TRAINEE PROGRAM

Saint Louis Dance Theatre’s Trainee Program provides aspiring young adult dancers affordable, high-quality training and performance opportunities in order to facilitate a smooth transition between dance education and a professional career in dance. The Trainee Program runs for 33 weeks, spanning from August 24, 2026 through May 28, 2027.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

    • Arts administration workshops to learn about the operations of a nonprofit dance organization.

    • Workshops with outside organizations, such as the Entertainment Community Fund (formerly the Actors Fund), Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts (VLAA), and Athletico Physical Therapy.

    • Consulting opportunities in the development of resumes, branding, and digital audition materials.

    • Professional photoshoot, including headshots and full-body dance photos for personal use.

    • Work-study opportunities to gain hands-on experience.

    • Daily classes taught by artists from Saint Louis Dance Theatre and guest teachers from across the St. Louis area, all with professional performance experience. Primary class genres include ballet, contemporary, modern, and jazz.

    • Train alongside company dancers in class, and have the opportunity to understudy company rehearsals (subject to director approval).

    • Master classes with company guest artists

    • Dedicated rehearsals to prepare original and company repertoire, as well as supplementary master classes and workshops.

    • Composition guidance for those interested in choreography opportunities.

    • Mentorship opportunities with faculty and alumni of Saint Louis Dance Theatre, as well as outside organizations in St. Louis and across the country.

    • Opportunity to be integrated into company main stage productions throughout the season.

    • Perform in various community festivals and events across the St. Louis area.

    • Opportunity to perform with other arts organizations through collaborative projects.

    • Perform in the company’s Senior Embrace outreach performances throughout the season.

    • Three trainee-specific repertory concerts throughout the season.

26.27 Season
TONALITY

The 2026.2027 STLDT Trainee Program is proud to present TONALITY. This season we will explore an eclectic array of dynamic repertoire created by a distinguished bill of local, national, international choreographers. Tonality is expressed through a myriad of styles. Each performance will personify artistic gradients, exemplify community values, and develop meaningful connections through collaboration.

We are enthusiastic to announce guest choreographers Josslin Butts, Jon Ole Olstad (with assistance from Leslie Plummer), Jamorris Rivers, and Sarah Walston as well as works by Saint Louis Dance Theatre Artistic Director Kirven Douthit-Boyd and Director of Education Brandon Fink. We will also feature 6 new works created by current STLDT Trainees. 

TUITION

Upon acceptance to the program for the 2026.2027 Season, a non-refundable deposit of $100 as well as a signed Letter of Intent is required to hold your place. The remaining balance can be paid in total or with a scheduled monthly payment based on a variety of payment plan options available. Work-study applications will become available upon acceptance to the program.

Tuition includes but is not limited to: 5 classes and rehearsals per week for 33 weeks, costuming and production expenses for 3 repertory concerts, community and outreach performance opportunities, guest artist residencies, individual coaching and professional development, physical therapy services, and career resources.

AUDITION

Interested dancers are encouraged to showcase versatility and advanced skills across a variety of dance genres, as well as the desire to develop a professional career in dance. Admittance into the program is by audition only. With limited spots available, the 2026-2027 Audition cycle will be open from July 15th-July 31st. Take the next step in your dance endeavors alongside the esteemed artists at Saint Louis Dance Theatre.

Audition form

MEET OUR 25/26 TRAINEES

CONGRATS TO FORMER TRAINEES

After participating in our Trainee Program, dancers have gone on to the following companies and careers:

DANCE COMPANIES:

Saint Louis Dance Theatre | St. Louis, MO

Ashleyliane Dance Company | St. Louis, MO

Ballet 314 | St. Louis, MO

Ballet Ariel | Denver, CO

Ballet Legato | Lakewood, OH

Blue Crew | St. Louis MO

Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre II | Chicago IL

Leverage Dance Theater | St. Louis, MO

Marigny Opera Ballet | New Orleans LA

Modern American Dance Company | St. Louis, MO

National Broadway Tour of American in Paris | USA

Nosilla Dance Project | Boulder, CO

Odyssey Dance Theatre | Salt Lake City UT

Resilience Dance Company | St. Louis, MO

Spirit of St. Louis Dancers | St. Louis MO

Take Root | Detroit, MI

Whirlwind Dance | Columbus, OH

CAREERS:

Arts Administration

Choreography

Dance Education

Dance Performance

Emergency Medical Services

Nutrition and Dietetics

Occupational Therapy

Physical Therapy

Pilates Instruction

Photography

Poetry and Writing

Videography