Los Angeles Ballet Trainee Program

The Los Angeles Ballet Trainee Program is a unique pre-professional training opportunity designed for advanced dancers pursuing a professional career in ballet. Directed by Melissa Barak, Artistic Director of Los Angeles Ballet, and Adrian Blake Mitchell, Artistic Director of Westside School of Ballet, the program combines rigorous daily training with invaluable company experience.

This program serves as a bridge between advanced ballet training and a professional career. Trainees participate in classes 6 days a week between Westside School of Ballet and Los Angeles Ballet while working alongside the company through rehearsals and select productions.

Students receive comprehensive training in ballet technique, pointe, variations, pas de deux, floor barre, Gyrotonic, and classical and neoclassical repertoire. The daily schedule varies throughout the season to align with Los Angeles Ballet’s production calendar.

Performance Opportunities

Trainees perform throughout the Los Angeles Ballet season, including The Nutcracker and other select productions in the spring. Trainees may also have opportunities to perform with Westside Ballet in its annual Nutcracker and Spring productions.

Enrollment Information

The Los Angeles Ballet Trainee Program typically enrolls up to 8 dancers each season, generally between the ages of 17 and 20. Scholarship opportunities are available to help cover tuition costs. For audition information, please see Los Angeles Ballet’s website or email mail@westsideballet.com.