Scroll to learn about performance opportunities for each division. Exact dates can be located on the 2024-25 PBT School Calendar
Children's Division
Dancers in our Children's Division will have an in-studio demonstration on the last day of their yearly classes. We believe this is a low pressure and fun way to introduce the joy of dancing in front of an audience.
After Pre-Ballet 6/7 or Pre-Ballet Boys 6-8, dancers in our Preparatory Level of our Student Division will perform onstage with the entire school in our annual Spring Performance. Your child's instructor will discuss details about transitioning to the Student Division on the last day of class following the class demonstration.
Student Division
Students in Levels 1-5 of the Student Division are eligible to audition for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's production of Terrence S. Orr's The Nutcracker. Please note, families must be available for all performance dates, including those that your dancer is not scheduled for in the event of needing to fill in. All students must turn in an Intent to Perform Agreement to participate in rehearsals and performances of The Nutcracker.
A resource site dedicated to all things The Nutcracker will be shared ahead of the Nutcracker Orientation in September.
Dancers in levels 2-5 have two opportunities to participate in our In-Studio Demonstrations each school year. The demonstrations are held at the PBT Studios, and are a great way for our students to have additional performance opportunities in a more intimate setting than a theater, as well as bringing our PBT School families together to enjoy a performance. Families will be sent an RSVP form closer to the demonstrations to let us know if students are able to participate.
Dancers in Preparatory - Level 5 of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School are expected to participate in the end-of-year Spring Performance as it is a vital part of their education. The performances will be held at Point Park University's PNC Theatre.
All students must turn in an Intent to Perform Agreement to participate in rehearsals and performances of Spring Performance that will be sent following the orientation.
A resource site dedicated to all things Spring Performance will be shared ahead of the January Orientations.
Pre-Professional Division Levels 6, 7, 8 and Graduates
Students in Level 6 of the Pre-Professional Division are eligible to audition for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's production of Terrence S. Orr's The Nutcracker.
Beginning in Level 7, school artistic staff will select a role for students in Levels 7, 8 and the Graduate Program. They will be cast in the performance without attending an audition. All students in Levels 6-8 must turn in an Intent to Perform Agreement following orientation.
A resource site dedicated to all things The Nutcracker will be shared ahead of the Nutcracker Orientation in September.
Dancers in levels 6-8 have two opportunities to participate in our In-Studio Demonstrations each school year. The demonstrations are held at the PBT Studios, and are a great way for our students to have additional performance opportunities in a more intimate setting than a theater, as well as bringing our PBT School families together to enjoy a performance. Families will be sent an RSVP form closer to the demonstrations to let us know if students are able to participate.
Some Pre-Professional Division students may be selected to travel to local Pittsburgh schools with our Community Engagement Department to show ballet steps and perform shortened repertoire. This is a great opportunity for students at PBT School, as well as a great opportunity for us to share our mission with the Pittsburgh community.
An orientation will take place during the first week of the school year with Level 8 and Graduate students to discuss this opportunity.
Level 8 and Graduates have two opportunities for Student Choreography each school year. These demonstrations are held at the PBT Studios.
Levels 6&7 students are eligible to participate in Student Choreography in the Spring Showcase.
The Student Choreography program is a wonderful way for students to experience choreographing on their peers and take them through the process of teaching and rehearsing choreography, culminating in an informal showcase at PBT Studios. Families will be sent an RSVP form closer to the demonstrations.
Dancers in Levels 6-8 and Graduates of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School are expected to participate in the end-of-year Spring Performance. The performances will be held at Point Park University's PNC Theatre.
All students in Levels 6-8 must turn in an Intent to Perform Agreement to participate in rehearsals and performances of Spring Performance following the orientation.
A resource site dedicated to all things Spring Performance will be shared ahead of the January Orientations.
Pre-Professional Division Level 8 & Graduates
Some Pre-Professional Division students may be selected to perform excerpts of Act 2 of The Nutcracker at PBT School's Afternoon of Enchantment.
A description of Afternoon of Enchantment for audience members:
As the afternoon begins, you’ll be transported into the timeless story of The Nutcracker as our studio spaces transform into a winter wonderland.
With the guidance of PBT School faculty and staff, you’ll learn to dance like a snowflake, craft holiday magic like Drosselmeyer in his workshop and watch a performance of the PBT School Pre-Professional rising stars. As you make your way around the studios, you can stop by our photo booth to capture a special holiday memory, listen to the story of The Nutcracker and be on the lookout for appearances from the Sugar Plum Fairy.
To conclude your afternoon, you’ll take your seats as the audience for a special performance by PBT School’s Pre-Professional dancers as they present Act II of The Nutcracker, bringing to life the magic of Marie and her prince’s journey through the Land of Enchantment
Some Pre-Professional Division students may be selected to perform excerpts of Act 2 of The Nutcracker at Phipps Conservatory. You can read more about Phipps Conservatory here.
A description of the event from the Phipps website for audience members:
Attendees will enjoy classic dances from Terrence S. Orr's The Nutcracker, including the "Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy" and “Waltz of the Flowers,” performed by talented pre-professional dancers from PBT School. After the show, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a meet-and-greet session and photo event with the dancers before exploring the Conservatory for a preview of some of the colorful poinsettias, glowing evergreens and festive displays of Phipps’ Winter Flower Show and Light Garden.