Preparatory Division

This program is an exceptional opportunity for aspiring young dancers, ages 9-11, to enjoy a summer intensive training experience concurrent with Carolina Ballet’s pre-professional summer intensive. Focus on early training is considered essential to realize full potential as a dancer and to prepare a student for the strength necessary to dance en pointe.

Classes are intended to enhance technique, develop artistic qualities, and build on skills, with emphasis on correct alignment and posture. The program will include a fun and enriching exploration of the history of ballet, story ballets, famous dancers, and ballet terminology, along with the chance to meet Carolina Ballet dancers and find out how they fell in love with, and started their training in classical ballet.

CLASSES MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, FROM 9:00AM-3:00 PM. NO BOARDING AT SAINT MARY’S SCHOOL IS PROVIDED FOR STUDENTS IN THIS PROGRAM.

June 24-July 19, 2024

THE CURRICULUM

An introduction to many of the aspects of the Carolina Ballet’s pre-professional summer intensive. In addition to level appropriate and attentive instruction in ballet technique, supplemental classes in jazz, modern, choreography, and variations are offered. Each week they will focus on a different story ballet within Carolina Ballet’s extensive repertory. Additional studies will include dancers health, injury prevention, and strength and flexibility classes. Students will also have pool time during the week.

Taylor Ayotte

Taylor Ayotte was born in Sacramento, California and began her formal dance training at the age of 5 at the Green Bay School of Dance in Wisconsin. She continued her training in New York City as a full-time student at The School of American Ballet after accepting an invitation to study year-round at age 14. Ms. Ayotte performed with the New York Choreographic Institute, School of American Ballet’s annual workshop performances, and participated as both choreographer and dancer in the school’s Student Choreography Workshop. She attended summer courses on full scholarship at Pacific Northwest Ballet and The School of American Ballet. Ms. Ayotte’s featured roles with Carolina Ballet include Calliope in George Balanchine’s Apollo, Tall Girl in George Balanchine’s Rubies, and the Principal Woman in Zalman Raffael’s Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1.

Ayla O’Day

Ayla O’Day began her ballet training at the age of 3. She trained at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet under Marcia Dale Weary starting at age 13. In 2016, she became a trainee at Boston Ballet and in 2018, she became a trainee at Carolina Ballet. Throughout her time at Carolina Ballet, Ayla has performed roles in ballets choreographed by Robert Weiss, Zalman Raffael, George Balanchine, and Lynne Taylor-Corbett.

AUDITION AND APPLICATION

Audition Video/DVD

If you cannot attend a scheduled audition, you may email a video with the application form to nfokine@carolinaballet.com

DUE BY: Audition videos must be emailed no later than February 23, 2024

In the Center

Adagio
Pirouette either from 5th or 4th
Petite allegro

Barre

Pliés
Tendu
Développé

FACILITIES

Classes and rehearsals will be held at Carolina Ballet.

Audition Form

VISIT SAINT MARY'S

TUITION

Tuition: $600 per week. All students will be notified of acceptance by email within 3 weeks of audition. An enrollment form and packet will accompany the acceptance letter and a non-refundable deposit of $150.00 per week will be required to secure a student’s spot in the program. You will receive additional forms and information by the end of March. Final payment is due May 1, 2024.