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Boston Ballet

Dancers in a studio perform ballet moves, each extending one leg high and balancing on the other. They wear dance attire, and the room is bright with large windows in the background.

Prepare for the second act of your career

For Boston Ballet dancers, careers don’t end when the final curtain closes—it’s just the start of their second act.

Northeastern partnered with the Boston Ballet in 2013 to provide the company’s professional dancers with an opportunity to earn their college degrees while remaining full-time company dancers. Courses are available online and on campus, in addition to onsite advising support at the Ballet’s Clarendon Street location, offering the flexibility required for a dancer’s already demanding schedule.

Generous tuition assistance makes the program even more accessible and affordable, and Northeastern’s range of experiential learning opportunities provides dancers with the hands-on experience they need to start their new careers.

Professional ballet dancers typically retire by their mid-30s—many without the next stage of their careers planned. Through this unique partnership, however, Boston Ballet dancers can step into the spotlight once again.

“I was so excited when I learned of the partnership between Boston Ballet and Northeastern. It offered a range of degree choices and online flexibility that made it the perfect way to balance my education and a very strenuous career.”

Andres Garcia

Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies

Frequently asked questions

Dancers who have been in the Boston Ballet Company for a minimum of one year are eligible to participate in this educational initiative. Boston Ballet II dancers may be eligible depending on their time of service with the company.

To get started, please contact Ari Schaaff, Northeastern’s Boston Ballet liaison, at [email protected] or by calling 617.981.0470.

You can also view general admissions information on the College of Professional Studies website.

Northeastern will assess each student’s transfer credits individually. You should be prepared to provide official transcripts and relevant syllabi from other colleges or universities.

It is possible for dancers to receive credit for their experience. Prior experience credits will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Tuition rates can be found here. Dancers who receive funding through through this partnership will be responsible for paying 20% of the total cost of tuition each semester.

Tuition assistance is only available to active Boston Ballet dancers, and they must maintain a 2.5 minimum GPA to qualify.

Dancers may be eligible to receive additional funding for books, supplies, and/or remaining tuition through scholarships or other financial assistance. Please contact your academic advisor for additional information after admission.

Dancers can choose from online, on-ground, and hybrid courses and can begin coursework in the fall, spring, or summer. Classes are offered in full- or half-semester format.

Take the next step

To learn more and apply, contact Ari Schaaff.

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