serving upstate South Carolina

Pre-College Program

International Ballet Academy

The IBA Pre-College Dance Program prepares college bound dance students for admission to top college dance programs and for college dance scholarships. The program provides dance training and guidance necessary to attend today’s top dance colleges and universities, including:

• Four year high school dance curriculum

• Performance and community service opportunities

• Progress evaluations and guidance

• Dance college and career information

• Guidance for summer intensive and master class experiences to support college goals

• Coordination with academic high school counselors and college advisors

• Student membership earned in the National Honor Society for Dance Arts.

The Pre-College Dance Student

Pre-College Dance students are 8^th through 12^th grade dance students who anticipate attending college and have an interest in college dance participation (as a major, minor or participant). Students accepted to the IBA Pre-College program should have strong academic qualifications, solid dance potential and supportive parents or adult sponsor.

Pre-college Dance Curriculum

Dance training: Based on the student’s college objectives a rigorous, progressive schedule of dance classes and experiences is developed for each student. Curriculum includes Ballet, Modern, Jazz and other dance forms, and performance attendance. Other studies may include nutrition, dance history, conditioning, choreography, and injury prevention.

Evaluations: Each student’s progress is evaluated at least annually. Dance training objectives are developed with each student and their parents.

Dance schedules: Dance schedules are designed to support the student’s academic studies for college acceptance. Schedules are adjusted based on grade level and academic achievement.

Performance Opportunities

Students are selected for performance opportunities commensurate with their dance skill level. Opportunities include:

International Ballet performances

Community outreach performances

Studio and demonstration performances

Backstage activities

Competitive performances (such as YAGP)

Participation in the IBA Exchange Program

Community Service Opportunities

Community service is often a criterion used by colleges and scholarship competitions and is difficult to obtain with a demanding dance and academic schedule. International Ballet’s community service opportunities include: teaching assistant, performance for community groups and grant writing.

Summer Intensive Programs

Summer intensive dance programs are an opportunity for students to learn techniques, teaching methods and approaches not routinely available during the academic year. Students are guided to attend programs that help their college decision and application.

National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA)

IBA is member of the National Dance Education Organization and maintains a student chapter of the NHSDA. Dancers are eligible to earn membership through their dance activities and achievements. The NHSDA:

• promotes and honors outstanding artistic achievement in dance students (11-18 years of age)

• encourages well rounded young dance artists to be leaders in their communities

• identifies students of junior and senior high school age for nomination to the NDEO's Artistic Merit, Leadership and Academic Achievement award, one of the highest dance recognition programs in the USA

College and Career Information

The Pre-College Program helps students and parents evaluate and make choices about the college programs which best fit their abilities and interests. Junior and senior high school students are provided assistance in application, audition and scholarship processes for college dance programs. Dance college information and contacts, dance career information and assistance for parents with dance college trip plans is available. When requested International Ballet will coordinate with the student’s academic counselor and provide dance recommendations.

How to Apply

To apply for the IBA Pre-College Dance Program rising 9-11 grade students should submit an application the IBA Office. .