Dance

Designed to reflect Boston Ballet’s repertoire, our carefully crafted curriculum prepares dance students for the rigorous requirements of today’s dance genres – from Petipa, to Balanchine, to Kylián. Curriculum includes technique, pointe, men’s class, pas de deux, variations and repertoire, modern, character, Pilates, men’s conditioning, and contemporary workshops, such as Forsythe technique. Twenty-four hours of studio training each week is enhanced by various performance opportunities. Each of the three levels of ladies and two levels of men have a specifically curated schedule of classes designed to develop physical strength and technical proficiency required for each student to excel.

From Fall Showcases to Student Choreographic Projects, students are featured in varied opportunities and roles, concluding each year with the highly anticipated Next Generation performance featuring BBS Professional Division, Graduate Program, and Boston Ballet II on Boston Ballet’s home stage, Citizens Bank Opera House. There are also opportunities to participate in Boston Ballet performances including Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, etc.

In addition, students have a direct and extensive connection to the Boston Ballet Company, furthering their understanding of a professional dance career. Company dancers are frequent guest faculty and speakers throughout the year.

Professional Division faculty are comprised of former professional dancers and dance educators who have had prominent careers with Paris Opera Ballet, Escuela Nacional de Ballet in Cuba, San Francisco Ballet, New York City Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, Miami City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, among others. Our faculty provide excellent, dedicated training to all students.

At Walnut Hill, a day in the life means living and collaborating with a diverse community of like-minded peers from across the country and globe. The diligence, focus, and commitment our students bring to their academics and artistic pursuits elevate them as citizen leaders in each career path. We offer a safe, supportive space for young artists to be brave in classrooms, studios, and theaters.

Academic classes are held in the morning and afternoons are reserved for dance classes in the beautiful studios of the Delbridge Family Center for the Arts. Students have consistent access to dormitories, common rooms, campus center, and dining hall.

Boston Ballet School’s Professional Division serves as an official partner of the prestigious Prix de Lausanne, participates in the Assembleé Internationale, and provides study-abroad and exchange experiences in partnership with Canada’s National Ballet School, Paris Opera Ballet School, Royal Danish Ballet School, and Dresden Semperoper Ballet.