I'm a late starter in ballet (14). My first few years of training was not in a very good school.This is my fourth year of full-time classical in another school. I have decided to try and go professional but fear I may still need a year in a 'professional' school in order to even be looked at by a company. I am looking at europe.
Does anyone know of any pre-pro programs or apprentices programs in europe that accept dancers that are 22? I have found one or two, but I'm wondering if anyone knows of any.

All you can do is ask, if you're what they're looking for then they might bend their rules, however most will want younger dancers that they can mould to their company style.

I'm sorry I don't have any suggestions, but I am extremely interested in the schools you have found already -- which schools are they?
Thank you

There is one called Ecole Superieure de Danse de Cannes Rosella Hightower. Massive name, but it looks like they accept students up to the age of about 23/24 for their pre pro course. But I can't get details of fee's etc. Another is the apprenticeship program at Palucca Schule Dresden, and then there are numerous others that say the course is aimed at students around 16-18 but exceptions are possible. (Not sure to what extent). I think I'm just going to send DVD's and CV's off everywhere but not make it obvious that I am older, and just see what happens.

One trick is, even though being in Europe may be a little different, asking to be an RA is a great way for older students to still get training. As long as they let you take class, it all depends on the program


~brooke~

Sorry but whats an RA? It's probably pretty obvious but I can't work it out :S

RA stands for Resident Advisor.

If you are of age according to the terms of the program you watch over and are responsible for the younger students in the program. You make sure they all are together and bring them from the dorms to the studios, to eat, etc and take care of them and sometimes plan activities.

the reason it's a good plan for older students is because 1) sometimes there is an age limit for the program and this is an easy way to get in and possibly still take classes. 2) You get free Room and Board and sometimes get paid, depending on the program.


~brooke~

If by Europe you also mean the UK, I think that Central Ballet School in London takes students up to 24/25. They told me that in an email once, anyway!