Q: What class should I sign up my child for?

A: For dancers in the Children’s Division, registration is open through the portal based on the child’s date of birth. For dancers 8+, please fill out the New Dancer Form to receive further information in a follow-up email.

Q: Can I register during the school year?

A: For dancers in the Children’s Division, registration is open through March. For dancers in the Student Division or Pre-Professional Division, please contact the School Office regarding mid-year enrollment, as this may vary on time and class capacity.

Q: Is tuition prorated for mid-year enrollment?

A: Yes, tuition is prorated for all levels for any mid-year enrollment.

Q: What experience is required?

A: For dancers in the Children’s Division, no experience is required. For dancers in the age 8+, some experience may be required.  Please fill out the New Dancer Form to receive further information in a follow-up email.

Q: Does my dancer need to audition?

A: For dancers in the Children’s Division, no audition is required. For dancers in the Student or Pre-Professional Divisions, a placement class or audition may be required. Any auditions (ages 12-22) are posted here. 

Q: How do I audition for a summer intensive?

A: For those interested in attending the 5-week Intensive Summer Program, 2-week Company Experience, or 3-week Youth Summer Intensive, sign up here to audition.

Q: Who are the teachers?

A: A list of faculty and accompanists can be found here. 

Q: Is there a way to test out the class?

A: Trial classes can be scheduled on a case-by-case basis. For children ages 3-7, a workshop is a great opportunity to test out ballet with our instructor. For students who are older, please contact the School Office to schedule a trial class. 

Q: Is my dancer eligible to participate in The Nutcracker?

A: Dancers in Level 1 and above are eligible to participate in the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre production of The Nutcracker, held at the Benedum Center for Performing Arts each December. Dancers who are not enrolled in PBT School for the year-round programming are not eligible to participate in the Nutcracker.

Q: Is there a final performance?

A: Dancers in the Children’s Division will participate in an in-studio class demonstration during their final class for the school year. 

Dancers in the Student Division and Pre-Professional Division are welcome to perform in the Spring Performances at the end of May. The past few years, these shows have been held at Point Park University’s PNC Theatre.

Q: Is there a housing option for the school year?

A: Year-round students are responsible for finding their own housing. We encourage dancers to consider convenient public transportation routes to PBT School as well as safety and security and cost when selecting accommodations. Recommended areas for your search include: Bloomfield, Friendship, Lawrenceville, Oakland, Shadyside and Squirrel Hill. However, we also recommend that students visit these and other areas of Pittsburgh prior to committing to any arrangement.

Q: When does the school year start?

A: Each school year begins the Tuesday following Labor Day.

Q: When does the school year end?

A: For dancers in the Student and Pre-Professional Divisions, the school year ends following the Spring Performances over Memorial Day weekend. For dancers in the Children's Division, the school year typically ends two weeks prior with a culminating in-studio demonstration.

Q: What is the policy for weather closings?

A: PBT School follows Pittsburgh Public Schools for any cancellations or delays. We will send email communication with any closures or delays.

Q: What sets PBT School apart from the other studios and schools in the area?

A: As the official training institution of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, PBT School is recognized as one of the nation’s finest schools for dance education and training. In all of its divisions, it combines a top-tier curriculum informed by proximity to a professional company with a supportive community and knowledgeable faculty. To read more, see here.

Q: How do I know which division my dancer will be in?

A: Our age cut-off is September 1 of the school year. If your child will be 18 months-6 years old, they will be in the Children’s Division for that academic year and the following summer. No placement or experience is required since these classes are based on age. For dancers age 7 or older on that date, they would be placed into the Student Division for that academic year, and would require a placement class. 

Q: Are there perks to joining PBT School?

A: Yes! All School families receive discount codes for tickets to any Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre performance. Additionally, there are Subscriber discounts and discounted classes for Dance & Fitness. 

Q: Can families watch class?

A: Family Observation Weeks occur two times throughout the school year in the Children’s and Student Division. Otherwise, parents/guardians are not permitted to watch class, as this is often distracting for the students. 

Q: Do students learn music?

A: All classes feature live piano accompaniment, as it is integral to the dance education. Students in Level 3 and above incorporate music theory to their lessons. 

Q: Is there a jazz class?

A: Students in Level 2 and above participate in jazz classes once a week.

Q: What styles of dance are taught?

A: Ballet is the primary style of dance taught at PBT School. Jazz is introduced beginning in Level 2. Pointe is introduced in Level 3. Modern, Contemporary, and Character are all introduced in Level 6. 

Q: Is there a boy’s class?

A: Our Children’s Division Boys classes are taught by PBT faculty and company members, focusing on coordination, strength, control, flexibility and how to work as a team. 

Q: What options are available for beginners?

A: Experience is not required for students in the Children’s Division (ages 1.5-7). For dancers age 14+ who are true beginners, you are welcome to join the Dance & Fitness community classes. All other dancers should inquire about an upcoming trial or placement class. 

Q: What are all of the performance opportunities?

A: Dancers in the Student and Pre-Professional Division are eligible to participate in the annual Spring Performances in May at Point Park University’s PNC Theater. Students in Level 1 and up are eligible to participate alongside the company in The Nutcracker at the Benedum each December. We hold a number of in-studio demonstrations, as well as two Student Choreography showcases for Pre-Professional students. There are other performance opportunities for these age groups that may occur throughout the school year and summer, ranging from other company productions, to PPS educational outreach, to Pirates games and more. Many students will also perform at Phipps Conservatory. 

Q: What workshops are offered?

A: Children’s Division workshops (ages 3-7) occur periodically throughout the academic year. These themed classes are open to dancers 3-7 with no prior experience required. To learn more, click here.

Q: What if my dancer doesn’t want to be a professional dancer someday?

A: Many of our students do not have plans to become professional dancers, though still benefit from and enjoy their ballet training.

Q: Can I withdraw mid-year?

A: Yes, we do offer a withdrawal policy. This is outlined in the handbook.

Q: Is there any financial assistance available?

A: Financial assistance is offered for two groups of students. Students ages 5-9 can apply for the Community Youth Scholarship audition held in May. Students in our Pre-Professional Division, Intensive Summer Program, or Company Experience can apply for Financial Aid during outlined windows.

Q: Do you accept international students?

A: We accept international students into our Pre-Professional Division and can provide M-1 student visas. Please email pbtschool@pittsburghballet.org for any specific inquiries.