What does it mean to train dancers without "training them out of being natural"? For Paulo Arrais, founder of Arrais Ballet School in Boston, that question shaped his entire approach to teaching. A former principal dancer with Boston Ballet, Paulo saw gaps in traditional ballet training: rigidity over artistry, pressure over presence. He decided to build a school that addressed them. In this episode, he walks us through his journey from student to performer to educator, the core values that define his school, and how he helps students navigate everything from technical growth to postgraduate ballet training decisions. We also dive into the unique challenges boys face in ballet, how independent schools fit into the larger training ecosystem, and what Paulo believes needs to change in ballet education. This is a candid, grounded conversation about preparing dancers for sustainable, meaningful careers.

If you're exploring pre-professional ballet programs, preparing for ballet auditions, or curious about career pathways in classical ballet, this conversation offers insight into what thoughtful ballet education looks like today.

Learn more about the 2026 Summer Intensive here. Read reviews of Arrais Ballet School here.

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Joshua Beamish and Crystal Costa are building something new in the ballet world. Ballet Vancouver is launching as a fresh company with a unique vision, and in this episode, they share the story of how it all came together.

Joshua talks about starting his first company at just 17 years old and the 20-year journey that led him here. Crystal shares how she got involved and her work helping dancers understand the realities of a professional career through her workshop, Dance as a Profession.

We cover their personal dance journeys, the hardest parts of their training, and the fork-in-the-road moments that shaped their paths. They also open up about what they'd change about ballet training if they could, and things they wish all ballet students knew about pursuing this career.

Looking ahead, Joshua and Crystal reveal what will make Ballet Vancouver different from other companies, their plans for a summer intensive in 2026 and what they're looking for when hiring dancers. They also discuss their innovative structure combining guest artists, guest companies, and local performers and explain how they're funding this ambitious new venture.

If you're curious about what it takes to start a ballet company from scratch, or you're a dancer wondering what artistic directors look for, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at building the future of ballet.

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We're rereleasing one of Ballet Help Desk's most popular episodes! Peter Stark from The Rock School discusses the ballet job market, choosing post-graduate ballet programs, and audition strategies for pre-professional dancers. Learn how to approach ballet auditions, what trainee programs look for, and how to stand out as you transition from ballet student to professional dancer.

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• The Rock School
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A rerelease: In our first episode of Dancer Stories, Jenny and her daughter Abbey share how Abbey got her first ballet contract.

Tune in to hear how a meeting about dorm policy violations at a summer intensive turned into an apprenticeship offer with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.

After a last-minute decision to attend the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Company Experience, Abbey's unexpected journey underscores the importance of seizing opportunities—you never know where they might lead!

Learn more about Pittsburgh Ballet Theater on their website.

Interested in following Abbey's career? You can find her on Instagram @abbeyahuang

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Raymond Rodriguez, Dean of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, breaks down their Company Experience program and why they created it.

Unlike traditional summer intensives, the Company Experience simulates professional dancer life through repertoire-heavy training and direct interaction with Pittsburgh Ballet's artistic staff. Raymond explains what a typical day looks like, the types of choreography students work on, and who mentors participants throughout the program.

The conversation covers how the program helps dancers understand company realities, what discussions happen around professional life expectations, and who should consider attending. Raymond also addresses opportunities for students to be observed by artistic staff and how often participants transition into Pittsburgh Ballet's postgraduate levels or main company.

He shares what sets Pittsburgh Ballet's approach apart from similar company experience programs and offers guidance on whether this type of specialized training is the right next step. If you're considering programs that go beyond traditional technique-focused intensives, this episode explains how Pittsburgh Ballet prepares dancers for professional life.

Links:

• Read Our Ballet School Summer & Year-Round Reviews
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Takeways

• The Pittsburgh Summer Company Experience started in 2014 with 30 students.
• The program has grown to accommodate around 70 students, split into cohorts.
• Students learn a mix of classical, contemporary, and new works during the program.
• The daily schedule mirrors that of professional company artists, with extensive rehearsal hours.
• Auditions are held on the first day to determine casting for the performances.
• The program emphasizes the importance of versatility in dance training.
• Students are encouraged to support each other in learning choreography.
• Eligibility is limited to students aged 16 and older, based on their readiness.
• The program offers opportunities for students to be seen by artistic directors for potential contracts.
• PBT's program is designed to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for dancers.

Davit Karapetyan and Laura Bowman Goldstein from Philadelphia Ballet break down three focused summer programs designed for dancers considering specialized training: the Pas de Deux Intensive, Variations Intensive, and Company Experience.

They start with partnering, an essential skill that many students cannot get in their local schools. Davit and Laura talk about how much partnering really matters in today's job market, what experience dancers need going in, and how this intensive tackles the challenges students struggle with most.

Next, they dive into the Variations Intensive, where dancers receive targeted competition coaching and individualized feedback. They explain why dedicated variation work matters, how pieces are chosen, and what dancers can expect from the final showing.

Finally, the Company Experience offers a taste of professional life, with daily training and direct access to Philadelphia Ballet's artistic staff. The conversation covers schedules, repertoire, and how often students move from this program into trainee, second company, or even the main company.

Davit and Laura also share guidance for dancers and parents trying to decide which program makes the most sense, and what sets Philadelphia Ballet's summer training apart. If you are looking beyond a traditional summer intensive, this episode lays out three distinct options and who each one is really for.

Learn more about Philly's summer programs.

Links:

• Read Our Ballet School Summer & Year-Round Reviews: https://reviews.ballethelpdesk.com/
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Durante Verzola, resident choreographer for Miami City Ballet School, breaks down their Summer Choreographic Workshop, a specialized program that simulates professional dancer life for students as young as 14.

