Adagio Tier

Pre-Professional Program for Dancers Pursuing a Career in Ballet

The Adagio Tier is Adage Ballet Academy’s final level of training, designed for dancers aged 16–20 preparing to enter the professional ballet world. This two-year pre-professional program supports students pursuing company contracts, trainee or second company positions, and collegiate dance programs. With nearly 30 hours of training per week across six days, this tier demands maturity, commitment, and a strong work ethic. Students must be homeschooled or enrolled in flexible academic programs to accommodate afternoon training hours.

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Dancers advancing from Primary Advanced are promoted into the Adagio Tier by faculty recommendation, while new students from outside the academy must audition through an in-person or video submission. While structured for two years, students may graduate after one year if professional opportunities arise.

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Classes in this tier address professional readiness through topics such as charisma, expression, pedagogy, choreography, production, and career management. Students also receive personalized support with audition preparation, including photography, video filming and review, private coaching, résumé development, and letters of recommendation.

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Adagio dancers are trained to be technically strong and artistically versatile, capable of performing confidently in classical, contemporary, and modern styles. Partnering includes more advanced lifts, and center work becomes faster and more demanding. Dancers take on leadership roles through featured casting, mentoring younger students, and assisting in lower-tier classes under faculty guidance. They also develop their creative skills through dedicated choreography workshops.

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All Adagio students may take additional classes in lower tiers free of charge and can earn credit through assistant teaching. Attendance must remain at or above 90%, and rehearsals are held primarily outside class hours to protect training quality.

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Dancers perform in ABA’s three annual productions — O-Jak Bridge Dance & Art Festival, Winter Tales, and the Spring Showcase — and are encouraged to participate in competitions, which may require additional coaching, travel, and entry fees. Tuition is all-inclusive and covers all rehearsal, costume, and performance expenses. Each dancer also receives a professional headshot and four action shots at the start of the season.

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Adagio students are also contracted members of the Adage Ballet Ensemble, representing the academy on tour in various soloist and featured roles. These performances are considered part of their artistic development and provide real-world experience in professional settings. [Learn more about ABE →]

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Spots in the Adagio Tier are extremely limited to ensure high-level individual attention. The program is open to dancers of all genders and backgrounds who are serious about pursuing a professional path in ballet.

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Have questions? We're here to help.

Ready to begin? Fill out the application form below to register for auditions.