ASPIRE | williamstownballet

Aspire at WBT

Auditions for 25/26 Aspire new members Friday, August 15th 5:00 - 7:00

Returning dancers are strongly encouraged to attend the audition

Aspire is a professional track program for dancers who are motivated and prepared to take their dance education to the next level. The goal of the program is to work with each student with the support of their family to help them reach their full potential. In the Aspire program dancers will work on preparation for summer intensive auditions, college/advanced program auditions and video submissions, interviews and resumes. WBT staff members will work individually with students and families as we develop the best strategy for each dancer who is accepted into this program. Aspire dancers should consider themselves to be ambassadors for the WBT education and examples to fellow students of what is possible with hard work and perseverance.

Dancers in this program must complete an audition and interview to be accepted (more information available). They must show dedication by working hard in their company required classes. These dancers must display an attitude of professionalism and leadership.

Below you will find an outline of the program and tuition information:

You must already be enrolled in Teal level or higher and must be enrolled in the Apprenticeship and Intrigue programs.

The Aspire program is designed to fit around the dancer’s regularly scheduled classes, rehearsals and performances.

Aspire dancers have unlimited access to any technique class that does not conflict with their schedule. Please keep in mind that the simple practice of barre work at ANY level is of great benefit to perfecting technique. Dancers will not be participating in extra recital dances of different levels if they choose to drop in for technique in another level.

Aspire dancers will receive 3 hours per month for private lessons. Staff will decide which instructors will perform the lessons and instructors will be rotated. Additional private lessons may be purchased at a discount of $45.00 per lesson.

Aspire dancers will attend a special 2 hour class two Fridays per month (we may need to utilize a Saturday or Sunday depending on the month). These classes will focus on whatever the instructors feel is of most importance (Technique, professional development, partnering skills).

Aspire dancers and their families will receive two formal in person consultations with staff to discuss the dancer’s goals and progress and strategies. Aspire instructors will make themselves available to discuss any questions or concerns that arise throughout the dance season.

Aspire dancers will be enrolled in the following at the Philadelphia 2026 YAGP competition through WBT: one classical solo, one contemporary solo and one group dance. Families are responsible for all associated fees and costuming costs to participate. Choreography for solos will be taught at their private lessons and rehearsed with multiple staff members. Some Aspire class time will be dedicated to learning their group dance. Extra rehearsals will be scheduled as needed.

Dancers will work on fundraising strategies as part of the program to help cover their YAGP fees.

Aspire dancers will perform their YAGP and other selected choreography for the recital.

All communications regarding the dancer’s action plan, progress and scheduling must be done through the office or office line at all times to ensure the continuity of their program.

Tuition: $315.00 per month in addition to their company level tuition. Thursday Contemporary 4:30 - 6:00 class is included in this tuition. September through May.

YAGP fees tbd.

Summer Aspire will be limited to 3 private lessons and two 2 hour pop up classes TBA due to the dancer’s summer intensive schedules. Tuition for July/August will be one payment of $315.00. Dancers may schedule additional private lessons at a discounted $45.00 per private lesson. Dancers may share private lessons with other Aspire dancers and split the cost.