Ballet Pre-Professional

High School Graduate Pre-Professional Trainee Program

Currently for US Citizens and Green Card Holders Only


The Pre-Professional Trainee Program (pre-pro) is designed for students who wish to pursue further ballet training following their graduation from high school with the goal of pursuing a career as a professional dancer. Enrollment in the Pre-Professional Program is open exclusively to recent high school graduates and students turning 21 in their first year of training.

Program Description

The curriculum includes artistic courses designed to prepare trainees for a professional career. The program provides instruction employing the Vaganova method of Russian classical ballet. It is designed to pave the way for students to transition from an academic mindset to understanding the professional environment; and ultimately thrive in the invigorating world of dance. 

The program emphasizes realistic artistic stimulation and provides a comprehensive training program to prepare students to face the real world and succeed with confidence and vigor. Modules of the Pre-Professional program may include a three-part career seminar, monthly master classes, repertoire experience, a choreographic workshop, pre-collegial mentorship, company site visits, and apprentice opportunities.

Trainees participate in repertory class where original classical work is set  and  new choreography is created on them by the Artistic Director and guest choreographers. These works are performed in the Academy performances, other venues, and competitions. Other courses offered may include Dance as an Art Form class, and a weekly career seminar with presentations and discussions on topics vital to a dance professional. ESL can also be taken with this course for an additional fee.

In addition, trainees are from time to time invited to perform at various local venues, participate in Educational Outreach performances throughout the community, and may even be asked to perform in international performances. During the one or two-year program, the Academy will provide trainees with the skills necessary to succeed in the highly competitive field of dance. 

Pre-Professional Trainee Program

Additional Career Preparation Provided:


  • How to write a professional resume and bio
  • How to send an official letter/email/audition request to professional companies
  • Where to find lists of professional companies and correct addresses for sending audition documents
  • Personal recommendations for company(s) where each dancer should audition
  • How to create a professional video audition
  • Simple management skills
  • Lectures in Nutrition
  • Lectures and in-depth guidance from a ballet physiotherapist regarding: 
    • How to handle specific ballet injuries
    • How to avoid specific injuries in weak areas of the body
    • Daily exercises

 

Washington, DC is a cultural center where many companies frequently visit, perform, and hold auditions. DC is also a centralized location from which trainees can  easily travel for auditions and competitions both in the US and abroad. Dancers who elect to participate in auditions and ballet competitions will be assisted in the preparation process. 

Yearly tuition is $20,240.

Pre-Professional Ballet


What is included in the Pre-Professional Ballet Trainee Program?

The curriculum includes artistic courses designed to prepare trainees for a professional career. The program provides
instruction employing the Vaganova method of Russian classical ballet. It is designed to help pave the way for
students to transition from an academic mindset to understanding the professional environment and ultimately thriving in the invigorating world of dance. The program emphasizes realistic artistic stimulation, providing a comprehensive training program to prepare students to face the real world and succeed with confidence and vigor. Modules of the Pre-Professional program include a three-part career seminar, monthly masterclasses, repertoire
experience, a choreographic workshop, pre-collegial mentorship, company site visits, and apprentice opportunities.

Trainees are from time to time invited to perform at various local venues, participate in Educational Outreach
performances throughout the community, and may even be asked to perform in international performances. During the one or two-year program, the Academy will provide trainees with the skills necessary to succeed in the highly competitive field of dance.

What kind of behavior is expected of Pre-Professional Program Trainees?

As high school graduates and elders to our middle and high school students, trainees are expected to conduct
themselves with the utmost propriety and show maturity in front of the younger students as older siblings. You must be a good role model for younger students at all times.

How long is the Pre-Professional Program?

The Pre-Professional Program is a two-year program, although trainees may also elect to attend only one year.

Do I need to have a cell phone while a trainee in the Pre-Professional Program?

We recommend that all trainees attending Kirov Academy of Ballet bring a cell phone as they live off-campus and will need to be notified of any changes to the schedule. They also must be able to contact Kirov Academy in case of emergency.

What about email addresses?

All trainees are assigned a 'name@kabdc.org' email address upon entrance to the Academy. They will use this
address for correspondence regarding their classes and schedule updates. It is not mandatory that trainees have an additional email address. They will use the school domain address while in the Pre-Professional Program.

Are international students who require a visa to study in the US accepted into the program?

No, not at this time. Until 2020, high school graduates could get an F-1 student visa to train at Kirov Academy.
However, the regulations regarding international students have changed and, as of 2020, all high school graduates must obtain an M-1 student visa to enter the program. At this time, Kirov Academy is petitioning for certification to host M-1 students. Until the Academy is certified to host international high school graduate trainees, only US citizens are permitted to attend.

Does Kirov Academy provide International Medical Insurance?

For all international students at Kirov Academy there is mandatory medical insurance that costs about $1,600 for one year of coverage.

For International Trainees: Are there English language requirements?

No. However, the more English language skills you have, the more thoroughly you will understand what is happening around you. Trainees may take an optional ESL course to supplement your English language skills. ESL fee is $2,200 and the minimum number of students in the class is three.

How does the Academy communicate with parents during the school year?

Most communication will be done by email. If your email information changes during the year, please send new
information to admin@kabdc.org and to registrar@kabdc.org.

