Welcome to the AJKUNBT Trainee page
We hope that you will take a few minutes to explore these pages to learn more about our Unique Programs,
Ajkun Ballet Theatre and our New York City environment.
You are encouraged to contact us by any of the means listed at the bottom of this page,
and we look forward to hearing from you.
If you prefer to read the information in your own language, please click on the flag of choice.
THE AJKUN BALLET THEATRE TRAINEE PROGRAMS
offer the opportunity to individuals from all over the world to experience our Superior Training,
as well as subjects not conventionally accessible in a study setting,
and to partake to The Company’s Production & Performance time.
PHILOSOPHY
Ajkun Ballet Theatre believes early exposure to a professional company's life to be key to a successful career choice.
DANCE STUDENTS, as young as 14 years of age, should be experiencing daily company operations in a professional, yet nurturing, summer study environment while continuining education in their home communities. PRE-PROFESSIONALS and PROFESSIONAL DANCERS, as young as 16 years of age, should invest in preparing themselves to the highest artistic standard to take repertory, pas de deux, pointe and modern dance skills to a performing level and to learn how to create awareness for the opportunity of their services. The art of academic teaching is a science based on discoveries of the empirical knowledge that guides our practice of ballet. In class we learn the ability to perform steps in their highest clarity, focus on musicality, flexibility, balance, speed and coordination and marvel at how the body's complex systems interact in this process. During rehearsal we take such practice to pragmatic criteria, based on hypothesis-driven research on dancer's bodies. The process employs dogmas of traditional repertory, where efforts are made to match standards set by history. Extensive periods of time spent on theater stages fully provide hands-on practice. Our Trainees have the opportunity to perform many roles and are inspired, mentored and cast aside our leading dancers, as a symbol of the trust and unique relationship that our artists enjoy with the youngest. Each of our Trainees is predicted to have a special spark that we hope will make them become one of the best world-class dancers of tomorrow, whether in The United States or in any other Country of the World. To Facilitate this process, Ajkun Ballet Theatre partners with over 100 Dance Companies worldwide to open the avenues of employment opportunities for youngest dancers.
 THE TRAINEE BODY
AjkunBT's Trainees represent a distillation of the hopes and aspirations of a substantial number of Dancers and Dance Teachers.
Over 1,700 candidates participate every year to our international auditions, resulting in about 30 Dancers being accepted as Trainees to The Company.
Since the repertory performed for the season dictates the number of Trainee positions available, approximately 10 Dancers are accepted for the Entire Season (FULLTIME POSITION), and 20 Dancers and 3 Dance Teachers are accepted during our National Tour “Performing in New York” (SUMMER POSITION).
Our Trainees come from a variety of institutions throughout the United States and from many foreign countries. Our Alumni went on to take prominent positions in the professional world and are currently employed in over 100 different companies in Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South Americas.
TRAINEE QUALIFICATIONS
To qualify for admission, applicants must demonstrate strong enthusiasm and ability for the vigorous pursuit of professional knowledge in the field.
Admittance is granted by audition, on a first-come, first-serve basis, to exhaustion of the limited places available. To preserve our extraordinary standard, number of Trainee positions may be distinguished by country. Minimum requirements: 16 years old (Fulltime Position), 14 years old (Summer Position).
All candidates must have mastered a strong base in ballet technique and have the physical prerequisite to sustain an intense daily training.
 APPLYING TO BECOME AN AJKUNBT TRAINEE
Dancers have the choice to apply for a Fulltime Trainee Position or for a Summer Trainee Position.
If you are unsure which program is best for you,
please be aware that we welcome discussion with applicants who would like assistance in determining the most appropriate program for their interests.
FULLTIME TRAINEE POSITION
Fulltime Trainee positions are offered only to Dancers. Applicants may select the New York Season only or opt to follow The Company in its Performance Tour to Europe.
The option to enroll by any of the single terms is offered to professionals and graduates seeking career’s enhancement.
 PERFORMING IN NEW YORK – SUMMER TRAINEE POSITION
Summer Trainee positions are offered to Dancers and Dance Teachers. Applicants may participate to the program to enhance their training and performing expertise, experience the New York dance industry environment and AjkunBT peculiar repertory, and to receive exposure for employment opportunities.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Due to the very limited number of positions available, early application is strongly advised. Applications are accepted as early as THREE YEARS in advance.
 Fulltime Trainee
There is no official deadline to apply for a fulltime position. As AjkunBT Trainees advance to employment, positions become available. Contact our office, before to apply, to be advised about any opening.
Performing in New York – Summer Trainee Position
The official deadline is April 30th. Please be aware that auditions around the world are held from September of the previous year, and applications accepted to the exhaustion of positions available.
GRANTS, STIPEND & EMPLOYMENT
The AjkunBT Fund may award applicants with Educational Grants and International Exchange Grants.
Fulltime Trainees may receive stipend support while they are making satisfactory progress in The Company.
The Trainee Division strongly encourages applicants to seek financial support from extramural agencies. Trainees who receive competitively funded extramural fellowships, which will be used toward their Traineeship support, upon succeeding in our program, may be eligible to receive a stipend allowance from the Trainee Division. The Ajkun Ballet Theatre does not accept unsolicited financial requests.
 
ARTISTIC INFORMATION
Please select one of the following links to access to the specific program information.
Please Note: Studio & Theater facilities photos and descriptions are available on the main page by clicking WHERE on the photo slide window.
LIVING IN NEW YORK
For informations concerning: VISA, LIVING ACCOMMODATION, MINORS SUPERVISION, TRAVEL, MEDICAL,
ACADEMIC EDUCATION, COLLEGE CREDIT, visit our ADDITIONAL SERVICES page.
We welcome all inquiries.
Email requests at
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insure a timely answer.
All written correspondence must be mailed at:
AJKUNBT INTERNATIONAL TRAINEE PROGRAM, 193 Cross St, BX-NY 10464-1225 USA. |
Trainee