Burklyn Ballet Theatre was founded in 1976 with the goal of providing the highest caliber summer training and performance opportunities in classical ballet.
Our Mission is to give the dedicated ballet dancer a summer intensive with the finest international teachers and choreographers culminating with a weekly performance. Every week brings new repertoire affording the dancers a chance to perform various roles. Burklyn Ballet Theatre offers programs for dancers 10 to 25 years old and is committed to a supportive, safe and healthy environment. The Director, teachers and staff take pride in guiding and directing young dancers in their pursuit of a career in the arts. View one of our sample schedule!
The campus of Vermont State University – Johnson, formerly known as Johnson State College, is the home of BBT and provides modern facilities and a carefully chosen menu for a healthy dancer’s body. Learn more about our facilities under Contact and each of our programs below.
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Burklyn Ballet Theatre mirrors a professional company schedule. Monday–Thursday dancers take three technique classes daily followed by rehearsals. Fridays include two classes and a dress rehearsal, and Saturdays culminate in the evening’s public performance.
The Young Men’s Program is designed for male dancers ages 11–14. Students take a mix of classes with Intermediate dancers and specialized classes focused on technique, strength, jumps, turns, and pas de deux. Dancers are housed with the Intermediate program and perform at the end of the session.
The Intermediate Program limits enrollment to 24 dancers, ages 10 – 12 years. The students take two to three classes daily with the program staff, which includes a Program Coordinator, ballet mistress, and dorm supervisor. They are housed separately and have a dedicated studio. Afternoons are spent rehearsing for a performance at the end of their two-week session.
Intermediate II Program bridges the gap between the Intermediate and Main programs for dancers ages 12–14 who show promise but may not yet be ready for the full Main Program. Dancers take three classes daily, including technique and pointe/pre-pointe, with a mix of Main Program and Intermediate II classes. Enrollment is limited to 12 dancers, and students perform weekly.
The Edinburgh Connection is an international touring experience. Dancers travel to Scotland and perform at one of the world’s largest arts festivals. Mandatory attendance is required for the last four weeks of Burklyn Ballet Theatre in order to prepare.
The Choreographic Project is open to 6 dancers ages 15 and older who wish to experiment with choreography. Participants submit a proposal outlining the dance style, number of dancers, music, costume needs, and lighting plan to the Artistic Director. Choreographers attend classes and conduct their own rehearsals.