Pre-Professional Trainee Program

The Trainee Program provides a structured pathway for dancers to transition from advanced pre-professional training to a professional ballet career. Trainees train alongside the school’s most advanced students while working closely with the company, participating in rehearsals and major productions throughout the season.

Through this experience, they gain valuable professional development, stage experience, and insight into the demands of life in a professional company.

Participants also deepen their mastery of Miami City Ballet’s repertoire, learning roles and styles directly from Company rehearsals and coaching. By combining intensive studio training with regular performance and rehearsal opportunities, trainees build confidence, develop the discipline and skills required for professional life, and gain the experience needed to step into apprenticeships or full company roles at Miami City Ballet or with other national and international companies.

• The program is open to 6 dancers, aged 18 to 22.
• Admission is by invitation only, determined by the Artistic Director of Miami City Ballet and the Artistic Director of Miami City Ballet School, based on technical ability, artistic potential, and readiness to enter professional life.
• Candidates for the Trainee Program are drawn from the highest levels of their schools and may also be identified through video submissions, stand-alone auditions, or by invitation following participation in the Summer Intensive.

Trainees participate fully in the daily class schedule of the Pre-Professional II Division, training alongside the school’s most advanced students. This schedule includes classes in ballet technique, variations and repertoire, Pas de Deux, contemporary, Spanish Dancing, weight training and Pilates.

In addition to following the school’s class schedule, trainees receive at least two dedicated technique classes per week, designed specifically for them, and have the opportunity to take classes with the Artistic Director of the Company.

On days without Company rehearsals, trainees follow the Pre-Professional Division schedule, combining advanced school-level training with professional experience gained through rehearsals and performances with the Company. 

Trainees gain substantial stage experience throughout the season, performing regularly with the Company. They may participate in as many productions as needed to support the Company’s repertoire, gaining practical experience in a wide range of roles and styles. For example, in the upcoming season trainees may have opportunities to perform in major productions, such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Alice in Wonderland.

Trainees will also participate in community outreach performances and educational events. 

• Financial support to help cover living and training expenses
• Full tuition scholarship for all classes
• Assistance with housing arrangements may be available
• Pointe shoes or ballet shoes are provided when performing with the company

The Trainee Program serves as the final stage between advanced training and professional company life. Through daily training, rehearsals, and performance opportunities with the Company, trainees gain the experience, discipline, and understanding required in a professional environment. While it represents the culmination of pre-professional training, it also marks the beginning of a dancer’s professional journey, recognizing that growth and development continue throughout a career in ballet.

Prospective Trainees audition within our Pre-Professional Division. We strongly encourage all applicants to be seen in person for a ballet class. Applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 22. 

There are two ways to be considered: 

Option 1: Submit a Video - CLICK HERE 

Video submissions are accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed for an invitation to attend an in-person audition class. This is a great option if you are unable to attend an August audition date or would like to be considered outside of that window. 

Option 2: Attend an In-Person Audition Class in August 2026 - CLICK HERE 

In-person audition classes offer the opportunity to be seen directly by our faculty for Trainee consideration. 

• Class Auditions available - August 3rd, 4th, & 5th