FAQs

Are second company members cast for all of the listed performances?

We hope you understand that we can not make any promises as far as casting goes.

What we can say is that we do our best to get every second company member as many possible opportunities to perform. With that being said, there may be instances for example, where there will be 3 casts of principal/soloists roles, and for the dancer to have the opportunity to dance the role, they will not perform all shows of the part. At times they may also perform corps de ballet parts opposite of the leading roles, but this depends on many factors in the grid.

Will there be partnering opportunities for second company members?

Yes. Pas Classes and Repertoire will include partnering.

Does the Sac Ballet have access to a gym to work out before or after classes?

Yes. There is a wellness room that has Pilates and Workout equipment that all Second Company dancers can use! It also consists of open space to stretch and condition, with props available to use inside the room. For cardio purposes there is a stationary spin bike.

Are there opportunities for supporting students in areas where they may need additional training outside of class? Private lessons? Costs?

We support all the dancers during their scheduled classes and rehearsal. If a dancer wants additional assistance, it is up to them to approach a teacher of their choice. Different teachers have different rates. We do not offer financial assistance for private lessons. If the teacher provides discounts, that is up to their discretion. If you are reserving a studio for a private lesson, there will be a small charge to the company.

Does Sac Ballet/staff help with developing audition videos for colleges/companies?

We provide career assistance with professionally trained coaches and our staff starting in the fall. We offer resume classes and editorial assistance for the development of audition materials, including video reels. We also provide letters or recommendations and provide an open door policy for individual meetings.

Can students book a studio to work on things to support performances? Prepare for auditions? Are there costs? Or just need to schedule?

They are able to schedule it to rehearse/film performances and to prepare for auditions for the following season, or following summer opportunities. Please note we do not support using a studio to rehearse/film for an audition that potentially impedes or would, if accepted, interrupt the current season.

If the dancer schedules a private with an instructor, it is the dancer’s responsibility as well as the instructor to make sure Sara Slocum, sslocum@sacballet.org, is notified to request both studio availability and rental amount prior to using the property of Sacramento Ballet at all times.

Please note: Order of events in scheduling studio space (whether rehearsing/filming with or without an instructor).

Arrange Private with Instructor of choice (If applicable).
Email Sara Slocum, sslocum@sacballet.org to request studio space, and rental rates.
Use available space for the purpose of rehearsing/filming only. Please do not use the studio space to socialize or hang out.

Is class mandatory for Second Company dancers?

Yes, all scheduled classes are mandatory for Second Company dancers, M-F.
Trainees are required to take pre-pro ballet technique class from 9:30-11:00AM, and contemporary class from 11:15AM-12:15PM every Saturday.
Saturday classes are optional/recommended for SB2 members.

Will there be extra classes trainees can take throughout the year after their scheduled day?

Academy classes start at 4:15 or 4:30PM, and you are welcome and encouraged to take them. Pas de deux class will also occur. Jorge Laico, Sacramento Ballet Academy Director, will provide more details/information on these classes. There are also numerous adult advanced classes and workshops available throughout the season.

I saw that small groups of trainees will take class with the company. How are these trainees chosen and do the groups change?

All trainees will rotate into company class a couple times a week. The groups are divided by alphabetical order. Therefore, each group will rotate into company class frequently.

What is the daily schedule like for Second Company?

M-F:

9:30-11:00 Technique Class

11:15 AM -1:10 PM – classes/rehearsals

1:10 PM- 2:00 PM – Lunch

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM – classes/rehearsals

Saturdays: (mandatory for trainees)

9:30 AM – 11:00 – Technique Class

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM – Contemporary Class

Please note: 5-6 weeks before opening night of main productions (Nutcracker, 1 other full length in February) with the main company, SBSC dancers are expected to extend their day to…

9:30 AM – 11:00 AM – Technique Class

2:10 PM – classes/rehearsals

2:10 PM – 3:15 PM – Lunch

3:15 PM – 6:10 PM – classes/rehearsals

Have trainees moved up to SB2 after one year?

Yes it is possible for trainees to move up to SB2 in one year.

How many performance opportunities are there each year?

