You’ve probably been hearing a lot about a more specialized type of summer ballet intensive called a “Company Experience” or “Choreography Workshop.” Seriously? Another summer program? Actually, we think this new development in summer ballet training is pretty cool. Several ballet programs have implemented these over the years and they appear to be growing in popularity. Over the next two weeks, we’ll be having a series of conversations with many of the ballet companies that offer a company experience so you can better understand what each has to offer.
In the meantime, let’s talk about what these programs actually are and why should students consider them.
What Is a Company Experience?
A company experience is a stand-alone summer intensive, usually one or two weeks in length, where students train and perform in a manner that simulates the life of a professional ballet dancer. Instead of focusing solely on classwork, participants spend the bulk of their time in rehearsals, which culminates with a set of performances.
Company experiences can be a great opportunity for advanced level dancers, who are on the cusp of looking at postgraduate training or even main company jobs. Basically, the dancer is auditioning the company or the postgraduate program as much as the company is auditioning the dancer.
Professional Repertoire
During the program, students learn and perform excerpts from the actual repertoire of the host ballet company, ranging from classical pieces to contemporary works. If students are lucky, they may also have a new work set on them! The rehearsals are usually taught by the choreographer, the company artistic staff or even a company member.
Rehearsal Process
During the school year, ballet students may spend an entire semester learning choreography to be performed in a winter or spring show. However, in a summer company experience or choreographic workshop, the rehearsals will reflect the typical schedule a company follows, with a much shorter timeline to learn and perform choreography. Each day usually starts with a ballet class with the rest of the day spent in rehearsals. In these programs, the emphasis is on perfecting choreography, and working on artistry.
Company Culture
Students interact daily with company members, staff and artistic directors, which can give dancers a sense of the culture, expectations, and professionalism required by that company. Company cultures can vary a lot and this is a great way to learn about it prior to making any sort of permanent commitment.
The Benefits of Attending a Company Experience
Why would a student attend a company experience rather than a longer summer intensive? For older and more advanced students there are several benefits. Sometimes, it allows them to bypass the preselection process dancers have to go through in order to secure auditions for postgraduate or even company positions.
Allows Dancers to Case A Wide Net
If your dancer is looking for placement in a postgraduate program (or even a job), attending company experience programs can often serve as an audition. And, since most company experience programs are only a week or two, dancers can “stack” multiple programs rather than attending one five-week program and hoping they get picked up. Given the timeframe, it would be easy for dancers to attend two or three in one summer.
We interviewed several leaders of company experience programs for our podcast and they all told us that they consider students from those programs for postgraduate level spots. Of course, it always depends on numbers, but all told us that offers have been made each summer.
Networking Opportunities
Most summer intensives that offer a company experience are hosted by professional companies. Participating can put students on the radar of artistic staff and directors. This can be helpful when dancers come back around during audition season. Because of this, it’s not a bad idea for dancers to consider attending company experiences the summer before their senior year of high school.
Performance Experience
A highlight of the company experience is the culminating performance. Not all year-round programs offer significant performance opportunities. During a program like this, students gain valuable stage time performing professional-level choreography, which builds confidence and showcases their artistry.
What It’s Like to Do the Job
Beyond technique, the company experience teaches dancers about the less glamorous but equally important aspects of professional life: long rehearsal hours, attention to detail, and teamwork. In short, dancers get to see what it’s like to actually do the job of being a professional ballet dancer. Some may decide that this isn’t the life they want. A company experience is a low-risk way to see if the day-in, day-out routine matches with a dancer’s broader goals.
In addition, this is where dancers may learn what the competition looks like. The dancers who attend company experience programs are typically those who do want to have a professional ballet career. As opposed to regular summer programs, often much larger and sometimes populated by dancers who don’t aspire to dance professionally, the company experience is full of dancers who are motivated toward a career. And, they are all good! Attending them can expose dancers to the true talent that exists and better prepare them for what’s to come once they hit the audition circuit.
Artistic Growth
Immersion in repertoire encourages dancers to think beyond technical execution and focus on interpretation, storytelling, and stage presence, all critical skills for success as an artist.
Who Offers a “Company Experience?”
Programs like these are growing in popularity. Some of the schools that offer them include Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Washington Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet and BalletMet. Colorado Ballet and Miami City Ballet call theirs a Choreographic Workshop, but it’s really just a different name for the same idea.
Another program on the scene, launched in the summer of 2025, is Nashville Ballet’s five-week company immersion intensive. This program is only open to advanced level pre-professional and professional dancers ages 17-22.
We’ve got interviews with Washington, Colorado, Philadelphia and Miami so be sure to tune into our podcast to learn all about each program. Pay special attention to where Colorado Ballet is holding its Choreographic Workshop this summer!
Is It Right for Every Dancer?
While the company experience is an incredible opportunity, it’s best for advanced students who are considering professional careers. The schedule and expectations are rigorous, requiring a strong foundation in technique and stamina.
It’s worth some research into these programs. Although it is not common to be offered a job with a main company out of a Company Experience, it has happened. The more typical occurrence is that a dancer may be offered a postgraduate spot for the upcoming school year. Or, a dancer can do a little advance planning to evaluate the school as a place they may want to do their postgraduate training a year down the road.
Either way, a company experience at a ballet summer intensive offers more than just training. It’s a great opportunity to glimpse the life of a professional dancer. For those ready to take the next step in their journey, it’s a chance to grow as an artist and gain invaluable experience.