Professional Trainee Program
Take your ballet career to the next level. An intensive program providing the foundation for a professional career.
Your Window into the World of Ballet
Ballet careers begin here—with our Professional Trainee Program. This elite opportunity prepares aspiring dancers to bridge the gap between student and professional. As a trainee, you'll be immersed in the artistry and discipline of the Indianapolis Ballet, training alongside our world-class artists. Gain firsthand experience in professional productions, refine your technique, and glimpse your future as a professional dancer.
Personalized Training from Professional Mentors
The Professional Trainee Program at Indianapolis Ballet offers exceptional ballet instruction at the highest level. Trainees study under the guidance of our world-class artistic staff, who serve as dedicated mentors throughout your artistic journey. Dancers may also be considered for a prestigious Apprentice position, to continue working with our renowned ballet company.
We believe that technique is what separates an entertainer from a true artist. Rooted in the celebrated Balanchine legacy, our training embraces the natural musicality and fluidity of movement that defines exceptional ballet. Our comprehensive curriculum is designed to refine technical skill while nurturing each student’s individual artistry—empowering dancers to shine with confidence, precision, and personal expression.
Cultivate Your Dance Career
At the heart of our program is a commitment to preparing you for a successful career with the company of your dreams. Every trainee receives professional development support—from resume and audition prep to personalized career counseling, taking into consideration your overall well-being. We help you take the leap into your dance career with confidence and purpose.
Professional Trainee Program
The best route to becoming a professional dancer is to train with them every day – and that’s the experience offered through the Indianapolis School of Ballet’s Professional Trainee Program, hosted in partnership with Indianapolis Ballet.
This 1-to-2-year program is designed to guide our dancers through the transition from student life to professional dance or higher collegiate education. Trainee dancers are considered for Apprentice positions within the Indianapolis Ballet company, and students may also have opportunities to perform in Indianapolis Ballet company productions throughout the year. Additional performance opportunities may arise via IB’s increasing schedule of community performances, including outreach lecture demonstrations.
Dancers invited to take part in the Professional Trainee Program concentrate on refining technique and developing artistry through an intensive, full-day, 38-40 week comprehensive program from August through May. Curriculum includes technique, pointe, variations, adagio, modern, choreography, Pilates, strength training, and seminars on such topics as nutrition, personal safety, and injury prevention. The Indianapolis School of Ballet also assists students with career planning by offering workshops on résumé writing for the audition/job search process, resources for audition photos, and through individual counseling or conferences.
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Acceptance to the Professional Trainee Program is by audition only. Dancers must first submit a video audition to be invited for an in-person audition at Indianapolis Ballet.
Please view the Video Audition Form (located under Resources) which contains full details on the necessary materials to include with the application and requirements for the video submission.
A registration fee of $35 will be due as part of the online registration.
Please submit video audition materials to Michael Vernon, mvernon@indyballet.org, and Meghan McGuire, mmcguire@indyballet.org.
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Candidates who have not completed high school must have a plan to continue academic studies while attending ISB.
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Professional Trainee Program students are responsible for making their own housing and living arrangements, as Indianapolis Ballet does not have year-round housing options.
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Performance is an integral component of the Professional Trainee Program. Participants have the opportunity to engage in the following performances, with additional opportunities available throughout the season:
Select Indianapolis Ballet Productions*
Indianapolis Ballet’s Family Series
May We Dance Showcase
Community Performances
School Lecture Demonstrations
* At the invitation of artistic staff
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Dancers interested in obtaining more information about the Professional Trainee Program are asked to contact Meghan McGuire, Manager of Trainee, Pre-Professional, and Summer Intensive Programs, at 317-955-7525 or at mmcguire@indyballet.org.
Professional Trainee Program Alumni
Meet the alumni of Indianapolis School of Ballet’s Professional Trainee Program who began their professional careers with Indianapolis Ballet.
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Anna Graczyk, 2024 Alumnus
Originally from Rockford, Illinois, Anna Graczyk began dancing at age five and trained at Mary Lee’s School of Dance and Rockford Dance Company. At twelve, she joined Ballet Chicago, where she spent six years studying under Daniel Duell and Patricia Blair. As a member of the Studio Company, she performed in works by George Balanchine, Daniel Duell, and Ted Seymour, among others.
Anna joined Indianapolis Ballet’s Professional Trainee Program in 2023 and has since performed in The Nutcracker, Carnival of the Animals, Ancient Airs and Dances, and Romeo and Juliet. She is excited to continue with the company as an apprentice for the 2025-26 season.
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Journie Kalous, 2022 Alumnus
Journie began dancing at age two and entered the competitive dance world by five, earning numerous national titles and scholarships across Chicagoland. At twelve, a scholarship to the Ballet Chicago Summer Intensive inspired her to pursue ballet exclusively. She spent four years with the Ballet Chicago Studio Company under Daniel Duell and Patricia Blair, performing principal roles in works by George Balanchine including Rubies, Concerto Barocco, Stars and Stripes, and Theme and Variations.
She has worked with acclaimed artists such as Paul Boos, Simone Messmer, and Ted Seymour, and continued her training at Fort Wayne Ballet, the Joffrey Ballet, and School of Milwaukee Ballet. Journie also trained in contemporary and modern dance with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater and Visceral Dance Chicago.
Journie joined the Indianapolis Ballet’s Professional Trainee Program in 2021, was promoted to apprentice the following season, and is now a company artist for the 2025-26 season.