Beer and Ballet Pre Show (10-14 show)
Nutcracker (10-14 shows)
February 2025 full-length alongside Main Company (4 shows)
Spring 2025 – Second Company Spring Repertoire Performances (2)
Spring 2025 – Choreographic Workshop (1-2 shows)
Spring 2025 – End of Year Sacramento Ballet School Performances (3-6 shows)
Outreach Performances for the Sacramento Ballet Community (3-8 shows)

Do you do a formalized assessment of the trainees at the beginning of their program to determine their physical needs? Looking at things like flexibility and strength, to determine any needs that they may have going into the program.

In the Fall and in the Spring, trainees will meet with the Program Director to discuss their progress, and to discuss their goals and plans for their future careers.

Will there be jazz classes and a need for jazz shoes?

Jazz shoes are optional for jazz classes/repertoire.

If the dancer knows they will be absent for particular classes/rehearsals, how does he/she/them report the absences?

We will have an absent request google form. The dancer can access this via a QR code on the SBSC call board, or via a link (which will be given at the start of the season). Please give at least 2 weeks prior to the first day of absence. In addition to the google form, an email to both Jill Krutzkamp SBSC Director and Rhodes Elliott, SBSC Rehearsal Director is expected. Please complete the google form (for record purposes) and the email at the same time. Staff will let you know as soon as possible if the request is granted.

How do we report an absence the day of classes/rehearsals

Please email the SBSC Director and the SBSC rehearsal director to notify them as soon as you know you will be absent that day. The notification needs to be emailed in writing, prior to the start of class that day. It is very important that proper staff are notified of any updates/changes in regards to your absence as well. The same applies if you will be late (for example: due to traffic). Again a google form is also mandatory for recording purposes even if it is a last minute same day absence.

What’s the parking situation like for Second company members?

There is free parking. The lot is on O street between 24th and 25th streets. You enter the gate from O St. and turn left in the parking lot. The entrance to the building is right behind the Sacramento Ballet sign.

Does Sac Ballet schedule outings for the students outside of class?

As an organization we do not offer outings for the second company. In our experience, the dancers plan their own outings.

Will there be other out of state dancers joining that we can connect with to coordinate housing?

Yes, we assist in exchanging contact information for any incoming or current students needing housing. Dancers are from all over the United States.

Do you provide suggestions for housing? Do you connect new trainees with other trainees for potential shared housing?

We have a document that we share which deals mostly with housing and other areas of discussion outside the realms of the day to day program. I do also provide a “Roommate Potential” shared google sheet that lists other incoming dancers looking for roommates.

Is the company affiliated with a college?

The company is not affiliated with a college. However many dancers take on-line college (since there are so many virtual options these days). While I danced professionally at Cincinnati Ballet and on-line wasn’t an option, I slowly took classes and organized independent studies with my college (University of Cincinnati). It took me more than the traditional 4 years, but I graduated. I graduated in 2011 before on-line programs were vast, so I am happy that pursuing professional ballet dancers have flexible options now.

Colleges in the area include Sacramento City College, Sacramento State and University of California Davis.

How old are most of your trainees?

17-21. 17 year olds generally turn 18 in the fall of their incoming year.

Do most of the trainees stay and move up in Sacramento’s company, or is it more common for them to leave and find jobs at other places?

Every year will be slightly different depending on how many company spots are open. We do want to make sure that every dancer coming into the program will be invested in on a personal level. Last season, Anthony Krutzkamp, promoted all 3 females in SB2 to the main company. That will definitely not be the case every year, but the point being made is that we invest in our dancers. Other dancers, especially if they ask for help, receive our assistance in finding other jobs elsewhere if spots are not available here at Sacramento Ballet.

What support services do you offer to your trainees if they have a skeletal-muscular concern? Do you have a physical therapist or trainer that is available to assess, make recommendations, or potentially work with a trainee dancer if there is a need?

I provide a referral sheet of PT’s, chiropractors, ART specialists, Massage therapists, Manual Therapists, Gyrotonics and Pilates Instructors (including myself) at the start of the program. We have a wellness room that all dancers can use at no cost. We do not provide PT’s or medical specialists on site. The dancer must pay via personal insurance or self-pay unless a consultation is needed.

Is the public transportation system reliable and safe?

Generally yes, although like any public transportation system there are delays and safety issues depending on the time of day. Sacramento is a very bikeable city though so some dancers do ride their bikes. Sacramento Ballet is located in Midtown, and there are many houses/apartments to rent in walking distance.