Summer Intensive

pas de deux intensive - ages 12+

Join us for a workshop focused on the artistry and technicality of partnering in ballet. Our day will begin with technique class, and each afternoon will consist of pointe, conditioning, partnering and repertoire.

Requirements

Must have at least two years of training in pointe work.
Must attend an audition or submit a short video showing the following steps in pointe work:
Releves in 1^st, 2^nd and 5^th
Passe releves
Eschappes in 2^nd and 4^th
Double pirouettes to both sides

*The deadline for submitting video is February 9th.

*Room + Board is not available for Pas De Deux Intensive.

summer intensive

The Alabama Ballet Summer Program is a four-week intensive workshop for intermediate and advanced students ages 11–19. Students attend daily ballet technique, pointe and variations classes, as well as modern dance, jazz and hip-hop classes and seminars on topics important to the developing dancer. In addition, rehearsals for the Workshop Performance are scheduled as needed.

CURRICULUM

Classes are carefully graded by technical ability and physical strength. Students are placed into levels by a placement class on the first day of the program, Monday, June 9. The curriculum for each level is created to be the most advantageous to each student at his or her own stage of development. The emphasis of the program is placed on ballet, but supplementary classes in pointe, variations, jazz, modern, and hip hop are included. All students participate in rehearsals for the Workshop Performance in addition to scheduled classes.

ROOM + BOARD

Optional room + board is available at UAB’s campus. Students will room in the Gold Hall and dine in The Commons on the Green. Cost of boarding is an additional $540 per week + a $120 activity fee will be applied to all boarding students to support the cost of curated Sunday outings and recreational activities offered throughout the program.

TUITION AND FEES

Tuition is $600 per week. This amount covers all classes, seminars, and activities occurring on the premises of the Alabama Ballet Center for Dance.

Non-boarding students who wish to participate in Sunday activities may do so by paying the $120 activity fee.

FACULTY

The program is under the supervision of Alabama Ballet’s Artistic Director, Christopher Stuart, and classes are taught by the Alabama Ballet Artistic Staff, School Faculty and renowned guest instructors and artists from around the world.

aLABAMA BALLET ARTISTIC STAFF & faculty

Christopher Stuart, Natalie Hunt, Jon Upleger, Alexandra Meister-Upleger, Isabella Cowles, Grace Anli

Guest Faculty

Hope Muir, Artistic Director, National Ballet of Canada

Nicole Koenig

Donette Cannonie

SUMMER PROGRAM PERFORMANCE

The Alabama Ballet believes that performing is an important part of the intermediate and advanced students development as a dancer. The Summer Program Performance offers all students the opportunity to rehearse and perform a piece of repertory under the guidance of the Summer Program faculty. The performance is held on Thursday, July 3rd at 12:00 p.m. in the informal space of the main studio at the Alabama Ballet Center for Dance. Parents and friends are invited to attend. Limited scholarships and financial aid are available to outstanding applicants. Financial aid information available on request.

AUDITION INFORMATION

The Alabama Ballet invites intermediate and advanced ballet students, ages 11–19, to audition for an incredible four-week summer program at our ballet facility, featuring six state-of-the-art studios in Birmingham, Alabama. An exceptional faculty of resident and guest teachers provide caring and careful instruction to further each young dancer’s technical and artistic progress. Daily technique, pointe and variations classes are supplemented by informational seminars on topics important to the young dancer. The program culminates in an end of session performance.

2026 AUDITIONS

January 11th, 1:30 p.m., Birmingham, AL – Register

January 17th, 9:30 a.m., Mobile, AL – Register

January 17th, 9:30 a.m., Tupelo, MS – Register

January 17th, 12:30 p.m., Nashville, TN – Register

January 18th, 1:00 p.m., Alpharetta, GA – Register

REQUIREMENTS

Females wear black leotard, pink tights. Bring pointe shoes.
Males wear white t-shirt or leotard, black tights.
Bring a full-body photograph of yourself in first arabesque (en pointe for female-identifying dancers) in dance clothing (no skirts please) and a head shot. A good quality photocopy is acceptable.
$25 In-Person Audition Fee.

AUDITIONS BY MAIL

For those who cannot attend the audition, we accept video submissions. It should be a maximum length of 5 minutes of work in ballet class, no barre work. Students 15 and over should include a classical variation on pointe if applicable. Video auditions must be submitted to [email protected] on or before February 9, 2026.

Video submission audition fee is $20.
Send full-body photo in first arabesque (en pointe for female-identifying dancers, no skirts please) and a headshot with your video submission.