Trainee Program
Trainees participate in daily ballet technique, pointe, and pas de deux classes taught by San Francisco Ballet School faculty members. They rehearse and perform classical and contemporary works from the repertory of San Francisco Ballet and have the opportunity to work directly with a choreographer. The curriculum includes classes in dance history; acting; pantomime; theatrical makeup; set, costume and lighting design; strength training; and Pilates. Trainees attend workshops on how to teach a ballet class, putting that knowledge into practice while teaching their peers. They also have the opportunity to choreograph and present their own dance piece.
The Trainees perform from October through May throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. These performances include outreach programs at schools and community centers, appearances at corporate and special events, as well as their own full evening performances. They understudy and dance in San Francisco Ballet productions such as Tomasson’s Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Giselle, and others. The year culminates in the San Francisco Ballet School Student Showcase performances in May of each year.
This comprehensive program provides the experience necessary to ease the transition from student to professional dancer, all while offering personal attention in a small, nurturing environment. Trainees have gone on to join San Francisco Ballet Company as well as many other notable companies around the world.
Trainee job history at San Francisco Ballet (after completion of the Trainee Program) includes:
2004-2005 2 (apprentice positions)
2005-2006 4 (3 apprentice positions, one corps de ballet position)
2006-2007 2 (apprentice positions)
2007-2008 2 (one apprentice position, one corps de ballet position)
Trainees have also been offered contracts at other companies, such as: Alberta Ballet, American Repertory Ballet, Houston Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, and Oregon Ballet Theatre.