Why the pre-pro program?
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✔ Train with a professional dance instructor
✔ Multiple performance opportunities
✔ Individual mentorship & career guidance
✔ Selective placements (Core/Training/Performance Tracks)
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This program opens doors to:
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College dance programs and conservatories
Professional companies and touring work
Scholarships, showcases, and summer intensives
Auditions, networking, and industry-recognized training
Every young dancer reaches a moment when “taking class” is no longer enough. Talent needs direction. Passion needs opportunity. And training must evolve into something deeper — the shaping of an artist.
The Pre-Professional Program at Nickerson-Rossi Dance bridges that moment. This is where dancers stop learning steps and start building careers.
Through intensive training, real performance opportunities, and personalized mentorship, dancers gain the technical refinement and artistic confidence needed to step into the professional world. They learn how to think, create, collaborate, and perform with intention — not just execute movement.
Students aren’t just preparing for the future — they’re living it now.
Programming Structure
Step 1 – Apply
Submit your application to the Academy of Nickerson-Rossi Dance to begin the enrollment process.
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Step 2 – Class Screening
If selected, you’ll be scheduled for a class screening during one of our Ballet or Modern Dance classes, where faculty evaluate your technique, artistry, and potential.
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Step 3 – Program Invitation
Based on the faculty’s assessment, you may be invited to join the prestigious Pre-Professional Program or directed to another area of the Academy’s programming that best supports your growth.
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Step 4 – Track & Level Placement
Once accepted, you’ll be placed in either the Core, Training, or Performance Track and assigned a Level 2–4, ensuring personalized instruction that challenges and inspires at every stage.
CORE TRACK
Up to 4 hrs/week
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1 annual performance
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Basic Class Training
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Best for growing dancers
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$300 a month
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​$18.75 an hour
TRAINING TRACK
Up to 8.25 hrs/week
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1 annual performance
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Well rounded training
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Best for invested dancers
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$450 a month
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$13.50 an hour
PERFORMANCE TRACK
Up to 13 hrs/week
Up to 9 performances
Immersive + Industry Exposure​
For serious career-bound dancers
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$600 a month + costume fee
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$11.50 an hour
+ multiple performances
+ masterclasses opportunities
+ dance festival access
+ guest & faculty choreography
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Class Schedule
🟢 Core Track
🔵 Training Track
🟣 Performance Track
MONDAYS
PALM DESERT
5pm - 6:30pm
Ballet
🟢 | 🔵 | 🟣
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6:45pm - 7:30pm
Pointe​
🔵 | 🟣
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7:30pm - 8pm
Variations
🔵 | 🟣
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Block with
Ellen Rosa-Taylor
TUESDAYS
PALM SPRINGS
5pm - 5:45pm
Conditioning / Stretch
🔵 | 🟣
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5:50pm - 6:50pm
Contemporary
🔵 | 🟣
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7pm - 8pm
Jazz
🔵 | 🟣
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Block with
Chad Ortiz
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PALM DESERT
5:45pm - 7pm
Pointe
🔵 | 🟣
7pm - 7:45pm
Variations
🟣
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Block with
Hailee Mitchell
WEDNESDAYS
PALM DESERT
5pm - 6:15pm
Modern
🟣
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6:15pm - 7:15pm
Composition
🟣
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7:15pm - 7:45pm
Student ASB
🟣
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Block with
Michael Nickerson-Rossi
THURSDAYS
PALM DESERT
6pm - 7:30pm
Ballet
with Hailee
🟢 | 🔵 | 🟣
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7:30pm - 8:30pm
Modern
with Chad
🟢 | 🔵 | 🟣
SATURDAYS
Locations Vary
10am - 12pm
Performance / Rehearsal
🟣
Instructors Vary
Performance Track Calendar
***dates are in progress
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August 17th - September 6th
+ Choreography Lab
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November
+ Sunnylands
+ Fall Dance Concert
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December
+ Rancho Mirage Amphitheater
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January
+ Choreography Lab
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Feburary
+ Palm Springs Art Museum
+ YAGP
+ NYCDA
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March
+ Rancho Mirage Amphitheater
+ Palm Springs International Dance Festival
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May
+ Summer Showcase
