Pre Professional Program
At Piedmont School of Music & Dance, our Pre-Professional Dance Program is designed for dancers who are ready to train with purpose — while maintaining balance.
We offer a robust, structured program that supports each dancer’s individual goals beyond high school. Whether your dancer aspires to become a professional ballet or contemporary artist, perform on Broadway, join a college dance team, pursue a college dance minor or major, or ultimately choose a different career path, the skills and experiences gained in our program set them apart.
Through a strong technical foundation in ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, tap, improv, and more, our dancers develop discipline, artistry, and versatility. They grow as leaders through structured mentorship and gain real-world skills via community service opportunities with our nonprofit arm, Piedmont Dance Theatre.
Graduates leave Piedmont prepared — technically, mentally, and artistically — with the confidence, leadership, and well-rounded experience that enhances both college applications and professional pursuits, whether in dance or another field.
Read more below to explore our Alumni Success stories and Faculty Bios to see the mentorship and outcomes that set our Pre-Professional Program apart.
Preparing the Next Generation
Comprehensive Technical Training
Comprehensive Technical Training
Comprehensive Technical Training
Our Pre-Professional Program offers a full spectrum of dance training, preparing students for collegiate and professional paths. Core classes in Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Jazz, Improvisation, and Tap build a strong foundation in classical and modern techniques.
College dance auditions typically include ballet technique, contemporary technique, and improvisation, followed by a solo. Our dancers enter these auditions confident and fully prepared.
To enhance versatility, we offer master classes in Ballroom, Hip Hop, Contact Improvisation, and Partnering, giving students the chance to explore new styles, refine artistry, and strengthen performance skills.
Because dancers must be adaptable across many styles, our comprehensive training develops the strength, flexibility, and technical mastery needed to excel in auditions, performances, and careers.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNIES
Comprehensive Technical Training
Comprehensive Technical Training
Dancers in the Pre-Professional Program have the chance to perform in a full-length production of The Nutcracker, reaching over 7,000 audience members annually. This beloved production features international guest artists and has long been a cornerstone of the local arts community.
Additional performance opportunities include the Early Spring Showcase, two regional competitions for Performing Company members, and our traditional Annual Student Performance in June.
Competitions are used as a training tool, allowing dancers to evaluate and refine their performances over the course of 2–3 months. Dancers review performance videos and judges’ commentary to identify areas for technical improvement and artistic growth. This process provides time and space for measured development, skill building, and increased confidence on stage.
College Dance Preparation
Comprehensive Technical Training
College Dance Preparation
For students planning to pursue a college dance minor or major, Piedmont’s Pre-Professional Program offers tailored guidance throughout the complex application and audition process.
Our faculty is highly connected, with many instructors having trained or taught at some of the nation’s leading programs, including The Juilliard School, Point Park University, Boston Conservatory, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and Wake Forest University.
We support students with school recommendations, application guidance, solo review, audition prep, and advice on navigating both university and dance program requirements. With our experience and connections, students leave Piedmont confident, well-prepared, and ready to present their strongest technical and artistic selves to top college programs.
For a list of schools our students have attended, please [click here].
BALANCEd Approach
Comprehensive Technical Training
College Dance Preparation
At Piedmont, we understand that not every Pre-Professional dancer plans to pursue dance as a career. Many families prioritize academics, and we support each student’s goals. Each year, we meet with dancers to discuss their aspirations and provide guidance to help them thrive—whether in performance, college auditions, or other paths.
Balance is built into daily training. We help students manage midterms, exams, and other demands while maintaining their commitment to dance, naturally coaching time management, stress, and healthy habits.
Our program also strengthens college applications and interview readiness. Leadership, community service, and performance experience give students real examples to showcase discipline, creativity, and teamwork, preparing them to present themselves as well-rounded young professionals—on stage, in the classroom, and beyond.
On Stage and Beyond
“At Piedmont, we are developing the next generation of professional young adults. Our Pre-Professional Program challenges students to grow not only in technique, but in character — instilling integrity, discipline, resilience, and accountability at every level. This is truly my life’s calling.”
Rebecca Wiley
Owner of Piedmont School of Music & Dance
“Excellent! My husband and I had the privilege of dancing the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier (principal roles) in their Nutcracker production. The students were beautiful and exceptionally well-trained, the performance was impeccable, and the entire production — including the incredible crew — was truly outstanding.”
Erica Cornejo & Carlos Molina
American Ballet Theatre & Boston Ballet
“Dance at Piedmont is a powerful vehicle for developing the soft skills required in today’s workforce. Classical training offers safe yet demanding challenges that teach perseverance, adaptability, and excellence — Piedmont is shaping not just strong dancers, but confident, and successful young adults.”
Mark Burrell
The Juilliard School
Preparing the Next Generation of dancers
Did you know?
Ballet technique is the foundation of nearly every professional dance path. Most parents don’t realize that strong ballet training is the first step in college dance programs, cruise line auditions, and Broadway or professional company auditions. Mastery of ballet builds the strength, alignment, and precision that every dancer needs to succeed in any style. At Piedmont, our Pre-Professional Program emphasizes this essential training, ensuring that dancers are prepared for both higher education and professional opportunities.
Classical Dance Strengthens College Applications
Colleges and universities appreciate students who have serious classical ballet training—even if they aren’t planning to major in dance. Ballet builds discipline, body awareness, stamina, and musicality, all qualities that translate to success both in dance classes and across academic and performance settings.
Long‑term commitment to ballet also signals dedication, work ethic, and artistic maturity—attributes that admissions officers value in holistic review.
Leadership & Service Opportunities
Our Pre-Professional Program includes built-in opportunities for students to develop leadership skills and give back to the arts community. Through roles like teaching assistants and volunteering with our nonprofit, Piedmont Dance Theatre, dancers gain hands-on experience mentoring younger students, supporting productions, and contributing to meaningful community projects.
These experiences not only build confidence, responsibility, and teamwork but also strengthen college applications and future employment opportunities.
Personalized Evaluations & Individualized Guidance
Each year, students in our Pre-Professional Program complete a self-assessment and meet one-on-one with the school director to reflect on their progress and goals. The school's faculty also complete detailed evaluations for every Pre Professional student, providing meaningful feedback and concrete strategies to help dancers grow both artistically and professionally.
Assessments address short-term, mid-range, and long-term goals, including preparation for post-high school opportunities, ensuring each dancer receives guidance tailored to their individual path.
Cultivating a Community of Like-Minded Young Dancers
When a group of people shares a common goal, commitment, or vision, they achieve more—and reach their goals faster.
At our school we create a sacred space where students and faculty come together to work hard, support one another, and grow both technically and personally.
Our environment balances discipline with acceptance, fostering a positive, encouraging culture that prioritizes the emotional well-being of everyone involved. Here, dancers not only develop skill and artistry—they learn how to thrive in a community built on mutual respect, accountability, and shared purpose.