For dancers at Westside School of Ballet in Los Angeles, preparation for the professional world begins early. Students regularly earn recognition at international competitions, attend prestigious schools, and join major ballet companies. Westside School of Ballet’s Pre-Professional Program operates on a non-audition model, allowing students to enroll based on interest while receiving a high standard of training.
Structured as an after-school program, it allows students to attend their regular schools for academic studies while maintaining consistent training. Each day, classes progress from ballet and pointe technique to supplementary styles. “What makes our program unique is that it offers a pre-professional level of rigor within a structure that is still accessible and deeply supportive,” says artistic director designate Adrian Blake Mitchell. “Students receive serious, disciplined training, but in an environment that prioritizes long-term development over short-term results.”
Performance is central to the program, including a 12-show run of The Nutcracker at The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage with a live orchestra. Additional opportunities include a spring showcase and gala, which has featured such guest artists as Tiler Peck, Roman Mejia, and Calvin Royal III. These experiences place students in professional-level settings early in their training.
Students also work regularly with guest artists and industry professionals, including Julie Kent and Sascha Radetsky, guests whose presence, in addition to raising expectations of professionalism in the studio, provides a clearer view of the field. “Being seen and coached by directors and leading figures in the ballet world creates important connections and provides insight into the professional landscape,” Mitchell says.
For those ready to go further, the Westside School of Ballet offers a trainee program in collaboration with Los Angeles Ballet, providing a direct bridge between training and the professional stage. The Westside Ballet Pre-Professional Program sits just before that transition, helping dancers build the foundation for the next step.
Westside School of Ballet Pre-Professional Program
Program size: 137 students
Age range: 8–18
Schedule: Monday–Friday: 4–8 pm, with additional training on Saturdays. Classes include ballet technique, conditioning/floor barre, pointe, variations, jazz, and repertoire.
Tuition: $3,930–$8,655, depending on course load.
Performance opportunities: Annual performances include The Nutcracker in December and a Spring Showcase and Gala, with additional opportunities throughout the year.
Important dates in 2026: June 15–July 21 (summer camps, ages 4–7); June 22–July 31 (summer intensive, ages 7–19); June 15–19 (workshop with Katrina Killian); August 3–7 (advanced workshop with Sofiane Sylve).
Guest artists: Notable guests have included Adji Cissoko, Julie Kent, Katrina Killian, Laura Morera, Sascha Radetsky, Sofiane Sylve, Stella Abrera, Hope Muir, and Sebastian Vinet.
Additional opportunities: Westside’s trainee program, developed in collaboration with Los Angeles Ballet, offers advanced students the opportunity to continue training and gain performance experience with the company. Select students may also receive college credit through a partnership with Santa Monica College for participating in The Nutcracker performances.
Notable alumni: New York City Ballet’s Melissa Barak, Monique Meunier, Tiler Peck, Jock Soto, and Andrew Veyette; American Ballet Theatre’s Christina Gibbs and Anna Liceica; and Michael Shannon and Joy Womack, both formerly of the Bolshoi Ballet.
For more program information, please reach out to: [email protected].
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