JUNE PLACEMENT INTENSIVE 2026
June 8 - 19th, 2026
For our currently enrolled ballet school students, please see the schedules below with class description. Please attend all classes in your current level. Placement evaluation will take place Wednesday, June 17th, 2026. If you are unable to attend, please reach out to us right away so we can ensure all students receive their proper evaluation.
If you are a new student looking to enroll in our ballet school program, please email esther@mendocinoballet.org to set up a free trial class. We would love to have you dance with us!
Beginning I
Our Beginning I Intensive is designed as a fun and engaging introduction to focused summer training. Dancers will take daily ballet classes alongside conditioning, jazz, and contemporary, helping them build coordination, strength, musicality, and confidence in a supportive environment. This level emphasizes foundational technique, classroom structure, and joy of movement while gently introducing dancers to different styles of dance. It is the perfect balance of training and inspiration for younger dancers beginning their journey. Dancers will get to have guests teachers as well as new styles. At the end of the intensive, dancers will participate in an evaluation that supports thoughtful placement for the upcoming season.
Beginning II
Beginning II dancers will experience a step up in training focus and consistency while continuing to build strong foundational technique. Each day includes ballet, along with conditioning, jazz, and contemporary classes designed to develop strength, flexibility, coordination, and artistry. This level encourages dancers to refine their understanding of alignment, musicality, and movement quality while being introduced to more detailed correction and stylistic development. Dancers will also participate in an end-of-intensive evaluation and receive feedback to guide their continued progression. Evaluation will be Wednesday, June 17th.
Apprentice I
App I marks the beginning of focused pre-professional training. Dancers will take daily ballet, along with conditioning, contemporary, and jazz, focusing on technical refinement, strength, and artistic development. This level introduces a higher expectation of detail, consistency, and performance quality. Dancers will also begin working with guest faculty, gaining exposure to new styles and teaching approaches that challenge and expand their versatility.
Apprentice II
App II dancers train at an advanced level with increased technical demand and artistic complexity. Daily ballet remains the core focus, supported by conditioning, contemporary, jazz, and expanded training in partnering and dance theatre/movement. Guest faculty play a key role in this level, offering dancers exposure to professional-level expectations and diverse stylistic approaches. Emphasis is placed on refinement, performance quality, control, and consistency.
Corps & Company
The Company Track is our highest level of training within the intensive and reflects an advanced corps and pre-professional standard. Dancers train daily in ballet, conditioning, contemporary, jazz, partnering, and dance theatre/movement, with a focus on strong technique, artistry, and performance quality. This group currently trains together as one advanced cohort, with material and corrections adjusted to meet each dancer where they are while still challenging them appropriately. Dancers are encouraged to approach this level with a company mindset—focused, consistent, and committed—while continuing to grow their artistry and leadership skills. Company Track dancers will work with guest faculty, including Tyler Fosse (Jazz) and Victor Temple (Ballet & Partnering), gaining exposure to professional-style training and expectations.