If you're growing up in or around Towner City, North Dakota, and dream of a professional ballet career, you already understand something important: elite pre-professional training almost always means leaving home. With a population of roughly 500 and no full-time ballet academies in McHenry County, aspiring dancers from this rural corner of the state must look farther afield for the rigorous instruction that feeds into major companies worldwide.
The good news? Several of the world's finest ballet schools actively recruit from the Midwest and offer pathways for talented dancers from small-town beginnings. Below, we explore five institutions worth considering—what distinguishes each, and what Towner City families should know about auditions, logistics, and costs.
What to Know Before You Start
Serious ballet training at the pre-professional level typically begins between ages 11 and 14 and requires daily classes, pointe work for female students, pas de deux, conditioning, and academic schooling. Most top programs are residential, meaning students live in dorms or host families while completing middle school or high school coursework on site.
For North Dakota families, the practical hurdles are real: travel to auditions, boarding tuition, and relocation. But they are not insurmountable. Many schools offer merit- and need-based scholarships, and several hold regional auditions in Minneapolis or Chicago each winter, both roughly 6–8 hours by car from Towner City. Minot International Airport (MOT), about 45 miles northeast, provides the nearest commercial air service for farther-flung audition trips.
U.S. Options
The School of American Ballet (SAB) — New York City, NY
Why it stands out: SAB is the official school of New York City Ballet and the primary training ground for the Balanchine style—known for its speed, musicality, and expansive use of the upper body. Acceptance is highly competitive, with fewer than 200 students enrolled across all ages.
For Midwestern dancers: SAB holds a National Audition Tour, typically including a Minneapolis stop. The school offers substantial financial aid, including full scholarships covering tuition and housing for qualified students. Summer courses for younger dancers (ages 8–16) can serve as an entry point before year-round admission.
The National Ballet School of Canada (NBS) — Toronto, Ontario
Why it stands out: NBS is one of North America's most comprehensive pre-professional programs, integrating academic schooling with intensive dance training. Graduates regularly join the National Ballet of Canada, American Ballet Theatre, and European companies.
For Midwestern dancers: Toronto is closer to North Dakota than New York or Europe, and NBS auditions in major U.S. cities. Canadian tuition rates for international students are often lower than comparable U.S. conservatory programs, and the school provides residence hall housing. For families concerned about overseas logistics, NBS offers a relatively accessible international option.
International Options
The Royal Ballet School — London, England
Why it stands out: As the feeder school for The Royal Ballet, this institution emphasizes pure classical technique, meticulous pointe work, and strong character dance training. The Lower School (ages 11–16) is based in Richmond Park, while the Upper School (ages 16–19) operates in central London.
For Midwestern dancers: Admission requires either a live London audition or a high-quality video submission. Full scholarships are available to international students, though visa requirements and travel costs add complexity. The Royal Ballet Summer Intensive also offers a way to experience the training before committing to a year-round move.
The Paris Opera Ballet School — Paris, France
Why it stands out: Founded in 1713, this is the world's oldest ballet school. Only 20 to 30 students are admitted to the boarding program at any given time, making it one of the most selective institutions anywhere. Training is deeply rooted in the French school tradition—elegance, precision, and épaulement (shoulder placement) are paramount.
For Midwestern dancers: Admission is primarily through in-person auditions in Paris, though exceptional candidates may submit video prescreenings. Instruction is in French, though many international students adapt quickly. Graduates are virtually guaranteed placement into the Paris Opera Ballet's corps de ballet, one of the most coveted contracts in the industry.
The Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet — St. Petersburg, Russia
Why it stands out: The Vaganova Method is the foundation of Russian ballet training—emphasizing whole-body coordination, strength built through repetition, and dramatic expressiveness. Alumni include legends of the Mariinsky and Bolshoi Ballets.
For Midwestern dancers: This is the most geographically and logistically demanding option on this list. Auditions are held in St. Petersburg, though some international candidates arrange video submissions through affiliated cultural organizations. Russian language study is essential, and visa processes are lengthy.
