Evergreen City Ballet’s Performance Division (PD) is an audition-based, pre-professional program for advanced dancers ages 16 and older who are ready to pursue the next level of intensive technical and artistic training. Designed to prepare students for professional careers, collegiate dance programs, and other advanced training opportunities, the Performance Division provides a rigorous, holistic curriculum that develops confident, versatile, and expressive performing artists.

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Comprehensive Training
Performance Division dancers train six days per week, with classical ballet technique at the core of their studies. Their training is complemented by dedicated classes in pointe, jumps and turns, contemporary, tap, The Ellové Technique®, and mat conditioning. Through this comprehensive curriculum, dancers refine their technique, build strength and stamina, and deepen the musicality, versatility, and artistry required of today’s performing artists.

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Performance Experience
Extensive performance experience is an essential part of the program. PD dancers participate in ECB’s annual productions, gaining the discipline, adaptability, and professionalism that come from bringing work from the studio to the stage.

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ELEVATE: Student Choreography Showcase
One of the program’s most distinctive opportunities is ELEVATE, ECB’s student choreography showcase. Each year, PD dancers may submit proposals for original works they hope to create. Selected choreographers take the lead in developing and producing their pieces, receiving faculty mentorship as they hold auditions, cast dancers, select music and costumes, lead rehearsals, and bring their artistic visions to the stage.

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Dancers also participate in seminars on choreographic composition, graphic design, color theory, and fiscal sponsorship. ELEVATE gives students valuable experience in both the creative and administrative work involved in producing an original performance.

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Alumni Success
Graduates of the Performance Division have continued their training at respected pre-professional and collegiate programs, including Pacific Northwest Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, The Juilliard School, Ballet Arizona, Colorado Ballet, State Street Ballet, and the University of Washington. ECB alumni have gone on to professional careers with organizations including San Francisco Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Kentucky Ballet Theatre, The Metropolitan Opera Ballet, and Broadway productions.

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Auditions and Requirements
Admission to the Performance Division is by audition and at the discretion of ECB’s School Director. Accepted dancers must be fully enrolled at Evergreen City Ballet throughout the school year and participate in all required ECB productions.