FAQ

What will my schedule be for ISP?

Though the schedule changes each week, dancers can expect 3 to 5 classes a day. There will be no classes on Sunday. Dancers will study a wide range of class styles from our esteemed faculty. The ISP curriculum includes Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Contemporary, Modern, Hip-Hip, Repertoire and more. Please note due to Covid-19, partnering is still being determined for this year’s curriculum.

Is there a dress code for the Intensive Summer Program?

Identifying Ladies: Ladies may wear any solid color leotard and pink or flesh colored tights for technique and pointe classes. Black tights may be worn for jazz, and Pilates. Short dance skirts may be worn for variations and rep classes. Pointe Shoes and Jazz Shoes are required.

Identifying Gentlemen: Gentlemen may wear any solid color tights and solid color T-shirt (no design or writing), white socks and white or black shoes. All tights must be full length. Jazz shoes are required.

What will my level assignment be?

Levels are not assigned before the start of the program. All students will take a placement class within the first two days of the program. Students will be placed in an appropriate level relative to the skill set of the entire ISP group – a benchmark that faculty members believe provides the most challenging and comprehensive program for the individual student. Level placement is at the discretion of the School Director

Are there scholarships or financial aid available?

Scholarships are awarded to students with their acceptance letters. A financial aid application is available in your family portal and can be filled out by those in need.

I am a commuter student, can I still attend activities with the dorm students?

Yes! We encourage all students to take part in the activities planned for our residential students. Students will be able to register for each activity in their family portal. These activities will be solidified closer to the program start date.

I am a commuter student, can I still eat lunch with the residential students?

Yes! All students will eat lunch together at PBT studios during the week. Commuter students can bring their own lunches, or opt to take part in our meal plan offered to residential students. PBT’s Chef Kristen Palmer, provides lunch for students at PBT Monday-Friday.

How can I spend my free time during ISP?

The Intensive Summer Program follows a rigorous, comprehensive curriculum over the course of five weeks. But, PBT School believes it’s important to balance the intense curriculum with opportunities to unwind. The program offers planned outings on Sundays to destinations ranging from theaters and dances to amusement parks and sporting events.

How do I apply for the school-year Pre-professional Program?

Students interested in continuing their training with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School can be evaluated for our 2022-2023 school year during their time with us in the summer.

Dormitory Housing at Chatham University:

Supervision: There is a staff member on duty in each residence hall to monitor residents at all times, and at least two staff members who stay in each building all night. Students must return to the residence halls by 9:30 p.m. every night, and can leave for breakfast on campus starting at 6:30 each morning. We have recommended walking bounadaries and we follow the buddy system—students are expected to travel in groups of at least three at all times during the program.

Meals: We do our best to accommodate residents' dietary restrictions.

Mini fridges and microwaves are not permitted, but each floor of the residence halls is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, stove and other cooking supplies. Residents aren't permitted to take public transportation during their time at the residence hall, but there are several great locations to pick up groceries within our walking boundaries. They can sign out with other residents to get supplies there.

Medications: medications must be checked in with our staff, who will administer them as needed. However, your daughter is welcome to hold onto any vitamins she takes.

Rooms: You can request a single room and we will do our best to accommodate! However, be aware that at this time we are not able to make any guarantees.

Transportation: PBTS hires a shuttle company to take students to and from the dorms and PBT Studios. Dorm students are not responsible for their own transportation to and from PBT Studios.

Please see the handbook for more details and information. If you have any specific questions, please reach out to Sarah Bender, Manager of Residential Programming, sbender@pittsburghballet.org.

We look forward to seeing you at PBT Studios this summer!