Ballet Spartanburg Apprentice Program

The Ballet Spartanburg Apprentice Program is a pre-professional bridge designed for advanced dancers transitioning from student to professional careers. Introduced as part of Ballet Spartanburg’s continued growth, the program expands the company’s professional training pathway while strengthening the pipeline of emerging talent.

Apprentices train alongside Ballet Spartanburg company members, gaining firsthand experience in a professional rehearsal and performance environment. Apprentices participate fully in company class, rehearsals, performances, and community outreach initiatives, working directly under the guidance of Ballet Spartanburg’s Artistic Director.

This immersive structure emphasizes artistic growth, professionalism, performance readiness, and meaningful engagement with the community while offering dancers valuable stage and outreach experience in a professional setting.

Program Highlights

Apprentices take daily company class with Ballet Spartanburg dancers.
They rehearse and perform alongside the company.
They participate in Ballet Spartanburg community outreach programming.
Artistic guidance and corrections are given directly by the Artistic Director.
Apprentices gain exposure to professional rehearsal, production, performance, and outreach processes.
A shoe allowance is provided.
Contract length aligns with the Ballet Spartanburg company season.

Program Structure

The Apprentice Program is a non-salaried position. Apprentices receive a shoe allowance and are contracted for the same length as the Ballet Spartanburg company season. Housing and transportation are not provided.

Eligibility

The program is open to advanced dancers who have completed their formal training or are nearing completion and are seeking a transitional experience before entering the professional field.

The age range for applicants is 17 to 21.
Female dancers must be a minimum height of 5'1".
Male dancers must be a minimum height of 5'8".

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or otherwise legally authorized to work in the United States. Ballet Spartanburg is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Auditions

Private auditions are by invitation only.

Interested dancers must submit the following materials for consideration:
A current résumé
A professional headshot
Class work video, with female dancers filmed en pointe
One classical variation filmed in a studio setting

Please send complete audition materials and information to
lgomez@balletspartanburg.org