Overview
As your dancer continues down their training path, they will find that more and more schools and companies have added what are commonly referred to as “bridge” programs. What do they mean and what are the most important factors in evaluating them?
NEW!! Post-Graduate Programs Directory
Our Post-Graduate Directory is now available! The data has been vetted by the companies and schools to ensure accuracy. We’ve included important information such as number of dancers in the program, whether or not it is tuition based, whether or not housing is available (and paid for!), as well as stipends and other financial information. You also have the opportunity to compare multiple programs!
Another Level!? When Will They Get Paid?
Seriously? Another level?! When will my dancer get paid? According to the experts we spoke with, most dancers will spend a year or two in what are commonly known as “bridge” programs. Read on to get a better understanding of what they are and how to evaluate them. And, be sure to tune in to our podcast with Jason Yeung, author of the DataPointes Guide, a report that used publicly available data to determine which schools are producing the largest number of professional dancers.
Blog Post: Post-Grad Programs: What Does It All Mean?
Podcast: Which Schools Are Producing Professional Dancers
Ballet By The Numbers: Navigating The Career Landscape In The U.S. With Jason Yeung – Ballet Help Desk
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Bridge Programs: How Schools Help Students Get Placed
We talked with directors of ballet conservatories to hear how they help their students secure post-grad, trainee and second company spots. You can find our podcast interviews below or anywhere you get your podcasts. Be sure sure subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Podcast: Jean-Yves Esquerre, European School of Ballet
European Bridge Programs: Talking With Jean-Yves Esquerre, European School of Ballet – Ballet Help Desk
Podcast: Julianne Spratlin, Former Soloist, San Francisco Ballet And Current Director, Dance Training Center San Francisco
Navigating The Post-Graduate Levels in Ballet Education – Ballet Help Desk
Podcast: Alan Hineline, Director Pre-Professional Division, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet
The Realities Of Post-Grad Ballet Programs With Alan Hineline, CPYB – Ballet Help Desk
Podcast: Peter Stark, President & Director, The Rock School For Dance Education
Peter Stark Discusses Ballet Post-Grad Programs & The State Of The Job Market – Ballet Help Desk
Bridge Program Directors: What They Look For
Tune in to hear all about post-grad, trainee and second company programs from the directors who run them!
Podcast: Tim O’Keefe, Artistic Director, Texas Ballet Theater
Tim O'Keefe, Artistic Director, Texas Ballet Theater – Ballet Help Desk
Podcast: Mavis Staines & Keith Morino, Canada’s National Ballet School
Mavis Staines & Keith Morino Discuss The Company Life Experience at Canada's National Ballet School – Ballet Help Desk
Podcast: Christopher Hird, Director of Education Sarasota Ballet
Christopher Hird Takes Us Inside Sarasota Ballet's Studio Company – Ballet Help Desk
Podcast: Racheal Nye, Director of the Yvonne Chouteau School and Studio Company, Oklahoma City Ballet
Racheal Nye, Oklahoma City Ballet, Talks High Achievement And High Empathy – Ballet Help Desk
Podcast: Jennifer Sommers, Director Houston Ballet Academy
A Conversation With Jen Sommers, Director of Houston Ballet Academy – Ballet Help Desk
Podcast: Lauren Richter, Principal, Tulsa Ballet Center For Dance Education
Chatting With Lauren Richter, Principal Tulsa Ballet Center For Dance Education – Ballet Help Desk
Podcast: Maria Konrad, Artistic Director, Nashville Ballet 2
Ballet Bridge Programs: Maria Konrad, Director Nashville Ballet 2 – Ballet Help Desk
Podcast: Vanessa Léonard, Director of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Anna McCowan-Johnson Aspirant Program.
Vanessa Léonard Discusses Royal Winnipeg Ballet's Aspirant Program – Ballet Help Desk
Podcast: Maria Torija, Director Of Academy At BalletMet
Inside BalletMet: Talking Trainees and Second Company with Maria Torija – Ballet Help Desk
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