About

Please visit our Summer Intensive Audition Page for audition information and video audition application.

National audition tour is sponsored by Freed of London.

Classes and rehearsals are held Monday through Saturday and include up to six hours of instruction and rehearsals each day. 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/contemporary technique, jazz, character, Pilates, yoga, partnering*, and 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 performance capabilities through the rehearsal and performing 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. Also, a special lecture series with such topics as nutrition, health and injury prevention will provide an enhanced educational experience.

*Company men will be employed in partnering classes as needed.

Classes and rehearsals will be held at Carolina Ballet’s professional studios and at Saint Mary’s School.

All dance spaces have sprung floors with professional quality dance surfaces.

Saint Mary’s School offers a beautiful 23-acre campus filled with historic charm. The front campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a highlight 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.

Positioned near the heart of downtown Raleigh, Saint Mary’s location is ideal for students. Called a “city within a park,” Raleigh is packed with exciting things to see and experience. The school’s secure campus lies just blocks from the state capitol, the one-of-a-kind shops of The Village, and is within walking distance of museums, art galleries, restaurants, and churches.

This summer you will also find the campus is in a growth mode with building projects and upgrades that will be enjoyed in the coming 18 months like a newly renovated auditorium and performing arts area. Additional campus amenities include pool, library, in-room Wi-Fi, game room, and movie-viewing areas.

Students accepted as summer trainees will have a specialized program that includes: The opportunity to be selected to rehearse and/or perform with Carolina Ballet. There will be a limited number of summer trainees, and of these, up to two may be selected to be apprentices with Carolina Ballet for the 2024-2025 season.

Students from the ages of 12 to 21 may audition during our National Audition Tour. All students who attend an audition will receive notification of their acceptance by email 2-3 weeks after their audition. Please wait three weeks before inquiring about audition results. Each student will be evaluated and placed in the session that best matches their maturity and technical level, with an additional placement class on the first day. Once you have enrolled by sending in your enrollment form and deposit, all packets with information and additional required forms will be sent out by the end of March. All final payments must be made by May 1, 2024 at the very latest.

Session A:
June 24 – July 27 (5 weeks) - $3250

Session B:
July 8 – July 27 (3 weeks) - $2325

Session C1:
June 24 – July 6 (2 weeks) - $1750

Session C2:
July 1 – July 13 (2 weeks) - $1750

Session C3:
July 15 – July 27 (2 weeks) - $1750

Session D1:
June 24 – June 29 (1 week) - $875

Session D2:
July 1 – July 6 (1 week) - $875

Session D3:
July 8 – July 13 (1 week) - $875

Session D4:
July 15 – July 20 (1 week) - $875

$670 per week

Resident students must be between the ages of 11 to 21 to stay on Saint Mary’s campus.

– Guest Artist: TBA

– Master classes taught by ZALMAN RAFFAEL, Artistic Director of Carolina Ballet/CEO

– Fourth of July celebration

– Final Performances at Fletcher Opera Theater

– Weekend activities and excursions

– Apprentice program

Past guest faculty has included:

– Ashley Bouder, Principal dancer, New York City Ballet

– Megan Fairchild, Principal dancer, New York City Ballet

– Olga Kostritzky, World renown ballet teacher/mistress

– Suki Schorer, former principal dancer, New York City Ballet & Brown Foundation Senior Faculty Chair, SAB

– Michael Vernon, Chair of the Department of Ballet, Indiana University

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

Is living on campus at Saint Mary’s School required?

No.

Is there a scholarship or financial aid?

Yes. Scholarships are determined at the time of audition and are awarded by merit. There is not a separate application for scholarships.

How much pointe work is there?

Pointe is required and you will have pointe class six days a week.

Will there be a placement class when I arrive?

Yes, you will be re-evaluated week one and again week three.