Frequently Asked Questions

When are your auditions and would you accept someone mid-year?

SMB audition and placement classes are held in the weeks preceding the start of the Academic Year Program. Students registering after the start of the school year will be asked to take a class with their approximate age and ability group as a placement class. Tuition for students enrolling after the start of the school year will be prorated.

Will my child be challenged? How do I know he/she has been placed in the right level?

The School of Madison Ballet faculty is a group of well-trained professionals. Placement in the School and Pre-Professional Divisions is based solely on the student’s ability. If, during the school year, a child demonstrates ability beyond his/her initial placement level, adjustments will be made at the discretion of the School Director and other faculty members.

What opportunities will my child have to perform?

SMB School Division and Pre-Professional Division students have a number of performance opportunities available to them throughout the year.

In mid-winter, SMB hosts an informal Studio Showcase with dancers in School Division Levels 4 through 6. At the end of each Academic Year, all SMB School Division and Pre-Professional Division students (Levels 1-6) are invited to participate in the SMB Workshop which takes place at the end of the academic year. No audition is necessary and there will be no performance fees. Throughout the year, intermediate and advanced students have opportunities to perform as part of Madison Ballet’s Education & Outreach programming and, at times, these students are also invited to assist with Children’s Division classes or other workshops.

In addition, students are welcome to audition for roles in Madison Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker in Overture Hall as well as for any other Madison Ballet productions. Auditions for Madison Ballet productions will be announced to School participants as well as to the general public. Auditions are open to dancers from all schools. There may be separate fees associated with performing in Madison Ballet productions that are not covered by SMB tuition or fees. Students and non-students of SMB will receive equal opportunities to participate in Madison Ballet productions.

Is financial aid available?

A limited number of merit and need-based scholarships are available for qualifying students. Contact the SMB office directly for more information.

How often are classes held?

Beginning students start with one or two classes per week. The required class load increases with every level up to seven or more classes per week in the advanced levels.

What is the audition and placement process like?

The audition and placement class for dancers’ age 7 and older consists of a series of exercises designed to test the applicant’s natural aptitude for ballet. For the more advanced levels, the audition resembles a typical ballet class. The class is designed to be an educational experience that allows the SMB faculty to evaluate students and also allows the students to get a feel for the SMB program and faculty.

When will we find out the results of the audition?

Applicants will be contacted within two weeks of the placement class.

What are the requirements to participate in the School of Madison Ballet?

For the youngest division, applicants to the School of Madison Ballet must be at least two years old by September 1st to participate in the Academic Year Program. No previous ballet training is necessary for any SMB divisions with the exception of the Pre-Professional Division.

Are SMB classes appropriate for boys?

Absolutely! The School Division even has a popular male-only class for dancers age 9 and above. Special attention is given to breaking down the stereotypes that exist with respect to males and dancing. Their curriculum is specially designed to meet both the technical and psychological needs of boys. Participation in SMB classes will help boys improve their physical fitness and coordination, work ethic, discipline, and self-esteem.

How many students are in the school? In each class?

The student body may vary between 250 – 300 students. Class sizes vary depending on the class level but range from 5 to 30 students per class with classes for younger children being smaller in size.