What is Classical at Nolte?
This pre-professional program offers an elite level of training for serious-minded students looking to study dance at the highest level. Our mission is to motivate, nurture and challenge the dancers to reach their full potential by giving them the proper tools needed to succeed. Students will be provided the necessary skills to pursue a career as a professional dancer or continue their training at the college or university level. In addition to classical ballet technique, dancers study Pointe, Variations, Contemporary, and Modern dance with the support of Pilates/Stretch & Strength. Our unique approach creates dancers who are extremely versatile and well prepared to handle both classical and contemporary repertoire.  

Who are the Participants?
The pre-professional training program is an inclusive environment where students will develop a learning community with like-minded individuals who share the same passion, drive, and determination for dance. Admission is strictly by audition or personal invitation only. Placement and advancement within Classical at Nolte's three divisions is based on ability, not age.

All Participants Will:

• have excellent attendance
• follow dress code
• participate in Open Doors Dance Festival (or an equivalent Summer Intensive)
• respect fellow dancers and teachers
• be positive ambassadors for the program
• recommended: participate in Nutcracker & Spring Ballet/Danceworks
• optional: be on the Classical Competitive Team

What are the Performance Opportunities?
Throughout the season, pre-professional students will have the opportunity to perform in Nolte Academy’s Nutcracker and Spring Ballet/Danceworks. Dancers will compete at Youth America Grand Prix, other ballet competitions, and regional dance competitions. Dancers that desire to participate in Classical at Nolte, as well as Affect Dance Company, will continue to be able to do so; pieces will be developed independently in each setting and then performed at competitions as advised by the Nolte Academy faculty as a team. See here for an example. The competition component of the Classical at Nolte program is not required.  

There are three divisions within Classical at Nolte:

Pre-Pro 1: (9.75hrs of technique classes each week)

• Pilates/Stretch & Strength (2 times per week, 45min)
• Ballet (4 times per week, 1.5hrs)
• Pointe or Pre-pointe  (2 times per week, 45min)
• Classical Modern/Contemporary Modern (2 times per week, 45 minutes)

Pre-Pro 2: (13hrs of technique classes each week)

• Pilates/Stretch & Strength (2 times per week, 45min)
• Ballet (5 times per week, 1.5hrs)
• Pointe (2 times per week, 1hr) or Men’s Technique (once per week, 1hr)
• Classical Modern/Contemporary Modern (2 times per week, 1 hour)

Pre-Pro 3: (15.25hrs of technique classes each week)

• Pilates/Stretch & Strength (3 times per week, 45min)
• Ballet (5 times per week, 1.5hrs)
• Pointe (2 times per week, 1hr)
• Variations (once per week, 1hr)
• Classical Modern/Contemporary Modern (2 times per week, 1.25 hours)

In addition to weekly technique classes your dancer will receive (included in the annual tuition):

• monthly seminars (topics to include: nutrition, physical therapy, kinesiology, professional development, etc.)
• biannual meetings (goal setting, tracking progress, personalized feedback)
• assistance in video auditions/editing
• personalized mentorship