A rerelease: In our first episode of Dancer Stories, Jenny and her daughter Abbey share how Abbey got her first ballet contract.

Tune in to hear how a meeting about dorm policy violations at a summer intensive turned into an apprenticeship offer with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.

After a last-minute decision to attend the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Company Experience, Abbey's unexpected journey underscores the importance of seizing opportunities—you never know where they might lead!

Learn more about Pittsburgh Ballet Theater on their website.

Interested in following Abbey's career? You can find her on Instagram @abbeyahuang

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Raymond Rodriguez, Dean of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, breaks down their Company Experience program and why they created it.

Unlike traditional summer intensives, the Company Experience simulates professional dancer life through repertoire-heavy training and direct interaction with Pittsburgh Ballet's artistic staff. Raymond explains what a typical day looks like, the types of choreography students work on, and who mentors participants throughout the program.

The conversation covers how the program helps dancers understand company realities, what discussions happen around professional life expectations, and who should consider attending. Raymond also addresses opportunities for students to be observed by artistic staff and how often participants transition into Pittsburgh Ballet's postgraduate levels or main company.

He shares what sets Pittsburgh Ballet's approach apart from similar company experience programs and offers guidance on whether this type of specialized training is the right next step. If you're considering programs that go beyond traditional technique-focused intensives, this episode explains how Pittsburgh Ballet prepares dancers for professional life.

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Takeways

• The Pittsburgh Summer Company Experience started in 2014 with 30 students.
• The program has grown to accommodate around 70 students, split into cohorts.
• Students learn a mix of classical, contemporary, and new works during the program.
• The daily schedule mirrors that of professional company artists, with extensive rehearsal hours.
• Auditions are held on the first day to determine casting for the performances.
• The program emphasizes the importance of versatility in dance training.
• Students are encouraged to support each other in learning choreography.
• Eligibility is limited to students aged 16 and older, based on their readiness.
• The program offers opportunities for students to be seen by artistic directors for potential contracts.
• PBT's program is designed to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for dancers.

Davit Karapetyan and Laura Bowman Goldstein from Philadelphia Ballet break down three focused summer programs designed for dancers considering specialized training: the Pas de Deux Intensive, Variations Intensive, and Company Experience.

They start with partnering, an essential skill that many students cannot get in their local schools. Davit and Laura talk about how much partnering really matters in today's job market, what experience dancers need going in, and how this intensive tackles the challenges students struggle with most.

Next, they dive into the Variations Intensive, where dancers receive targeted competition coaching and individualized feedback. They explain why dedicated variation work matters, how pieces are chosen, and what dancers can expect from the final showing.

Finally, the Company Experience offers a taste of professional life, with daily training and direct access to Philadelphia Ballet's artistic staff. The conversation covers schedules, repertoire, and how often students move from this program into trainee, second company, or even the main company.

Davit and Laura also share guidance for dancers and parents trying to decide which program makes the most sense, and what sets Philadelphia Ballet's summer training apart. If you are looking beyond a traditional summer intensive, this episode lays out three distinct options and who each one is really for.

Learn more about Philly's summer programs.

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