Our summer intensive offers serious dance students extraordinary opportunities to train, rehearse, and perform alongside the professional dancers of Carolina Ballet. The company will be in residence during the final three weeks of the program.

Train with a renowned faculty of experienced professionals including guest master teacher Suki Schorer from the School of American Ballet; Artistic Director of Carolina Ballet, Robert Weiss; and the artistic staff and company members of Carolina Ballet. Immerse yourself in a rewarding dance experience with a high level of training for young dancers, pre-professionals, and for a select group of the most advanced students, enjoy the challenge of our summer trainee program.

Perform repertory and new choreography in the final performances at the Fletcher Opera Theatre. Performances also include selected repertory danced by Carolina Ballet company members.

Auditions
Please visit our audition page for information on our National Audition Tour (coming soon). To audition by video click here for information and audition form (coming soon).

The Curriculum
Classes and rehearsals are held Monday through Saturday and include up to six hours of instruction and rehearsals. The program is designed to cultivate strong, well-trained artists. Classes in ballet technique, studies en pointe, variations, men's class, men’s variations, modern technique, jazz, Pilates, yoga, partnering*, and body conditioning provide a strong foundation in classical training.

Repertory rehearsals are an integral part of the curriculum. Dancers will have the opportunity to develop their artistry and performing capabilities through the rehearsal and performance process. Students will work with company ballet masters and award-winning choreographers to strengthen these skills.

Additional curriculum highlights include the opportunity to see Carolina Ballet in action during open rehearsals as new ballets are created on the company. A special lecture series with such topics as dance history, music appreciation, and dancer health and injury prevention provide an enhanced educational experience.

*If we do not have a full contingent of male students, Company men will be employed in partnering classes as needed.

Campus Life
Saint Mary’s School’s beautiful 23-acre campus is within easy driving distance of world-renowned Research Triangle Park and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The school’s front campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a stop on the North Carolina Civil War Trails. The Saint Mary’s Chapel, designed by Richard Upjohn, is a National Historic Site, and five of the school’s buildings are Raleigh Historic Properties. The school’s secure campus lies just blocks from the state capitol and downtown Raleigh. You can walk to museums, art galleries, restaurants, and churches. Called a "city within a park," Raleigh boasts lots of fun things to see and do. Within easy walking distance of Saint Mary’s School, Cameron Village’s tree-lined walks, restaurants and one-of-a-kind shops beckon you.

Additional campus amenities include pool, library, in room wifi, game room, and movie-viewing areas.


Facilities
Classes and rehearsals will be held at Carolina Ballet’s professional studios and at Saint Mary’s School. All class/rehearsal spaces have sprung floors and professional dance surfaces.

Saint Mary's School Website

1) Company class with Carolina Ballet twice per week during their rehearsal period.

2) May be selected to rehearse and/or perform with Carolina Ballet.

3) Up to two summer trainees may be selected to be apprentices with Carolina Ballet for the 2010-2011 season. (Carolina Ballet is currently looking to hire apprentices and company members.)

Students from the ages of 12 to 21 may audition during our National Audition Tour (11-21 in Raleigh). All students who attend a live audition will receive notification of their acceptance by mail 2-3 weeks after their audition. Please wait three weeks before inquiring about audition results.

Tuition and Room and Board Schedule

*Session D is a ¾ day program designed for students who have completed beginning pointe and will include studio showings at the end of the session. For Day Students, age is used as a general guideline for placement. Each student will be evaluated and placed in the session that best matches their maturity and technical level. Resident Students must be between the ages of 12 and 21 to stay on Saint Mary’s campus.

Highlights*

• • Guest Master Teacher Suki Schorer (Week of June 20).
• • Master classes taught by Robert Weiss, Artistic Director of Carolina Ballet.
• • Fourth of July celebration.
• • Final Performance at Fletcher Opera Theater
• • Weekend activities and excursions.
• • Meet and greet with company dancers.
• • Trainee program

*Please note that highlights are dependent upon the student’s session, class placement, and boarding status.