upper division
Junior, Apprentice, & Pre-Professional
Ages 9–18
PROGRAM
The Academy is Bayer Ballet's year-round upper division for dedicated students pursuing comprehensive classical ballet education. Following a structured Vaganova curriculum, dancers progress through the Junior, Apprentice, and Pre-Professional divisions, where technical training, artistry, and personal discipline develop through each stage of their education. The program is designed for students seeking serious ballet training, including opportunities to perform, participate in competitions, and prepare for examinations, auditions, and advanced study.
* Audition is required for the following programs
Juniors (ages 9-12)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Apprentice (ages 12+)
Junior Apprentice
Apprentice
Pre-Professional (ages 14+)
Juniors
The Junior Division introduces students to a more comprehensive course of classical ballet study. Through progressively challenging training, dancers develop technical precision, musicality, coordination, flexibility, and artistic awareness while building the strong foundation required for continued advancement within the Academy. Students apply their classroom training through participation in Bayer Ballet's two annual theater productions, gaining valuable stage experience from an early stage of their education.
Apprentice
The Apprentice Division builds upon the technical foundation established in the Junior Division, introducing greater artistic complexity, technical refinement, and performance responsibility. As training becomes increasingly demanding, students develop the discipline, confidence, and consistency required for advanced classical ballet study. Participation in Bayer Ballet's two annual theater productions provides regular performance opportunities that strengthen stage presence, musicality, and artistic expression.
Pre-professional
The Pre-Professional Division prepares advanced students for the highest levels of classical ballet training. Through rigorous daily instruction, coaching, and performance opportunities, dancers refine technical excellence, artistic maturity, and the professionalism expected for auditions, trainee programs, and future professional opportunities. Students continue to perform in Bayer Ballet's two annual theater productions, applying their training in a professional production environment while developing the confidence and experience expected of aspiring professional dancers.
contemporary
Contemporary dance is integrated into Bayer Ballet Academy's curriculum as a complement to classical ballet training. Students explore movement quality, musicality, creativity, and artistic expression while broadening their versatility as dancers.
character
Character dance complements classical ballet training by developing musicality, coordination, stylistic versatility, and expressive artistry. Through the study of stylized character dance, students expand their movement vocabulary and deepen their understanding of classical ballet repertoire.
stretching
Strength and flexibility are essential for moving with ease, control, and grace. Our stretching and conditioning curriculum develops strength, improves flexibility, and provides the physical foundation for the increasingly demanding movements of classical ballet and contemporary dance.