Tuition and Fees for the Pre-Professional Program:

Artistic Tuition: $20,240
Enrollment Fee: $2,800
Physical Therapy Fee: $400
Photography Fee: $425
Costume Fee (in-house performances): $400
Ballet Attire: Varies by class and gender

Is there Housing for Pre-Professional Trainees?

Kirov Academy does not have on-site dormitory space for Pre-Professional trainees. Occasionally, for trainees under 18 years of age, if there is a room available, it may be possible to live in the dormitory providing the trainee acts as a Resident Life Assistant and a positive role model for younger students.

There are many options for housing in the DC area. For ladies, there is a residence hall called Centro Maria
Residence. For those young ladies who choose to live there, Kirov Academy will offer a shuttle once in the morning and once in the evening to and from the studios. More information and an application form are available by contacting them directly. Click here to go to their website.

There are also apartment complexes within walking distance of Kirov Academy studios; for example,
Pleasant Hills Apartments and Hawaiian Gardens Apartments. Trainees must be over 18 years of age and their parents must sign a contract for the apartment.

Another way to search for an apartment is to go to www.rent.com or apartments.com and put in the zip
code, 20017, and see if there is housing nearby that is suitable for you. Many of these apartments will not have
furniture unless stated in the ad. Please check with Admissions, admissions@kabdc.org before you rent to check the area.

Please be aware that if you rent an apartment that is farther away from the studios and you have to come to
class by metro, the Kirov van cannot pick you up from the metro. However, it is possible to walk to Centro Maria
Residence in the morning to catch the van there; and to go back to the metro on the Kirov van’s set evening run. Centro Maria Residence is close to the Brookland Metro station, and it is possible to take the Kirov shuttle from there. Make your arrangements accordingly with these points in mind..

Are there Meal Plans for Trainees who live off-campus?

Since Pre-Professional trainees live off-campus, Kirov Academy offers a comprehensive meal plan for them
that includes three meals a day, 7 days a week, for the full school year whenever the dormitory is open and meals
are being served. When the dormitory is not open, trainees are responsible for their own meals. The comprehensive Meal Plan costs $2,600 for the whole year.

For those who are living in a situation where there are some meals provided, like Centro Maria Residence, it
is also possible to purchase: one meal a day for $850, or two meals a day for $1,650.

Please be aware that meals are only provided when the dormitory is open. Mealtimes are monitored for
compliance. During vacations, there are no meals provided as the kitchen is not in operation.

How do we pay the Enrollment Fee to enroll?

Payment of the NONREFUNDABLE enrollment fee must accompany each trainee’s Enrollment Contract in
order to secure their place. After submitting the online Enrollment Form, you can pay by ACH, major credit or debit card, check by mail, or bank wire. Credit and debit card transactions are subject to a transaction fee which is
automatically added to your payment amount. To receive bank wire details, contact admissions@kabdc.org.

Payment Options for the balance of the tuition

Kirov Academy accepts payments by electronic check, bank wire, or credit card. We do not accept cash payments.

  1. Full Pay -- pay balance in full by August 15, 2020
  2. Two-Pay -- pay remaining balance in two equal installments due August 15, 20120and December 15,
    2020. A processing fee of $25 is added to each payment.
Credit Card and Electronic Check Payments

Payments by credit card (we accept American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa) can be made through
KAB’s payment page: Payment Form; where you can also pay by electronic check, or get check mailing instructions. We prefer that payments are made by electronic check. Credit and debit card transactions are subject to a transaction fee which is automatically added to your payment amount.

Statements, Late Fees, and Penalties

A confirmation email is sent to each parent within seven days of receipt of payment and an updated statement is sent through QuickBooks by Mr. Maxim Nurov in Accounts Receivable.

To avoid late fees, payments must be made when due.

  • Payments that are 5 days late receive a $50 late fee.
  • Payments that are 20 days late receive a late fee that is equal to 10% of the amount owed.
  • Once an account reaches 30 days in arrears, the trainee is not allowed to participate in class.
  • If there is no resolution after 45 days the trainee is sent home and the account is sent to collections; parents must
    then communicate directly with the collection agency.

PLEASE NOTE: Progress reports and evaluations are withheld as long as a trainee’s account is not current.

2020-2021 Tuition and Fees


Tuition
Pre-Professional Training $20,240
Room & Board

All Pre-Professional Trainees are housed outside of the Kirov Academy dormitory. Room and Board is the responsibility of each trainee. More information is available below. Recent high school graduates may be considered to board in the dormitory. Contact admissions@kabdc.org to be considered.

Fees
Enrollment Fee (non-refundable) $2,800
Photography Fee $425
Meal Plans (1,2, or unlimited meals / day) $850 / $1,650 / $2,600

 

Program Additional Fees
Physical Therapy Fee $400
Costume Fee (in-house performances) $400
Artistic Ballet Attire Varies by class and gender

 

Additional Optional Fees
Private Lessons $150 / hour

Competition Coaching

10 Private Lesson Package

15 Private Lesson Package

 

$1,500

$2,000

Video Package $550
Costume Rental Fee (for competitions)

$75 / costume (see explanation below)

 

© 2021. Kirov Academy of Washington DC. All Rights Reserved.