The Trainee Program

Director Iain Webb established this two-year program for dancers whose goal is to dance professionally. The dancers, in addition to their daily classes, also have the opportunity to train and rehearse with the Company. Mr. Webb oversees the program along with Assistant Director to Education Dex Honea. Primary Instructors are Dex Honea, Isabel Dubrocq, Pavel Fomin, Sherri Kitchens, Courtney Smith, and Lisa Townsend.

Eligibility

Trainees are eligible to audition at 16 and are required to commit to daytime classes and rehearsals with the Company as well as early evening classes with the School. Trainees who have not completed high school are asked to enroll in either Keystone High School or Florida Virtual School in order to complete their high school degree. Tutoring and Mentoring are available for these dancers.

Trainees working towards a college degree are also able to continue with evening and online courses while participating in this program. We also accept some dancers with an undergraduate college degree, whose goal is to continue training in order to join a professional company.

Housing

Housing is left up to the student and their family to arrange. Housing and/or roommate recommendations can be made upon request. Trainees may elect to stay and train during the summer programs. Private lessons are offered for an additional fee.

Schedule

Schedules will be given to the Trainees at the beginning of the year. Some trainees will be invited to take company class in the mornings. All Trainees will be in classes Monday through Friday, 9:30 am to 6:30 pm, and half days on Saturday.

Curriculum

Daily classes in Ballet Technique and Pointe. Additional classes include Modern, Variations, Pas De Duex, Choreography, Stretch, Pilates, Character and Repetoire.

Performances

Trainees will have many opportunities to perform with the Company and our Outreach program. They may also be asked to appear in School Performances.  Trainees are required to participate in the Year-End Showcase.

Auditions

Any dancer interested in auditioning for this program must send in a letter of inquiry, along with a resume, headshot and two to three full body photos. If they have video highlighting performance and/or class work, they should send that as well. Please send all materials, clearly labeled with name, phone number, email, and address to:

The Sarasota Ballet
Attn: Trainee Program
5555 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Florida 34243

Dancers will be called back to come in for a live audition or to take class.