Accelerated Training Program (ATP)
Director: Gabrielle Chaplin
Assistant Director: Neisa Schuler
North State Ballet’s Accelerated Training Program (ATP) represents the highest and most comprehensive level of training available within the school. Designed for dedicated dancers seeking a more intensive and immersive experience, ATP provides expanded technical training alongside additional performance, competitive, and educational opportunities.
Participation in ATP is optional and intended for students who demonstrate the interest, commitment, and readiness to pursue an elevated course of study. To ensure that all participating dancers are developing from a strong classical foundation, the program is reserved for students enrolled in North State Ballet’s full Classical Program or Children’s Program. Students enrolled exclusively in Recreational/Open Program classes are not eligible.
ATP dancers receive a broad and carefully structured course of training that includes ballet, jazz, lyrical/contemporary, acrobatic dance, and choreography, with opportunities to supplement their studies with additional disciplines such as hip hop and tap. Specific class requirements, training expectations, and performance commitments are determined by age and placement level.
The program is designed for dancers ages six through 18, with five-year-old students considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the directors. As dancers mature and advance, training expectations increase progressively in both depth and commitment. This carefully structured approach allows each student to develop at an appropriate pace while building the discipline, consistency, collaboration, and personal responsibility essential to higher-level dance training.
For younger dancers, ATP establishes a strong and versatile technical foundation while continuing to foster curiosity, confidence, musicality, and a genuine love of movement in a supportive environment. As dancers progress, the program becomes increasingly focused on technical refinement, artistry, versatility, performance quality, conditioning, and the disciplined work habits expected within serious dance training.
For advanced students, ATP offers a pre-professional training environment designed to support dancers who may wish to pursue collegiate dance programs, conservatory training, professional opportunities, or continued study at an advanced level. At the same time, the program remains equally valuable for dancers whose goal is simply to pursue their training with greater depth and reach the fullest extent of their individual potential.
In addition to North State Ballet’s annual productions, ATP dancers may participate in a range of supplemental opportunities, including community performances, competitions, master classes, dance conventions, specialized workshops, and opportunities to receive instruction and feedback from accomplished professionals in the dance field.
Admission to ATP is selective. Dancers first apply to the program and, following initial consideration, participate in a placement audition to determine the most appropriate training level. Placement is based on a dancer’s technical development, experience, maturity, work ethic, and overall readiness for the demands of the program.
The ATP season runs from August through June, with additional summer training opportunities available for dancers who wish to maintain momentum and continue their development throughout the year.
For dancers ready to pursue a more serious level of study, embrace greater artistic and technical challenges, and become part of North State Ballet’s most advanced training environment, the Accelerated Training Program offers a meaningful pathway toward excellence.