After high school, ballet dancers usually choose among four main paths: a trainee or pre-professional program attached to a company school, a second company or studio company, a college dance program such as a BFA or BA, or auditioning directly for apprentice and corps positions in professional companies. Many dancers combine these paths, for example studying in college and then joining a company, or training for a year as a trainee before auditioning. The right choice depends on your current level, your goals, your finances, and whether you want a degree alongside dance training.
This guide compares the main options, explains how auditions and applications work, offers a senior-year timeline, covers costs and funding, looks at careers beyond performing, and lists the mistakes dancers make at this crossroads.
The main paths compared
| Path | What it involves | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Trainee or pre-professional program | One to two years of full-time training linked to a company school, often with performing opportunities | Dancers close to professional level who want intensive, focused training |
| Second company or studio company | A junior company that performs regularly; sometimes paid or partly paid | Dancers ready to perform but not yet in a main company |
| College dance degree (BFA or BA) | Daily technique, performance, choreography, and academic study | Dancers who want a degree and more time to develop |
| Direct company audition | Apprentice or corps de ballet positions | Exceptionally prepared dancers with strong audition results |
| Freelance and project work | Performing with smaller companies, festivals, or productions | Versatile dancers building experience in multiple styles |
Trainee and pre-professional programs
Many large companies run trainee programs through their schools. These typically offer daily class, repertoire, and performance opportunities, sometimes including roles with the main company. Trainee programs often charge tuition, although some provide scholarships. They can be a bridge between student and professional life, but they do not guarantee a company contract.
Second companies
Second companies, sometimes called studio or junior companies, are small ensembles connected to a main company. Dancers perform regularly, tour, and may join main company productions. Pay and conditions vary widely, so read contracts carefully.
College dance programs
BFA programs. A Bachelor of Fine Arts usually emphasizes intensive technique and performance, with a significant number of dance credits.
BA programs. A Bachelor of Arts balances dance with a broader liberal arts education and often allows a double major.
Benefits. College provides a degree, time to mature as an artist, choreography and teaching experience, and options if a performing career changes.
Considerations. Class hours and ballet focus vary widely between programs. Look closely at the faculty, how much ballet technique is offered each week, and alumni careers.
Auditioning for companies
Apprentice positions. Many companies hire apprentices who train and perform with the company for a season or more, with the possibility of a corps contract.
Corps de ballet. Direct corps contracts after high school are possible but highly competitive.
Audition formats. Companies may hold open auditions, invite dancers from their school or intensives, or accept video applications.
Materials. You will usually need a résumé, headshot, dance photos in specific positions, and sometimes a video.
A senior-year timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Summer before senior year | Attend an intensive, talk with teachers about realistic goals, research programs |
| Early fall | Build a dance résumé, schedule photos and video, note college application deadlines |
| Fall to winter | Submit college applications and arts supplements, register for auditions |
| Winter | Attend college dance auditions, trainee program auditions, and company auditions |
| Spring | Compare offers, visit programs, review contracts and costs, make a decision |
Timing varies by country and program, so check each organization’s deadlines carefully.
Preparing your materials
Dance résumé. List training, schools, intensives, roles, competitions, and choreographic work in a clear, one-page format.
Headshot. A simple, well-lit portrait.
Dance photos. Positions such as first arabesque, tendu à la seconde, and a pose on pointe for women, or specific jumps for men, following each program’s requirements.
Video. Clean, well-lit footage of barre, center, and a variation if requested.
References. Ask teachers early for recommendation letters.
Costs and funding
| Path | Typical costs | Funding options |
|---|---|---|
| Trainee program | Tuition, housing, living costs | School scholarships, part-time work |
| College program | Tuition, fees, housing | Merit and talent scholarships, financial aid |
| Second company | Living costs; pay may be low or partial | Stipends, contracts, supplemental work |
| Auditions | Travel, fees, photos, shoes | Budgeting, family support |
Careers beyond performing
Dance training builds skills for many careers. Graduates and former dancers work as teachers, choreographers, rehearsal directors, arts administrators, dance physical therapists, fitness instructors, and in costume, lighting, and production. A college degree can open additional paths, including graduate study in dance science, therapy, or arts management.
How to choose your path
1. Get an honest assessment. Ask trusted teachers where you stand technically and what they think is realistic.
2. Clarify your goals. Decide whether a performing career, a degree, or both matter most right now.
3. Compare real costs. Include tuition, housing, and living expenses, not just headline fees.
4. Visit if possible. Take class, watch rehearsals, and talk with current students.
5. Keep options open. Many dancers apply to both college programs and trainee or company auditions.
Questions to ask programs and companies
How many hours of ballet technique are offered each week? This varies greatly between college programs.
What performance opportunities are there? Ask about repertoire, number of productions, and chances to dance with the main company.
Where do graduates or trainees go? Alumni outcomes show how well a program connects dancers to careers.
What support is offered? Look for access to physical therapy, career advice, and academic flexibility.
What are the terms of any contract? Clarify pay, schedule, season length, and expectations.
Common mistakes
Applying to only one path. Competition is intense; a range of applications gives more options.
Missing college deadlines. Academic and dance audition deadlines can differ, sometimes by months.
Ignoring contract details. Read pay, hours, and length of trainee or company agreements carefully.
Underestimating costs. Unpaid or low-paid positions can require significant financial support.
Neglecting health. Senior year stress and audition travel can lead to injury or burnout.
Assuming college ends a career. Many professional dancers join companies after earning degrees.
A note on health and wellbeing
The transition after high school involves big decisions, travel, and pressure. Keep training sensibly, rest, and eat well. If stress, anxiety, low mood, or disordered eating concerns arise, talk to a trusted adult, school counselor, or qualified professional. A sustainable dance life depends on physical and mental health as much as on technique.
Frequently asked questions
Can you become a professional dancer after college?
Yes. Many dancers join companies after earning BFA or BA degrees, especially in contemporary and ballet companies that value maturity and versatility.
What is a ballet trainee program?
A trainee program is full-time, pre-professional training connected to a company school, usually lasting one to two years, with performance opportunities.
Is a BFA or BA better for ballet?
A BFA usually offers more dance hours and performance focus, while a BA balances dance with broader academics. The best choice depends on your goals.
