS
Potentially Tuesday-Saturday/Sunday when involved in Company or Second Company production

 

CLASSES MAY INCLUDE:

  • Ballet Technique
  • Pointe
  • Pas de Deux
  • Variations
  • Repertoire
  • Modern
  • Strength Training

Performance Opportunities

On the company stage

Junior Trainees are considered for casting in student and corps roles in Kansas City Ballet company productions, providing direct experience performing at the professional level.

additional performances
  • Second Company productions
  • Pre-Professional Program Choreographic Workshop
  • Community performances
  • School Performance

Junior Trainee Dress Code

Female-Identifying Students

Ballet
  • *NEW* Uniform “Blackberry” colored KCBS SophiaCap Sleeve Elevé leotard (one included with registration fee)
  • Optional uniform Eleve leotard styles available: Sophia tank and Nolte
  • “Ballet Pink” color Body Wrappers Total Stretch Mesh Seamed Convertible Tights or flesh toned convertible tights 
  • Pink or flesh toned ballet shoes
Pointe/Variations
  • *NEW* “Blackberry” colored Eleve mesh “Wrap Skirt”
  • Sewn pointe shoes
Jazz
  • Black convertible tights
  • Black slip-on jazz shoes
Contemporary
  • Black dance socks (recommended: Capezio Lifeknit Sox II or Blochsox Dance Socks)
  • Optional: Danznmotion or Eurotard knee pads in black or tan
Flamenco/Character
  • Black flamenco skirt
  • Black character shoes
Conditioning
  • Blue Thera-band
  • Yoga Mat
Performances
  • *NEW* “Blackberry” colored Eleve mesh “Wrap Skirt”
Hair & Accessories
  • Dancers are not to wear undergarments under their leotard and tights. If a dancer needs to wear undergarments, we ask that it be easily concealed by their leotard.
  • Hair should be pulled back neatly and secured in a ballet bun, or similar style to the best of your ability. Protective styles are welcome and encouraged as needed for your hair type and care routine, with the shared goal of keeping hair secured and away from the face. To ensure the safety and focus of all dancers, we kindly ask that decorative accessories—such as scrunchies, flowers, bows, and beads—not be worn during class.
  • No jewelry, accessories, warm ups or watches. Stud earrings are allowed.

Male Identifying Students

Ballet
  • Uniform White KCBS “Gabe” short sleeved Eleve shirt (one included with registration fee)
  • *NEW* Uniform gray “Sean” Eleve tights with suspenders
  • Dance belt
  • White ankle socks
  • White ballet shoes
  • Ballet class notebook to be used to write down corrections & self-reflections. Can also be used to take notes if observing class.
Jazz
  • Black slip-on jazz Shoes
Contemporary
  • Black dance socks (recommended: Capezio Lifeknit Sox II or Blochsox Dance Socks)
  • Optional: Danznmotion or Eurotard knee pads in black or tan
Character
  • Black character shoes
Conditioning
  • Blue Thera-band
  • Yoga Mat
Hair & Accessories
  • Hair should be styled neatly and kept out of the face
  • No jewelry, accessories, warm ups or watches. Stud earrings are allowed.

Advancement

The Junior Trainee Program — purposefully designed to build the skills, artistry, and readiness to take the next step into Trainee life.

Trainee & UMKC conservatory partnership

Kansas City Ballet School offers a Trainee and UMKC Conservatory partnership, allowing students to earn academic credit credits while pursing rigorous dance training. Dancers can complete two years towards a Bachelors Degree in the Trainee Program.

UMKC Partnership

audition-only program

Admission to the Junior Trainee Program is by audition or invitation-only. Typically for dancers ages 17 and up with demonstrated technical proficiency, artistry, and readiness for the demands of a professional environment.

Audition Information