Professional Division

A bridge from advanced ballet training to the professional stage.

PNB School’s Professional Division is a full-day, 38-week program focused on perfecting technique and developing artistry. PNB School’s holistic approach, which includes everything from Pilates classes to Seattle University coursework, develops artists equipped for the unique demands of a professional dance career.

PNB School's Professional Division Holistic Training

Holistic Training & Student Support

As the first ballet school in the U.S. to institute a consulting staff, PNB School leads the field in holistic dance training. Professional Division students receive support from a licensed social worker, dietician, physical therapist, and mental health specialist.

Students also meet regularly with PNB School Director Peter Boal and PNB School Managing Director Lauri-Michelle Houk for personalized career guidance, receiving tailored support to thrive both on and off the stage.

Performance Opportunities

Professional Division students perform regularly in professional settings.

Opportunities include:

  • School Performance at McCaw Hall, where students perform original choreographic works or excerpts from PNB’s repertory
  • NEXT STEP, PNB’s annual choreographic workshop where Company dancers create original works on Professional Division students
  • Select PNB main-stage productions, including George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®, Kent Stowell’s Swan Lake, PNB’s family matinee series, and more.
PNB School's Professional Division Performance Opportunities
PNB School's Professional Division Career Planning

Career Planning

PNB School is deeply committed to job placement opportunities and career readiness.

Students receive:

  • Resume and audition seminars
  • Individualized career counseling
  • Mentorship with PNB Company dancers
  • Networking opportunities with choreographers and artistic directors

 

Alumni have received offers from organizations including Ballet Austin II, Carolina Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Princeton University, UC Berkeley, and more.

Jessica Lang and Kanji Segawa on Momotaro

Professional Division Tuition

2026/27 tuition info will be available in June.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Students must attend PNB School’s Summer Course to be considered for the Professional Division. Summer Course auditions occur every January during PNB’s national audition tour.

Professional Division FAQs