Studio Company Apprentice

Full-Day | Ages 16–20 | Tuition-Based | By Audition Only

The Studio Company Apprentice Program is a full-day, performance-focused training program for advanced dancers ages 16–20 who are preparing to transition from student to professional. Designed to mirror the schedule and expectations of a professional company member, this program offers a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience in a supportive, high-level training environment.

Program Highlights:

  • Daily Company Rehearsals: Apprentices rehearse alongside New Ballet’s professional company and are cast in all mainstage productions, gaining extensive performance experience throughout the season.

  • Artistic Development: In addition to performance, dancers are encouraged to explore choreography, improvisation, and artistic expression as creative collaborators.

  • Elite Coaching Opportunities: Dancers interested in ballet competitions may receive individualized coaching from School Director Linh Mai Le, named Outstanding Teacher by Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) in 2025.

  • ABT® National Training Curriculum: Apprentices continue their technical training with ABT® Certified Faculty, with optional participation in official ABT® examinations.

This immersive program provides a vital stepping stone toward a professional career in ballet, offering a blend of company-level experience and advanced training tailored to each dancer’s goals.

Scholarships
Merit- and need-based scholarships are available, but funding is limited and typically does not cover full tuition.

Studio Company

Full-Day | Ages 17–24 | Tuition-Free | By Audition Only | Limited Stipends Available

New Ballet’s Studio Company is a tuition-free, full-time program for advanced dancers ages 17–24 who are ready to take the final step toward a professional career. Designed to immerse dancers in the life of a working artist, this elite program combines extensive performance opportunities, high-level training, and individualized mentorship in a rigorous yet supportive environment.

Program Highlights:

  • Professional Performance Experience: Studio Company dancers perform throughout the year in mainstage productions, community outreach events, festivals, and touring engagements. Highlights include:

    • The San Jose Nutcracker performed annually with Symphony San Jose at the California Theatre

    • Creating contemporary world premiere ballet in collaboration with choreographers for the Fast Forward series

    • World class productions of full-length story ballets each spring, danced to live orchestra, including Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella, and in 2026 a world-premiere production of Giselle.

  • Comprehensive Daily Schedule: Dancers engage in a full-day schedule of company class, rehearsals, technique, pointe, partnering, variations, contemporary, and coaching.

  • Artistic Growth & Mentorship: In addition to classical repertoire, dancers explore improvisation, choreography, and artistic expression. They receive ongoing career guidance, professionalism training, and wellness support.

  • Advanced Training: Studio Company members continue to train with New Ballet’s Senior Pre-Professional Division, working with ABT® Certified Faculty in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum, with opportunities for repertoire coaching and optional competition preparation.

The Studio Company season runs September through late May, with continued training opportunities available during the summer intensive.

This program is tuition-free. Limited merit-based stipends are available for qualified dancers.

Please email info@newballet.com with any questions.

CONTACT US DIRECTLY for more information.

More information about the Studio Company and Studio Company Apprentice Programs.

New Ballet’s goal is for our Studio Company and Studio Company Apprentice Programs to enhance dancers’ careers and help them fulfill their ballet objectives. Studio Company Apprentice positions include tuition, and participation in School activities is required. The Studio Company program does not include any tuition, and may include a small weekly stipend typically after the first year. Studio Company Dancers are required to take class with the school and may be asked to participate in other school activities including ABT Exams. If invited they are strongly encouraged to participate. Both Studio Company Dancers and Studio Company Apprentices will attend company class each day, attend all rehearsals, and perform in the full season as cast.

Please note that we often have more Studio Company dancers than we think we will have open Company Artist spots for future years, so progressing forward from SC to Company Artist within three years is not a guarantee. The purpose for this program is to continue your trajectory toward your dance goals and provide you with the opportunity to dance within a company environment. There is a loose three-year limit on being a Studio Company Dancer. Typically dancers spend one year as a Studio Company Apprentice and two years as a Studio Company Dancer before being considered for a Company Artist position, at which time the number of contracts available and the budget at the time play roles in deciding who can be hired as a Company Artist and who might be offered a third year as a Studio Company dancer (typically at this point with a stipend). 

Contract meetings for the following season take place in February, and Studio Company Dancers who are hoping to become Company Artists (typically after a second Studio Company year) or professional dancers elsewhere may take about 10 days leave of absence with approval, January through April (not within one week of a performance date), in order to pursue other opportunities with our full support.

Studio Company Apprentices and Studio Company Dancers who meet age requirements may have the opportunity to participate in New Ballet’s Competition Team, with expert training provided by School Director Lin Mai Le, named outstanding teacher by YAGP. This is fully optional and fees apply, although coaching and costume fees may be waived, and is offered in order to gain experience and professional exposure. These Apprentices and Dancers will be excused from company activities for Regional and National Competitions, unless directly conflicting with a New Ballet season performance, in which case these dancers must perform with New Ballet instead of attending competition.