Trainee Program
Established in 2004, the San Francisco Ballet School Trainee Program is made up of students chosen from the School’s most advanced level. Trainees range in age from 16 to 19 years old and come from all over the world. The program runs in conjunction with the School schedule, currently September through May. Participation is by invitation from SF Ballet Artistic Director and SF Ballet School Director Helgi Tomasson, and SF Ballet School Associate Director Lola de Avila.
This pre-professional program provides experience that eases the dancers’ transition from the studio classroom to the professional stage. The Trainee Program technique classes are taught by the Trainee Program supervisor, as well as the artistic director, the associate director of the School, ballet masters, and artists from the Company. Trainees rehearse and perform classical and contemporary works from the repertory of San Francisco Ballet and also have the opportunity to work directly with a choreographer. These experiences provide exposure to professional-level classes, rehearsals, and performances—all while offering personal attention in a small, nurturing environment.
On average, Trainees have 12 performances per year at venues throughout the San Francisco Bay Area as part of outreach programs, special events, etc. Trainees also participate in the annual San Francisco Ballet School Student Showcase, performing works by choreographers such as George Balanchine, August Bournonville, and Marius Petipa.
When appropriate, Trainees are involved in San Francisco Ballet Company productions. Trainees perform in the Company’s annual production of Tomasson’s Nutcracker, and, during the Company’s 2007 Repertory Season, they performed in Tomasson’s The Sleeping Beauty, Yuri Possokhov’s Firebird, and Balanchine’s Symphony in C.
Trainees benefit from a full tuition scholarship and priority placement in the student residence. Meals are not provided in the residence. Trainees also receive a modest monthly stipend to help offset other living expenses.
Additional classes may include:
Dance History
Strength Training, Pilates Mat, and Floor Barre
Acting and Pantomime
Other artistic development opportunities include:
Attendance at a San Francisco Opera performance
Attendance at a San Francisco Youth Symphony performance
Private docent museum tour
Trainee job history at San Francisco Ballet (after completion of the Trainee Program) includes:
2004–2005: 2 (apprentice positions)
2005–2006: 4 (3 apprentices, one corps de ballet)
2006–2007: 2 (apprentice positions)
Trainees have also been offered contracts with other notable North American ballet companies.