Unlike traditional summer intensives, this program focuses on preparing dancers for the quick turnaround and varied repertory demands of company life. Durante explains why they created a separate choreographic track, how company artistic staff are involved, and what types of mentors and choreographers work with participants.

The conversation covers the balance between new and existing works, whether students learn to choreograph themselves, and what the final performance looks like. Durante discusses why younger dancers benefit from this experience, how often participants transition into Miami City Ballet's year-round program, and what common growth areas he observes.

He also addresses why specialized programs like this are growing in popularity and what sets Miami City Ballet's approach apart from similar workshops. If you're considering programs that go beyond traditional technique training, this episode explains what makes the choreographic workshop format valuable for pre-professional dancers.

Learn more on the MCBS website.

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• Read Our Ballet School Summer & Year-Round Reviews

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Takeaways

• The Choreographic Intensive is a two-week program at Miami City Ballet School.

• The program aims to develop students' artistry and professional skills.

• Students experience a daily routine similar to that of professional dancers.

• Artistry is emphasized alongside technical training in ballet.

• The program includes creating original works specifically for the students.

• Students are encouraged to take ownership of their choreography.

• Performance opportunities are crucial for developing confidence and skills.

• The program fosters a supportive environment for students to grow.

• Choreography is created in response to the dancers in the moment.

• The intensive prepares students for the realities of a professional dance career.

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Oliver Till, Artistic Director of Kansas City Ballet School, walks us through ChoreoLab, their unique summer program that pairs aspiring dancers with emerging choreographers.

The program runs two tracks: Movers (dancers 17+) and Makers (choreographers 18-24). Instead of traditional technique classes, participants collaborate on original work, learning about lighting, costume design, and tech rehearsals along the way. The focus is on the creative process, not just the final product, with dancers exploring new movement styles they wouldn't encounter in standard training.

Oliver explains the application process, including in-person auditions for dancers and portfolio-based selection for choreographers. He discusses why the program culminates in a ticketed performance to raise the stakes, and how they've incorporated mindfulness sessions to support mental well-being during the intensive creative process.

If you're interested in choreography, want to understand how professional work gets made, or are looking for a summer program that goes beyond technique, this episode breaks down what makes ChoreoLab different.

Links:

• Read Our Ballet School Summer & Year-Round Reviews
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Takeaways:

• The Mover track is for aspiring dancers aged 17 and up.

• The Maker track is for aspiring choreographers aged 18 to 24.

• The program emphasizes collaboration between dancers and choreographers.

• Participants learn about lighting, costume design, and tech rehearsals.

• The focus is on the process of creation rather than just the final product.

• Dancers are encouraged to explore new movement styles and techniques.

• The application process includes in-person auditions for movers.

• Makers are selected based on their choreographic ideas and experience.

• The culmination performance is a ticketed event to enhance accountability.

• Mindfulness sessions are introduced to support dancers' mental well-being.

Erica Fischbach and Sean Omandam from Colorado Ballet Academy break down two of their specialized summer programs: the Choreographic Workshop and the Young Dancer Intensive.

The Choreographic Workshop immerses older students in a professional-style setting where they learn to pick up choreography quickly, work with mentors, and develop their artistic voice. Artist talks expose participants to what life is like as a professional ballet dancer. The location? You'll want to hear where this program takes place -- it's an environment that enhances creativity in a way most studios can't match!

The Young Dancer Intensive is designed for younger students, balancing quality training with fun activities outside the studio. What sets it apart? It's one of the only programs like it that offers housing where parents and kids can stay together, providing comfort and support for younger dancers taking their first step into intensive training.

Learn more about these ballet summer intensives on their website: https://coloradoballet.org/Academy-Summer-Programs

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Takeaways:

• The Choreographic Workshop lets students experience what it's like to be a professional ballet dancer.

• The location of the Choreographic Workshop provides a unique and inspiring environment for creativity.

• Mentorship is a key component of the programs.

• Students learn to pick up choreography quickly, simulating a professional setting.

• Artist talks provide insights into various career paths in dance.

• The Young Dancer Intensive is designed for younger students, focusing on fun and quality training.

• Parents can accompany younger dancers, providing comfort and support.

• Activities outside of dance enhance the overall experience for students.

• Both programs emphasize both technical skills and artistic expression.

• Students leave with a stronger sense of self and confidence.

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Katie Sopoci Drake and Zoica Tovar from the Washington School of Ballet break down their Junior and Senior Repertory Week programs in this episode.

The two programs serve different levels of dancers, and our guests explain how each one works and what participants can expect. They discuss the school's teaching methods, how they work with different learning styles, and what it takes to move from student training to professional dancing.

The conversation covers mentorship structures, choreography opportunities for participants, and performance requirements at each level. Katie and Zoica also share what traits they look for in successful dancers and how artistic director Edwaard Liang's involvement shapes the training experience.

If you're researching summer intensives or want to understand how pre-professional ballet training works, this episode provides a practical look at what happens during these programs and why the school structures them the way they do.

Learn more about The Washington School of Ballet's Summer Programs here: https://www.washingtonballet.org/nw-summer-intensives/

Takeaways:

• The Junior Repertory Experience is designed for aspiring dancers aged 12-17.
• The Senior Repertory Experience mirrors a company training week for dancers aged 15-22.
• Both programs culminate in a performance for family and friends.
• Edwaard Liang's involvement enhances the quality of training and choreography.
• Dancers learn to adapt quickly to different styles and choreographers.
• The programs focus on building stamina, artistry, and technical skills.
• Students are encouraged to ask questions about their future careers.
• Choreography and composition classes are integral to the training.
• The audition process is open to video submissions.
• The programs aim to develop well-rounded artists, not just professional dancers.

Links:

• Read Our Ballet School Summer & Year-Round Reviews: https://reviews.ballethelpdesk.com/
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