Conservatory Program

The Conservatory Program is an all day study program offering students the opportunity to integrate their academic studies and dance training. Ballet technique classes are offered each morning with supplementary classes in contemporary ballet, Pilates and composition. Regular technique classes in ballet, pointe, pas de deux, variations, modern and jazz are then attended in the late afternoon. Students enrolled in the Conservatory Program have the opportunity to perform with NC Dance Theatre and the Repertory Ensemble.

Academic Options
Schedules

Academics
Academics are offered through the Indiana University High School correspondence program, a highly accredited college preparatory program. Students work on their studies before and after their dance classes each day utilizing the various textbooks and on-line programs that Indiana University offers. The School of Dance also provides local tutors for assistance to the Conservatory students and has wireless internet access for laptop use on the premises. Students may also attend Northwest School of the Arts (NWSA) in Charlotte and eligible for college credit through UNC Charlotte. Home schooled or part-time college students are also eligible for this program.

UNC Charlotte Program for High School Students
High School students registered in the Ballet 4 level or higher in the School of Dance may apply to the UNC Charlotte Escrow Program. Click here for more information.

Northwest School of the Arts Program for High School Students
Dance students registered in the all-day Conservatory Program at North Carolina Dance Theatre School of Dance can attend the Northwest School of the Arts (NWSA) for their high school education and receive the required arts credits for their training at NC Dance Theatre. This will offer Conservatory students a classroom environment to complete their academics, without any extra fees.

NWSA Arts is a small, comprehensive secondary school with an enrollment of 1200 serving Grades 6-12. At NWSA, students are valued as individuals and have personal connections to faculty and staff. NWSA is a CMS magnet school. Click here to learn more about NWSA.

NWSA offers an A-day, B-day schedule of academics to allow the student the opportunity to study four core subjects each semester. Each student’s academic needs can be individually handled with the expert help of the NWSA student counselor. Previous high school credits can be transferred to NWSA from anywhere in the country. On-line courses are also available through the NC Virtual School and credits from this program are recognized by NWSA and the CMS system. This gives the NC Dance Theatre Conservatory student options and flexibility in their academic schedule. Transportation between the two schools will be the responsibility of the student but reserved parking will be available at NWSA for convenience.

If you are interested in registering for the NWSA program, please contact the Pre-Professional Division administrator at 704.372.0101 x2770 or schoolofncdt@ncdance.org.

Conservatory student’s weekly schedule if they choose to study with NWSA:

Monday – Friday
9:30–Noon         NC Dance Theatre classes and rehearsals
12:20–4 PM       Northwest School of the Arts academic classes
4:15–6:45 PM    NC Dance Theatre classes

Saturday
10–11:30 AM     NC Dance Theatre classes
11:45–until        Rehearsal schedule to be determined weekly

UNC Charlotte Program for High School Graduates
High School Graduates Registered in the Conservatory Program can apply for college credits at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

High school graduates in the Conservatory Program can apply to UNC Charlotte and, if accepted, can register in the Professional Training Certificate in Dance course. This allows students to receive 4 credit hours per semester for their time training at the School of Dance, for a potential of 16 total hours of elective credit. The credit earned through the Certificate in Dance course can be transferred to another institution of higher learning as requested. 

• All students must apply for either freshman or transfer admission to UNC Charlotte. Students should complete the appropriate application on the UNC Charlotte website at http://admissions.uncc.edu/.  Freshman should submit an official high school transcript as well as SAT or ACT scores (with writing).  Transfer students should submit an official high school transcript and official college transcripts from all schools previously attended. The Director of Admissions at UNC Charlotte will determine the eligibility of each applicant. If you have any questions regarding admission into the University please contact Barbara Seyter.

• Upon admission, students register for DANC 3201- the dance course offered in collaboration with the North Carolina Dance Theatre. Students may also register for other college courses at UNC Charlotte if they choose, some of which are offered on-line.

The University tuition and fees for the dance course, for an in-state student, is approximately $585 per semester (costs are subject to slight increases each year). Students who enroll in more than one course per semester will pay higher tuition and fees.