Career Track

Overview

Launched in 2015-16, The Portland Ballet’s Career Track program offers well-trained, advanced dancers with professional intent in a setting that simulates a professional company experience. Students aged 14-22 who wish to pursue a performance career are eligible to audition for the program. An intense and personal learning environment is fostered, culminating each academic year with a performance comprised exclusively of Career Track dancers.

The CT schedule is rigorous and well-paced. It starts midday with a technique class, followed by rehearsals. In the evenings, dancers join the Curriculum classes and rehearsals. Career Track dancers should expect a 25 to 30-hour workweek. In addition to classes, rehearsals, and performances, dancers receive supportive one-on-one evaluation and coaching in technique, performance skills, goal setting, and tools for auditioning, injury prevention, cross-training, and nutrition.

Artistic Director Nancy Davis leads the program with assistance from Associate Artistic Director Lauren Lane. New this 2024-25 season, Artist-in-Residence John Clifford and LeeWei Chao will be joining the Career Track faculty. TPB’s active performance schedule provides Career Track dancers the experience they need to be “company ready” when auditioning for professional companies. TPB’s incomparable staff, spacious facility, and industry connections—including the George Balanchine Trust, John Clifford, Tom Gold, Trey McIntyre, Alonzo King, and more—give promising dancers the edge needed to go professional.

Whether your goal is to transition to a major ballet company’s school for finishing, attend a conservatory-style collegiate program, or get right into a company in the U.S. or abroad, the Career Track will prepare you to achieve your goals. Recent Career Track students have gone on to apprenticeships with Ballet Idaho, San Diego Ballet, and Pennsylvania Ballet and have continued their studies on scholarship with San Francisco Ballet School, Ballet Arizona, and Boston Conservatory.

Note: TPB has information about online and alternative schooling options for dancers who have not completed high school.