Pre-Pro
Ballet programin Baton Rouge

A rigorous training program for dancers pursuing a professional or academic ballet path. Develop technical excellence and artistry through sustained classwork, experienced instruction, and individual guidance.

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Program levels Pre-Pro 1 & Pre-Pro 2

Admission Classical Ballet Intensive audition

Development Written progress evaluations

Studio Baton Rouge, Louisiana

A commitment to ballet.

Established in 2021, The Pre-Professional Program at Tari’s School of Dance is a specialized ballet training program designed for dedicated students pursuing advanced technical training and potential professional careers in dance. Recognized as the only program of its kind in Baton Rouge, the program provides rigorous, year-round instruction with an emphasis on classical ballet technique, artistic development, and competitive preparation. Students are afforded opportunities to showcase their training and compete at Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), one of the world’s leading ballet scholarship competitions, and American Dance Competition/International Ballet Competition (ADC/IBC).

Since its establishment, students of The Pre-Professional Program have consistently earned placements in the YAGP Top 12 each year across multiple regional competitions. In 2022, a program student advanced to the YAGP Finals in Tampa, Florida, an international competition featuring top regional qualifiers.

In addition to its competitive accomplishments, the program has demonstrated a strong record of student placement in prestigious summer ballet intensives throughout the United States and Europe. Students have earned acceptances to internationally recognized institutions, with several receiving merit-based scholarships and extended training opportunities.

Two levels. A clear training progression.

Audition and teacher assessment guide program placement.

Pre-Pro 1

Intermediate training combines ballet, pointe, floor barre, and an Advanced class. An additional Pre-Pro technique class is encouraged.

Pre-Pro 2

Advanced dancers follow a more extensive schedule of dedicated ballet and pointe classes, supported by floor barre and continued technical development.

Progress is reviewed. Written evaluations in December and May address strengths, areas for improvement, and suggested summer intensives. When a dancer is ready, faculty can assist with applications and auditions for further ballet training or professional companies.

Attendance matters. Required classes take priority over other activities. Review the program’s current attendance policy, full schedule, and tuition with the studio before enrolling.

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Audition through the Classical Ballet Intensive

Current and prospective students attend at least one week of the Classical Ballet Intensive to audition. Contact the studio for the next intensive’s dates and registration details.

Attend the intensive

Complete at least one week of the Classical Ballet Intensive.

Audition for placement

Audition for the program and the appropriate training level.

Receive your results

Results are sent by email. Review the required schedule and commitment with the studio.

MEET OUR

Pre Pro BalletFaculty

Our experienced ballet instructors are dedicated to helping each dancer reach their potential through expert training and personal attention.

MEET OUR FACULTY
Portrait of Ivy Delk

Ivy Delk

Ivy trained in Atlanta Ballet’s Pre-Professional program and performed with companies including Atlanta Ballet and Pacific Northwest Ballet. She founded Tari’s Pre-Professional program in 2021.

Portrait of Giulia Fedeli

Giulia Fedeli

Giulia graduated from the Ballet Academy of the Teatro Carcano in Milan and The Ailey School in New York. Her performing experience includes work in the United States, Europe, and China.

From classwork to performance.

All Pre-Pro dancers take part in Tari’s annual recital. Selected dancers may also be invited to prepare for Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), with weekly private coaching in addition to their program classes.

YAGP selection, private coaching, and competition costs are separate from program tuition.

Training
beyond the studio

Pre-Pro students have earned YAGP recognition and acceptances to respected summer-intensive programs.

YAGP recognition

The program’s history includes regional Top 12 placements and a student selected for the 2022 YAGP Finals.

Summer-intensive acceptances

Students have been accepted to programs including Paris Opera Ballet School, The Royal Ballet in London, Princess Grace Academy, and The School of American Ballet.

Individual next steps

Faculty evaluations and guidance help dancers choose appropriate intensives and prepare applications and auditions as they progress.

Summer Intensive Acceptances Include:

  • The Royal Ballet School, United Kingdom
  • The Paris Opera Ballet School, France
  • The Academy Princess Grace, Monaco
  • English National Ballet, United Kingdom
  • School of American Ballet (merit scholarship)
  • Houston Ballet Academy (merit scholarship)
  • Cincinnati Ballet (merit scholarship)
  • The Rock School (merit scholarship)
  • Next Generation Ballet (merit scholarship)
  • Pacific Northwest Ballet
  • Ellison Ballet
  • Bayer Ballet Academy
  • San Francisco Ballet School
  • The Harid Conservatory
  • Osipova Ballet Academy
  • Miami City Ballet School
  • Boston Ballet School

Pre-Professional Ballet FAQs

Who is the Pre-Professional program for?

It is designed for dancers pursuing a professional or academic ballet path who demonstrate serious interest and commitment. The program has intermediate and advanced training levels.

How do dancers audition?

Current and prospective students must attend at least one week of the Classical Ballet Intensive to audition. Results are emailed. Ask the studio for the next intensive’s dates and registration details.

What does the training include?

Training includes ballet, pointe, and floor barre. Pre-Pro 1 also includes an Advanced training class; Pre-Pro 2 has a more extensive dedicated ballet and pointe schedule. Confirm the current timetable with the studio.

Is YAGP participation included?

YAGP is by invitation for selected dancers from either level. Competitors take at least one hour of private coaching each week. Coaching and competition costs are separate from program tuition.

Will dancers perform?

All Pre-Pro students participate in the studio’s annual recital. Additional performance opportunities may be available; YAGP participation is offered by invitation.

Is Ballet II / Pre-Pro the same as this program?

No. Ballet II / Pre-Pro is a technique class. Joining the full Pre-Professional program involves its own audition, selection, and required training schedule.

Let’s Find
Your Path
in Ballet.

Have questions about auditions, training, or the Pre-Professional program? We’re here to help.

GET STARTED

Ask about the Pre-Pro program

Tell us about your dancer’s ballet training and goals. The studio can help you plan for the Classical Ballet Intensive, audition, and required training schedule.

225.767.4495 9166 Perkins Road · Baton Rouge

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