Student FAQ
How do I become a NYCB ballerina?
Photo © Sue Kisenwether |
Becoming a professional dancer in a major international company is a very competitive process. It is not unlike professional sports. Many pursue the goal but only a handful are able to enjoy successful careers in these physically demanding fields. In the history of New York City Ballet, there have been less than 700 NYCB dancers. Typically, fewer than 10 individuals join the Company in any given year. With the exception of a few international dancers who are well-known to the artistic leadership, NYCB dancers share one thing in common. Almost all have trained at the School of American Ballet, the official school of New York City Ballet. SAB training is not a guarantee of becoming a NYCB dancer, but it is usually a necessary component.
I studied ballet as a child and stopped for several years. Now that I am a young adult can I still become a professional dancer?
Individual bodies and circumstances are different so there is no one simple answer. In general, continuous study from childhood through the teenage years is necessary to mold muscles, secure the necessary technique and strength, and acquire the movement qualities of a classical dancer. Previous training might allow someone to catch up more quickly in class upon their return to professional study. Other forms of dance, outside ballet, might also remain as possible options to pursue.
I am a foreign dance student. How do I get into the School of American Ballet?
Most often, intermediate and advanced students are accepted into the annual five-week School of American Ballet Summer Course before applying for the Winter Term. International students from outside the continental United States may audition for the Summer course by submitting a DVD or VHS tape in American standard format (NTSC) in lieu of an in-person audition. For more details, go to http://www.sab.org/summercourse/admission/.
For the Winter Term, international students from outside the continental United States must audition in person at the School of American Ballet in New York to be considered for enrollment. They should contact the SAB Registrar to schedule an audition appointment. For more details, go to http://www.sab.org/winterterm/admission/admissions_for_foreign_students.php.
Does New York City Ballet offer any master classes or summer training camps?
New York City Ballet does not offer master classes or summer training camps. Ballet students between the ages of 12-18 may wish to investigate the annual five-week School of American Ballet Summer Course that takes place in July. The School's summer faculty is comprised almost entirely of former and current New York City Ballet dancers. Admission is by audition. The School of American Ballet is the official school of New York City Ballet. For more details, go to http://www.sab.org/summercourse/admission/.
I study ballet and am coming to New York for a visit. How can I see a rehearsal?
Rehearsal visits are a privilege of Membership in the New York City Ballet. Annual Membership begins at $90. Stage rehearsals take place only during certain weeks of the year and at specific times of day. Members receive a schedule and must make a reservation in advance of seeing a rehearsal. Group sizes are limited. They are not open to members of the general public.
Can I go backstage during a performance?
Visitors are not permitted backstage during a performance. This is a time of intense work and preparation for the dancers and stage crew as they prepare to present the ballets. It is distracting to the performers and, when a large set is in place, can be dangerous to have too many people in a confined area.
My child studies ballet. How does he or she get to perform in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™?
All children appearing in New York City Ballet productions at the David H. Koch Theater, including George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker ™, are students at the School of American Ballet, the official school of New York City Ballet. Children may audition for SAB's Winter Term in May or September. For more details, go to http://www.sab.org/winterterm/admission/.
How do dance students get selected to perform in children’s roles when NYCB is in Saratoga Springs during July or at theaters outside of New York?
Garielle Whittle is New York City Ballet’s Children’s Ballet Mistress. If a tour program calls for ballets with children’s roles, auditions for children from local ballet schools will be arranged by the presenter or theater through the ballet schools. It is best to check the presenter’s website or call the presenter for information on these auditions two to three months prior to New York City Ballet’s visit.
I live out of town. Can NYCB recommend a dance school for my child to attend?
New York City Ballet is not in a position to recommend dance schools other than the School of American Ballet, the official school of New York City Ballet. As a general rule, however, it is good to look for teachers with professional performing experience, with connections to the professional dance world, who can offer performance opportunities, and who can provide exposure to a wide range of dance techniques and traditions.
What is the right age for a girl to begin pointe work?
This depends on individual development and training. At the School of American Ballet, pointe work usually begins in the fourth year of study for 15 minutes at the end of each technique class. In the fifth year of study, separate weekly pointe classes are included in the curriculum.
What is the weight and height of NYCB dancers?
There is no one height or weight for New York City Ballet dancers. Every body is different. Ballet dancers must move with maximum flexibility, strength, attack, speed and energy. Dancers and their teachers or ballet masters can tell when a performer is at the right weight to perform at their peak. It is different for everyone.
I am short. I am tall. Do I have a chance to get into New York City Ballet?
Yes, of course. NYCB needs both—and dancers in the middle, too! NYCB performs over 150 ballets. The repertory demands that the Company have dancers of every height for casting.
Can I be a professional ballerina after I finish college?
It would be highly unusual. Virtually all professional ballet dancers begin their careers in their mid- to late teens. High school is often finished during the completion of their pre-professional dance studies. Some dancers take individual college courses while performing full-time, but that is more the exception than the rule. Upon completion of their dancing careers, some dancers decide to pursue a college education.
I am 19+ years old. Can I go to the School of American Ballet?
With rare exceptions, students must be 18 or younger when they first enroll at SAB. The youngest applicants, who may or may not have had previous training, are six to 10-years-old. Those 11 to 18 should be at the intermediate or advanced level.
How long does it take to become a professional ballerina?
It depends on the physical attributes of an individual and the training to which they have been exposed. It takes many years. A decade would not be at all unusual.
How much money do ballet dancers earn?
There is no one answer to this question. It depends on many factors. What city you are dancing in, seniority, number of weeks in a season, rank, what company you are performing with, etc. The best source for this information would be the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA is the union that represents professional dancers). For more details, go to http://www.musicalartists.org/Agreements/DanceContracts.htm.
I am an advanced foreign dance student. How can I audition for New York City Ballet?
NYCB does not hold auditions. With few exceptions, all NYCB dancers are taken from the advanced ranks of the School of American Ballet, the official school of New York City Ballet.
I am a parent and am bringing my child to New York for a visit. Is there anywhere they can take a dance class with professionals or NYCB dancers?
There are a number of dance studios in New York City that offer open classes for professionals and students. The free online reference site, NY.com, lists many of them. For more details, go to http://www.ny.com/dance/type.html.
I am a dancer with another company. Can I watch or take company class with NYCB?
Company class is not open to visitors from other companies or to members of the public. Studio space is limited and makes it difficult to accommodate visitors. On rare occasions, if the head of a company or a school makes a special request of the artistic leadership, it does happen; but it is highly unusual.
