PNB School does not offer trial classes.
PNB School’s Student Division offers progressive ballet training for dancers ages 8–18, combining rigorous technique with scholarship opportunities, mentorship support, and performances on the McCaw Hall stage.
PNB School’s Student Division is designed to develop versatile dance students. Our curriculum, from Level I – VIII, celebrates each students’ unique journey while developing their technical skills. Student Division participants are supported at every step by PNB School faculty, Health and Wellness Staff, and more.
Students ages 8 – 18 enter the Student Division via audition. Auditions are typically held every Wednesday. Check our auditions page or email pnbschool@pnb.org for info.
Designed to develop well-rounded young dancers, the Student Division offers progressive levels of ballet technique from Level I – VIII in a nurturing and professional environment. All students Level III and up have direct support and personalized feedback in one-on-one conferences with PNB School Faculty. PNB School also offers several unique programs to supplement our students’ training, like the Mentorship & Wellness Program and New Voices.
PNB School’s Dance Chance program partners with select Seattle Public Schools to improve access to classical ballet training. DanceChance students receive full-scholarship ballet training, transportation, attire, shoes, and complimentary tickets to PNB performances. DanceChance aims to enrich the lives of each participant through the opportunity to study classical ballet, to cultivate a diverse School and Company, and to train and nurture the next generation of dancers.
At PNB School, the Mentorship & Wellness Program combines professional guidance with mental and emotional support to holistically prepare students Level VI and up for the demands of professional dance and beyond. Through targeted sessions with School Faculty, Company dancers, mentors, and mental health specialists, students gain the tools to navigate the challenges of a ballet career with confidence and resilience.
The program’s four pillars—destigmatizing mental health, developing well-rounded artists, providing professional mentorship, and collaborating with school leadership—create a comprehensive support system. With consulting therapists addressing mental well-being and Company dancers offering career guidance, students receive tailored support to thrive both on and off the stage.
New Voices is an integrated program dedicated to empowering and educating young female choreographers as an enhancement to the PNB training curriculum. Students in Level VII and Level VIII are invited to participate in this groundbreaking initiative. Founded in 2018 by choreographer and PNBS faculty member Eva Stone, New Voices has empowered over 300 PNB School students to engage and develop their creative voices through comprehensive choreographic and artistic training.
New Voices nurtures emerging choreographers through hands-on instruction, professional mentorship, and creative exploration. Students master the foundations of dance creation while developing their unique artistic perspectives, building both technical expertise and creative confidence through structured coursework tailored to each skill level.
All members of the Student Division are invited to participate in the annual PNB School Performance! Dancers Level I and up demonstrate their growth as they perform original works by PNB School faculty on the McCaw Hall stage.
Students also have opportunities to audition for PNB Company productions such as George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® and PNB’s Family Matinee series.
PNB School offers several payment plan options for families, including biannual and monthly payment options. Please note that all payment options, including deferred options, will need to pay the $75 Registration Fee (not included in tuition) when enrolling. All students who enroll for Student Division classes are enrolling for the entire academic school year (September-June) and are obligated to pay the full year’s tuition fees, regardless of payment option. Biannual and monthly payments options include an additional processing fee. Tuition is non-refundable once classes begin.
| Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 technique classes a week (1hr 15 min each) | 2 technique classes a week (1.5hr) | 3 technique classes (1.5hr each) 1 pre pointe class (45 min) | 4 technique classes (1.5hr each) 3 pointe classes (1hr each) |
| $2,220.00 tuition | $2,680.00 tuition | $4,300.00 tuition | $6,490.00 tuition |
| Level V | Level VI | Level VII | Level VIII |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 technique classes, and more including pointe and modern. | 6 technique classes, and more including pointe and modern. | 6 technique classes, and more including pointe and modern. | 6 technique classes, and more including pointe and modern. |
| $7,240.00 tuition | $8,760.00 tuition | $10,040.00 tuition | $10,870.00 tuition |