Professional Division
Our Professional Division Program is specifically designed to meet the needs of advanced students placed in levels 5, 5X, 6, 7, M1, and M2, preparing them for a professional dance career. The Rock School provides a nurturing class environment with focused attention on proper alignment, technique, and artistry.
The Rock School for Dance has developed a reputation as one of the nation's top pre-professional training programs. The School's primary goal is to produce classically trained and versatile dancers, which The School has done for over 60 years. The Rock School's exceptional faculty, individual attention, unique in-house academic program, supervised residence program, nurturing environment, personal attention, and the success of its alumni, attract dancers from around the globe.
Academic support is required for all students attending The Rock School | Philadelphia who have not graduated high school and are not Early Academic Release students. Please visit our Academics page for more information regarding programming.
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Offered to Levels 4-5 in Philadelphia, The Rock School offers an Early Academic Release Program for students who want the intensive schedule of the Professional Division while attending academic school in the morning. Classes begin at 2:00PM three days per week, and continue into the evening hours with the upper levels of the Ballet Division. This program supports dancers in their advancement within both the Ballet and Professional Divisions, and requires a separate audition.
2025 -2026 SCHEDULE
Subject to Change
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Professional Division Schedule
Most students begin their day at 9:00 AM and finish around 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Each weekday includes approximately 3 hours of academic support and an average of 4 hours of dance studio instruction.
On Saturdays, students typically participate in one ballet technique class followed by rehearsals, which gradually extend up to 3 hours as performance dates approach.
Mandatory Daily Classes (Monday through Friday):
Ballet Technique: 1.5 hours
Supplemental Dance Class: 1 hour
(May include Pointe, Jumps/Turns, Contemporary, Stretch, or Variations)Academics: 3 hours
Additional Classes (Daily – some optional, some mandatory):
Second Ballet Technique Class: 1.5 hours
Partnering:
Ladies: Once per week
Gentlemen: Twice per week
Additional Supplemental Dance Class: 1 hour
(May include Pointe, Jumps/Turns, Contemporary, Stretch, or Variations)Competition Coaching:
Offered as semi-private sessions (30 minutes or 1 hour)
1 to 2 sessions per week
Nutcracker / Spring Showcase Rehearsals:
1 to 4 hours per week
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Approximately 17 hours per week
Monday
1:00-2:30 Ballet
2:30-3:30 Pointe
4:30-5:30 ContemporaryTuesday
5:30-6:30 Wellness
6:45-8:15 Ballet
8:15-9:15 CharacterWednesday
1:00-2:30 Ballet
2:30-3:30 PointeThursday
5:00-6:00 Jazz
6:30-8:00 Ballet
8:00-9:00 Improv
Friday
1:00-3:00 Ballet
3:00-4:00 Pointe & Repertoire
5:30-6:30 Intro to Partnering -
Approximately 17 hours per week
Monday
1:00-2:30 Ballet
2:30-3:30 PointeTuesday
4:00-5:30 Ballet
6:30-7:30 CharacterWednesday
1:00-2:30 Ballet
2:30-3:30 Pointe
4:30-5:30 JazzThursday
4:00-5:00 Contemporary
5:00-6:30 BalletThursday
7:00-8:00 Wellness
8:00-9:00 ImprovFriday
1:00-3:00 Ballet
3:00-4:00 Pointe & RepertoireFriday
6:30-7:30 Partnering
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Annual - $7,245
9 Installments of $805 -
Payments are due in nine installments between time of enrollment and the end of the school year.
1st Installment- due with registration
2nd Installment- due October 1st, 2025
3rd Installment- due November 1st, 2025
4th Installment- due December 1st, 2025
5th Installment- due January 1st, 2026
6th Installment- due February 1st, 2026
7th Installment- due March 1st, 2026
8th Installment- due April 1st, 2026
9th Installment- due May 1st, 2026A $25 late fee will be applied to all payments received five (5) business days after the listed due date. Listed prices do not include the annual administrative fee.
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All Rock School students and parents/guardians are required to read and agree to the terms of The School's Student & Parent Handbook. A dancer’s registration is not finalized until The Rock School has received the completed registration packet and medical packet, in addition to the first installment payment and required fees. Professional Division Fees include:
Registration Fee: $425(Includes NC, SC, cast shirts (2); contemporary costume due separately)
International Student Fee: $100 (due with International Student Form)
Activities Fee: $250 (required for Residence Students, due with registration)
Security Deposit, Residence Only: $575 (due with registration)
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
International students wishing to attend The Rock School’s Professional Division program must fill out the International Student Form. To finalize registration, dancers must submit the completed registration packet, medical packet, 1st installment payment, and all required fees.
DRESS CODE
Dress code items are mandatory for all dancers enrolled in The Rock School’s 2025-2026 Professional Division Program. We recommend ordering your dress code items as soon as possible to ensure they arrive in time. If you have questions about dress code items, please contact Boutique Manager, Ms. Catherine Lackey, at boutique@therockschool.org.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
We are proud to welcome our 2025 The Enchanted Nutcracker to Broad Street at the Miller Theater! Professional Division students are required to perform in The Rock School’s Nutcracker as well as the Spring Showcase at the end of the school year. Dancers also have the opportunity to perform at in-studio YAGP previews, and a contemporary showcase in the early spring.
Residence
The Rock School residence is located in the Marine Club Condominiums directly across the street from The Rock School. The Rock School residence occupies one floor in the Marine Club.
Academics
Rock Academics provides academic flexibility and dual preparation for our students’ artistic careers and futures in higher education.
