PROFESSIONAL TRAINING DIVISION & BNTII
Ballet North Texas’ Professional Training Division and BNTII programs provide rigorous, real-world training for dancers pursuing a professional career.
Designed for advanced pre-professional and emerging professional artists, these programs offer daily classical training, rehearsal and performance experience, and mentorship within an active professional ballet company.
Our Mission
The Ballet North Texas Professional Training Division and BNTII programs exist to develop and support emerging professional dancers through immersive training, meaningful performance opportunities, and direct experience within an active professional company.
Through participation in mainstage productions, community outreach performances, and collaborative artistic processes, dancers contribute to Ballet North Texas’ mission of enriching the North Texas community through exceptional and accessible dance. The growth, visibility, and artistry of these dancers strengthen the company’s repertory, leadership pipeline, and long-term artistic vision.
Training
The Ballet North Texas Professional Training Division and BNTII programs offer a comprehensive training and rehearsal schedule designed to support each dancer’s technical refinement, artistic growth, and performance readiness. Dancers receive instruction in classical ballet, pointe, variations, contemporary, modern, and conditioning, alongside dedicated rehearsal time for mainstage productions and community outreach performances.
While technical excellence remains foundational, the program places a strong emphasis on performance preparedness—cultivating the discipline, stamina, adaptability, and professionalism required for sustained company work, touring, and public engagements.
The full annual value of the Professional Training Division and BNTII programs reflects the breadth of daily training, artistic mentorship, and performance opportunities provided throughout Ballet North Texas’ season. Dancers accepted into these programs may receive partial scholarship support, reducing overall tuition. This investment includes daily training with BNT’s artistic staff, individualized coaching, and meaningful performance experience within a working professional ballet company.
Specific tuition rates and scholarship details are provided upon acceptance and may vary by program level.
Performances
Professional Training Division
Professional Training Division dancers participate in Conservatory performances, select winter productions, community outreach engagements, and the end-of-year Conservatory Showcase. Dancers are provided opportunities to audition for Ballet North Texas mainstage productions as determined by repertory needs and artistic discretion..
BNTII
BNTII dancers participate in select mainstage productions and are cast alongside professional company members as appropriate to repertory and production needs. Through classical and contemporary works, dancers gain essential stage experience while transitioning toward full professional expectations.
In addition to company productions, BNTII dancers perform in community outreach programs, festivals, and educational performances throughout the year, building versatility and performance confidence.
The season culminates in the Conservatory Showcase, where BNTII dancers are featured in roles that reflect their technical and artistic development over the course of the year.
Joining Professiona Training & BNTII Program
All applicants to the Ballet North Texas Professional Training Division (PTD) must attend a Ballet North Texas audition or submit a video audition as part of the initial selection process.
Dancers accepted into the PTD are required to attend the full Ballet North Texas Summer Intensive, which serves as both a training opportunity and a final evaluation for placement within the program.
The Professional Training Division is designed as a multi-year experience, with continued participation offered by invitation based on individual progress, professionalism, and alignment with Ballet North Texas’ artistic and organizational standards.
Sample Schedule
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Housing and Transportation
Dancers in the Ballet North Texas Professional Training Division (PTD) and BNTII are responsible for securing their own housing during the season. While Ballet North Texas does not provide year-round housing, we are happy to assist by connecting incoming dancers with current company members, trainees, and local contacts who may have housing leads or shared rental opportunities.
Dancers must also arrange their own transportation to and from the studio, rehearsals, and performance venues. Informal carpooling is common, and open communication within the company is encouraged to support dancers relocating to the Dallas area.
Additional Program Elements
Conferences & Evaluations
Conferences with Artistic Director Ms. Lawson, Conservatory Director Ms. Weigel, and Ballet North Texas artistic staff are held during the winter to discuss individual progress, performance readiness, professional goals, and planning for summer programs and the following season. Additional feedback may be provided throughout the year as part of ongoing artistic evaluation.
Cross-Training & Conditioning
PTD and BNTII dancers have access to supplemental conditioning and strength training, including Progressing Ballet Technique, Pilates, Gyrotonics, and conditioning classes. These offerings are designed to support injury prevention, physical longevity, and the development of strength and stability necessary for professional-level work.
Career Development & Planning
Ballet North Texas is committed to supporting dancers as they prepare for professional careers. Resources may include résumé and audition-material guidance, audition workshops, portfolio and photographer recommendations, and individual mentorship. Counseling is available for dancers pursuing company contracts, freelance opportunities, or collegiate dance programs.
Professional Rehearsal & Performance Experience
PTD and BNTII dancers may be called to Ballet North Texas company rehearsals and are expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals when assigned, regardless of casting status. Rehearsals are conducted under professional standards, and appropriate dress code is required. Participation in rehearsals does not replace required training commitments unless otherwise approved by artistic staff.
Performance opportunities vary by program level and season and are communicated in advance as part of program placement.
Teaching & Leadership Opportunities
Select PTD and BNTII dancers may be invited to assist with Ballet North Texas Conservatory classes. These opportunities provide experience in classroom leadership, demonstration, and verbal instruction while working alongside Conservatory faculty.
