BRIDGE THE GAP
From Student to Professional
About the Trainee Program
SLB invites students to audition for the Professional Training Program. The program is intended to help post graduate students transition from student to professional dancer. The Professional Training Program is a program for ages 18-22 that concentrates on strengthening technique and developing artistry through a full-day, 35-week, comprehensive program. The Professional Training Program includes technique, pointe, variations, adagio, contemporary, and seminars and conferences on such topics as nutrition, personal safety, and life skills.
Performing Experience
-
Company Rehearsals: Professional Training Program students may be called to SLB Company rehearsals. If called, students are expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals, whether or not they are cast to perform. The School office must be notified if rehearsals conflict with School classes. Professional Training Program dress code is required in rehearsals.\\
-
Company Performances: Professional Training Program students perform in “The Nutcracker”, additional full-length ballets, and at least one new works program or repertoire program.
Tuition for Professional Division 25-26:
-
$350/month (9 months of the year)
Tuition rates subject to change pending submission year
Age Requirements: 18–22
Scholarships & Financial Aid
A limited number of partial scholarships are available and are awarded on the basis of financial need, class performance and potential for a professional career. Scholarships are granted for no longer than one academic year.
To apply click here.
More than just classes and performances
Student Conferences
Conferences with Artistic Director and Rehearsal Directors are held in the winter to discuss student progress, options for summer programs, the following school year, and audition tour plans.
Pilates & Strength Training
Supplemental strength training is essential to a dancer's success. Classes led by SLB company professionals will work with trainee dancers on core and strength training using techniques they use daily for their own successes on stage. Guest Pilates Instructors will also be invited to work with trainee students through the season.
Career Planning
SLB is committed to providing as many career planning resources and job placement opportunities as possible to Professional Division students. A resume workshop/audition seminar is held in early December to help students begin the process of writing a resume and searching for a job in the dance field. Photographer contacts for audition portfolios are available to students, as well as an annual directory which provides extensive information on approximately 40 ballet companies in the United States, a useful resource in planning auditions. Individual counseling and advice on careers in dance and/or college dance programs are also provided.
(Offsite company auditions: Absences for company auditions outside of SLB must receive prior approval from the Artistic office before any travel arrangements are made.)
General Schedule
Class Schedule
-
Mon-Fr - 12:00 - 1:30: Ballet, 1:45 - 2:30 or 2:45: Pointe, Variations, Contemporary, Pilates, Partnering, or Rehearsal*
-
Saturday: 11:15 - 12:45 - Ballet, 1:00 - 1:45 - Pointe or Variations
*Rehearsal may go later, as designated in PTP Information Package
Faculty
Gen Horiuchi
Executive and Artistic Director
Louise Nadeau
Ballet Instructor
Former Principal of Pacific Northwest Ballet
Ellen Costanza
Ballet Instructor
Former Principal of Cleveland Ballet
CiCi Houston Sudholt
Ballet Instructor
Rehearsal Director for SLB
Lisa Wolfsberger
Ballet Instructor
Founding Co. Member of Saint Louis Ballet
Christine Settembrino
Ballet Instructor
Assistant Rehearsal Director for SLB
Angela Cassidy
Ballet Instructor
Former Texas Ballet Theater Co. Member
Christine Knoblauch O'Neal
Ballet Instructor
Retired Professor of the Practice in Dance
Former ABT Dancer
Lori Wilson
Ballet/Strength
SLB Company Member
Michael Burke
Contemporary/
Ballet/Strength
SLB Company Member
Donna Patzius
Ballet Instructor
Former Ballet Met Dancer
Recent alumni from the Professional Training Program and SLB School have gone on to the following companies and colleges:
Saint Louis Ballet, Huntsville Ballet, Kansas City Ballet Trainee, Ballet Chicago, Charlotte Ballet 2, Milwaukee Ballet Trainee, Minnesota Ballet Apprenticeship, Montgomery Ballet, Ballet Frontier, UMKC, Webster University, Ballet Met 2, Indiana University, Oklahoma University, University of Utah, Texas Christian University, Avant Chamber Ballet, Lexington Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Graduate Program, Ballet Des Moines
Housing
Professional Training Program students are responsible for making their own housing arrangements during the school year, as SLB School does not have year-round housing available. Students often choose to live with a roommate; most roommate situations are established before the end of the summer. Many students have recommended searching online at Zillow.com to find prospective apartments in the vicinity of Saint Louis Ballet School.
For Students ACCEPTED into the Professional Training Division
for Fall 2025-2026:
Click "Register" below to complete your official registration into the program
All registrations will be reviewed before deposits are charged.
If you have not received an acceptance from SLB into the Professional Training Program, please do not use this registration.
Professional Training Student Resources:
Download the below PDF which includes dress code information, program calendar, local neighborhood information, local college and university information, and local health care facilities. All very helpful information especially to those relocating to St. Louis for this program.
Questions?
If you have further questions please contact CiCi Houston at cicihouston@stlouisballet.org