Trainee Program
Ballet Spartanburg’s state of the art studios are located at the Chapman Cultural Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The Center for Dance Education is home to an average of 350 students annually, ages 2-72. With five yearly productions, outreach of over 15,000 youth, and a professional Ballet Company, Ballet Spartanburg educates, enriches and inspires through dance and dance appreciation. The Center for Dance Education’s Pre-Professional Ballet Division aligns its high standards with National Professional Ballet Schools.
Ballet Spartanburg is proud of its students who have furthered their dance education through summer intensives, high school residencies and post graduate studies, to noted institutions such as the American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Harid Conservatory, Orlando Ballet, School of American Ballet, Eugene Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Washington Ballet, Houston Ballet, Julliard, and Pacific Northwest Ballet. Students have danced professionally with Houston Ballet, Grand Rapids Ballet, Alabama Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, Sarasota Ballet, St. Louis Ballet, Ballet San Antonio, and Oklahoma City Ballet.
Ballet Spartanburg’s Professional Trainee Program is currently receiving applications from talented, advanced students ages 15-20. The Trainee Program is a comprehensive program designed to further develop ballet technique and artistry. The Trainee Program is a bridge between student and professional ballet. Trainees will participate in Company and Pre-Professional Classes ranging in ballet, pointe and variations. Trainees will rehearse and perform with the Professional Ballet Company.
Trainees will receive education in resume writing, nutrition and career development. Ballet Spartanburg’s Trainee Program is tuition based. Deadline for submission for the 2023/2024 season is October 1, 2023. All applicants may send cover letter, resume, head shot and 1st arabesque (ladies en pointe) and video link (guidelines below) to CFDE Principal, Analay Saiz, at asaiz@balletspartanburg.org. You may also contact Analay Saiz for a private audition.
Video Submission Guidelines
A single video file no more than 15 minutes containing all the elements below. Only one side of each combination needs to be shown. The frame of the video should show full body throughout. The video must be taken recently. Ladies should complete all combinations on pointe.
• Barre Work (maximum of 5 minutes/one side of each combination. (Plies, Tendus, Adagio, Grand Battement)
• Center Work (maximum 10 minutes)
1. Adagio
2. Pirouette combination with pirouettes en-dehors and en-dedans
3. Allegro combinations (small jumps, medium jumps including assembles, jetes, and sissonnes)
4. Grande allegro including a diagonal of turning steps for ladies. Men should include carbrioles, entrechats six and double tours en l’air.
Carlos Agudelo, 2023 SC Governor's Award for an Individual
Ballet Spartanburg's Artistic Director, Carlos Agudelo, was awarded the South Carolina Governor's Award from the South Carolina Arts Commission on May 23, 2023, at the Chapman Cultural Center. The award was presented by Mr. David Platt, Executive Director of the South Carolina Arts Commission. "We recognize the unparalleled energy, enthusiasm, devotion and love for dance that Carlos has gifted to our community out of his passion for all to experience the arts for the past 32 years. We are overjoyed that Carlos has been recognized by the South Carolina Arts Commission, " Teresa S. Berline, Executive Director. "The South Carolina Arts Commission is an extraordinary organization in our state which promotes and advocates opportunities in the arts which values equality, access, diversity and inclusion. Ballet Spartanburg is honored by the support of the South Carolina Arts Commission and the recognition of Carlos Agudelo."