International Ballet Academy
Register
Dancers in white tutus rehearse in the studio, one kneeling low in the foreground

Ages 13 to 18

Professional Program

Intensive dance training and personal coaching for gifted dancers. The Professional Program's curriculum is based on the Vaganova method and designed for dedicated students with a strong desire to dance professionally.

Admission
By audition Minimum 3 years of formal ballet training
Audition fee
$100 In person or by video
Registration fee
$100 a year
High school credit
Art and PE Program lessons may count toward credit
Download the audition form

Photography by Rex Tranter

Academic excellence

Two Divisions, One Path to the Stage

IBA's curriculum is designed to elevate each student's talent, technique and artistry and to give them a strong foundation for their next steps. IBA graduates have earned scholarships and apprenticeships with Stuttgart Ballet, the Dutch National Ballet and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and places at The Juilliard School, UC Berkeley and Harvard.

Admission
By audition Minimum 3 years of formal ballet training
Audition fee
$100 In person or by video
Registration fee
$100 a year
High school credit
Art and PE Program lessons may count toward credit
Students in burgundy leotards hold attitude in a line under stage light
Dancers rehearse on stage, one in a lilac skirt with her arms raised

Professional Division

Three to four years, approximately ages 14 to 18, for high school students who wish to pursue a career in classical ballet and who show artistic promise, technical ability and the physical criteria: a supple, long-limbed, well-proportioned body, arched instep, turnout, and a light, strong jump. Classes include classical technique, pointe, variations, pas de deux, men's technique, character and flamenco, jazz and theatre dance, modern, choreography, a teaching course, dance and nutrition seminars, pedagogy and music theory. Performing with International Ballet Theatre is an integral part of the program. Training runs Monday to Friday, 12:30 to 6:00, and Saturday, 10:30 to 12:00.

A student holds a high extension at the barre while others work behind her

Pre-Professional Division

One to two years, approximately ages 13 to 14, for students in grades 7 and 8 preparing for professional studies. Pre-Professional students complete the technique and performing portions of the Professional Division curriculum and take part in selected International Ballet Theatre performances. Training runs Monday to Friday, 3:30 to 6:00, and Saturday, 10:30 to 12:00.

Auditions for the 2026 | 2027 Season

Admission to the Professional and Pre-Professional divisions is by audition and consultation with the artistic director. Students must have at least three years of formal ballet training. The audition fee is $100, and there are two ways to audition.

In Person

Auditions are held at the IBA studio.

  • May 16, 2026, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
  • August 13, 2025, 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

Professional Division dancers must be 14, and Pre-Professional dancers 13, by September 1, 2025. Applications are due May 15 or August 12. Additional in-person auditions are held by appointment, Monday to Friday, July 7 to August 12, 2026: write to the academy office or call (425) 822-7694 to arrange one.

By Video

Video auditions must be submitted by August 13, 2026: write to the academy office to arrange how to send yours. The video must include barre (pliés, tendu and adagio) and center (adagio, petit allegro, grand allegro and pirouettes).

Audition Attire, in Person and on Video
  • Girls: black leotard, pink tights, ballet and pointe shoes
  • Boys: white T-shirt, black tights, socks and ballet shoes

Registration forms and payment must reach the IBA front desk at least 48 hours before the audition class, so there is time to coordinate with the evaluating instructors. Audition forms must be completed by hand; clear, legible scans or phone photos of the completed forms are accepted by email.

If you missed the audition, contact the office about an individual audition. Exceptions may be made for mid-season entry by experienced dancers leaving another structured program because of relocation or other unexpected circumstances.

Tuition, 2026 to 2027

The annual registration fee is $100.

DivisionAverage hours a monthMonthly, with autopayFull semester
Professional Division76+$1,350$6,750
Pre-Professional Division56+$1,080$5,400
  • Registration signifies your commitment to the entire 19-week semester.
  • Tuition is based on the total number of hours a week during the semester.
  • Annual tuition is divided into two equal semester payments; flexible monthly options are available for a fee.
  • Payment is accepted by cash, check, bank check, money order and credit card, excluding American Express.
  • A $30 late fee is assessed on unpaid accounts on the 8th day of the month, and additional fees apply while the past-due balance is unresolved.
  • Accounts more than 60 days past due must be paid by autopay.
  • A $60 fee is assessed for returned checks.
  • All tuition and fee payments are non-refundable.

Dress Code

Regulation attire is enforced; see the IBA dress code for each level.

  • Label all dance gear with the student's name or initials.
  • No additional clothing or warm-ups during class. Ballet warmers may be worn at the start of class.
  • Hair pulled back in a bun and neatly secured for every ballet class.
  • No jewelry in class, and please leave valuables at home.
Uniform Provider

On Pointe Dancewear is the official dancewear store of the International Ballet Academy and carries the required IBA logo uniforms. Other dancewear stores carry shoes, tights and dancewear that meet the regulations.

On Pointe Dancewear, 12001 NE 12th Street, Suite 85, Bellevue, WA 98005. Telephone (425) 643-2386, onpointebellevue@gmail.com. Open Monday to Friday 11 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM, closed Sunday.

Calendars and Performances, 2025 to 2026

Class Schedules, First Semester 2025 to 2026

Forms