Professional Division

Studio Training Company

A rigorous daytime program for dancers ages 16-22 launching professional careers in ballet.

An Elite Training Program

The Studio Training Company (STC) is designed for elite dancers aged 16-22 who aspire to become professional dancers. Through high-caliber ballet training, performance opportunities, and artistic coaching, the goal is to help dancers find freedom of expression and ultimately launch their professional careers. Students will typically spend one or two seasons in the STC before moving on to other opportunities.

The program is led by STC Principal (and former TBT Principal Dancer) Carl Coomer, and is closely supported by TBT school faculty, company dancers, and artistic staff — including Artistic Director Tim O’Keefe and Artistic Director Laureate Ben Stevenson, O.B.E. Additional guest artists may also be brought in to choreograph new works and provide valuable connections to the professional dance world.

This program is based at the Fort Worth Studio. The daily STC schedule is modeled after the daily TBT class and rehearsal schedule, making this program best for students who have completed high school or are completing high school through online classes. Classes are held six days a week with a focus in classical technique, pointe, variations, and modern dance. Dancers also have the option to attend advanced level classes at TBTS for additional technique training in the evenings and on Saturdays.

Opportunities to Excel

At the discretion of TBT’s artistic staff, STC dancers may be invited to perform in professional company productions at Bass Hall in Fort Worth and the Winspear Opera House in Dallas. The STC also rehearses classical and contemporary repertoire and performs throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

Past performances have included Tim O’Keefe’s Peter and the Wolf , TBT community enrichment programs, the Fort Worth Dance Festival, Dallas Dances at the Moody Performance Hall, Dance Planet at Booker T. Washington HSPVA, and annual TBTS showcases at various venues across the DFW Metroplex.

STC alumni have gone on to dance professionally with Texas Ballet Theater, Kansas City Ballet, Charlotte Ballet, New Orleans Ballet Theater, Nevada Ballet Theater, Ballet Florida, Alabama Ballet, Ballet Arkansas, Columbia City Ballet, and San Diego Ballet, among others.

Auditions & Enrollment

Those interested in the Studio Training Company can audition in person at any Company Audition or Summer Intensive Audition.

Video auditions are also accepted, and can be submitted here. There is a $40 audition fee to submit a video audition. When completing the application and registration, you will need to provide a headshot, photo in first arabesque, and resume. Only applications submitted through the online form will be reviewed. No email submissions or phone calls, please.

Please email ProfessionalDivision@TexasBallet.org if you have any questions about the Studio Training Company.

Remember to bring a resume and letter of recommendation from a current ballet instructor to attach to your audition form. TBTS does not provide housing for out of town students but will offer recommendations for local apartment complexes and roommates.

Summer Intensive

Incoming Studio Training Company and Professional Training Division dancers are encouraged to attend the TBT Summer Intensive.

Learn More

For more about the Professional Division Program, including audition instructions, email ProfessionalDivision@TexasBallet.org.