2026-2027 Company Information 

The NDT Pre-Professional Company Program is a year-long commitment designed to elevate the training and performance experience of select Nunnbetter Dance Theatre students.

Dancers who audition and are accepted into the program commit to the full year—September 2026 through June 2027. This is a serious commitment that should be carefully considered and discussed as a family, with a full understanding of the expectations, opportunities, and rewards of company membership.

Nunnbetter Dance Theater required dancers entering the Pre-Professional Company read and sign our NDT Code of Conduct/Contract.

The NDT Team is dedicated to creating a climate of positivity and transparency is imperative to building strong dancers and a strong company.

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION

NUTCRACKER

  • While participation in the Pre-Professional Company Program does not guarantee a principal or soloist role in The Nutcracker, company dancers will be eligible for consideration for those roles.

YOUTH AMERICA GRAND PRIX (YAGP)

  • Company dancers are eligible to compete with a classical solo at YAGP.

  • Dancers enrolled in Modern and/or Contemporary at NDT may also compete with a Contemporary solo.*

  • Company dancers may audition for ensemble pieces that NDT will present at YAGP.

MASTER CLASSES and PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES

  • Company dancers will receive exclusive Master Classes through our Company Collective Master Class Series, featuring guest artists and industry professionals brought in to work specifically with our Pre-Professional Company members.

  • Company dancers will be invited to off-site events and shows.

SPRING CONCERT

  • Company dancers will perform in NDT’s annual Spring Concert in May, with opportunities for solos, featured roles, and ensemble work that highlight their progress and artistry developed over the year.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

  • Early access exclusive pre-sale for The Nutcracker.

  • Early ticket access for the Spring Concert.

  • Opportunities for promotional and community performances throughout the year.

  • Official NDT Pre-Professional Company apparel and merchandise.

  • Continued technical and artistic development. through rehearsals that build strength, confidence, stamina, and stage presence.

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

Dancers must be enrolled at the Ballet 6, Intermediate Ballet or Advanced Ballet program at NDT and audition for the Pre-Professional Company Program.

For each level, there are class requirements that must be met in order to be eligible to audition for the NDT Pre-Professional Company Program. 

ADVANCED LEVEL Students: 

  • A commitment to a full course load of 7 classes per week, to include:

  • A mandatory minimum of 5 Advanced ballet classes

  • One Stretch and Core class weekly. 

  • A seventh class: either an additional ballet/pointe class or any other style.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL students: 

  • A commitment to a full course load of 6 classes per week, to include:

  • A mandatory minimum of 4 Intermediate Ballet classes, one of which  must be Int. Pointe.

  • A fifth class: either an additional Ballet class or either Modern or Contemporary. 

  • A sixth class, which can be any other style, or Stretch and Core.

BALLET 6 LEVEL students: 

  • A commitment to a full course load of 5 classes per week, to include: 

  • A mandatory minimum of 3 Ballet classes (which must include the Ballet 6 pointe class) 

  • A fourth class: either a 4th ballet class, or either modern or contemporary. 

  •  A fifth class, which can be any other style or Stretch and Core.

For All Dancers:

  • Adherence to NDT studio policies, including class etiquette and behavior expectations.

  • Consistent and punctual attendance at all required classes and company rehearsals. Attendance will be closely monitored. Excessive absences or tardiness may result in dismissal from the program.

  • Respectful and gracious acceptance of all casting decisions, with full commitment and enthusiasm for all Company performance opportunities.

  • Active participation in and support of all NDT Pre-Professional Company events, including fundraising efforts and performances.

  • Proper attire, a focused attitude, and full engagement in all classes and rehearsals.

Company Fee:

  • The annual NDT Pre-Professional Company fee is $500 per dancer, billed separately from class tuition on October 1st.

  • *Please note: This fee does not include Nutcracker participation or YAGP fees.

CALENDAR At-A-Glance

To help you understand the NDT Pre-Professional Commitment for the 2026-2027 year, we have put together a list of important dates to keep in mind when you make the decision to audition. 

Summer 2026

  • Late August/ Early September – Summer Ballet Intensive

  • July/August – YAGP Soloist Registration

Fall 2026

  • September 8 – Classes Begin

  • September 26 – Pre-Professional Company Auditions AND Nutcracker Auditions

  • October 23 – Nutcracker Rehearsals Begin

  • November – Fundraising Event

  • December – Nutcracker Raffle Extravaganza

(led by NDT Company Dancers)

  • December (Dates TBD) – Nutcracker Give-Back & Promotional Performances

  • December 18, 19, 20 –Nutcracker Performances

Winter/Spring 2026

  • February 19-21 – YAGP Philadelphia

  • Early March – Spring Concert Choreographer Auditions (Date TBD)

  • Mid March– Spring Concert Rehearsals Begin (Date TBD)

  • Early May– NDT Spring Concert ( Date TBD)

  • June 13 – End-of-Year Recital

As a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization, the Nunnbetter Dance Theatre Company hosts fundraisers throughout the year to support the expenses affiliated with the company productions. All donations are tax exempt as allowed by law.

Donations to support our efforts are always appreciated.

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