APPLY
​Nickerson-Rossi Dance’s Pre-Professional Program offers aspiring dancers the rare opportunity to train at a professional level while gaining performance, leadership, and industry experience. Enrollment is by application to ensure that each student is committed, prepared, and ready to thrive in a rigorous environment where technique, artistry, and professionalism are equally prioritized. This selective process allows the program to maintain a high standard of excellence, foster a supportive yet driven community, and tailor training to dancers who are serious about pursuing a career in the arts.
Application Open
NEXT UP
NOV 9
Sunnylands | Rancho Mirage, CA
Step into the stunning Sunnylands Center & Gardens and experience dance reimagined. Nickerson-Rossi Dance Company brings Dance in the Gardens to life, transforming the desert landscape into a living stage where movement, nature, and storytelling seamlessly intertwine.
Admission is free!
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 Training Track or Performance Track and assigned a Level 1–4, ensuring personalized instruction that challenges and inspires at every stage.
TRAINING TRACK
Focus solely on your dance training and dance class schedule, with one scheduled performance before summer break.​
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Cost:
$448 a month​
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Up to 11 hrs of weekly training and one end-of-year performance.​​​​​​​
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PERFORMANCE TRACK
Multiple performances, masterclasses, workshops, and scholarship opportunities.
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Cost:
$600 a month
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Up to 13.5 hrs of weekly training, additional workshops, and multiple performances​​
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Palm Springs Class Schedule
Palm Desert Class Schedule
Why the pre-pro program?
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Professional Immersion
Students don't just take classes; they train alongside and perform with the Nickerson-Rossi Dance Company. This real-world exposure fast-tracks their readiness for collegiate programs or a professional career, providing invaluable insight into the discipline, artistry, and expectations of the industry.
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Mentorship and Individual Growth
Dancers receive direct mentorship from seasoned professionals, including artistic director Michael Nickerson-Rossi. This personalized guidance helps students refine their craft, build confidence, and chart a clear path toward their future goals in dance.
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Holistic Development
Beyond technique, the program emphasizes self-expression. Students gain life skills, such as time management, resilience, and teamwork, that serve them well both in and outside the studio.
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Performance and Visibility
With frequent showcases and events, students are not only gaining experience but they’re also being seen. This visibility can lead to future auditions, scholarships, and professional connections that are otherwise hard to secure at a young age.​​​​
