Skip to main content
Academics
Go to Search Page

Dance, Professional Training, Undergraduate Certificate

Program Overview

The Professional Training Undergraduate Certificate, offered in conjunction with Charlotte Ballet, is a unique partnership that provides students with professional ballet training while earning a college degree. Open by audition, the two-year certificate provides classes with expert teachers at the Charlotte Ballet, where they take advanced levels of ballet technique, pas de deux and pointe/variations classes. Training in a professional dance environment puts students in contact with internationally acclaimed teachers and gives an exclusive glimpse into the professional world of dance.

Department of Dance

Program Contact

Delia Neil

Director of the Charlotte Ballet Professional Training Certificate Program and Associate Professor of Dance

dlneil@charlotte.edu

Still trying to decide?

Want to learn more about UNC Charlotte? Fill out the form for information on the university, application process, events and more. For specific program questions, contact the program representative listed above.

Loading…

Apply Now

Start your application today and discover the opportunities that await you at UNC Charlotte.

Apply Now

Professional Training Certificate at a Glance

Certificate students are selected by audition. Students must apply and be admitted to UNC Charlotte and be enrolled full-time in any academic program. The program is equivalent to 16 hours over 4 semesters. Certificate students pay no additional fees beyond UNC Charlotte tuition to be part of the program. The certificate is awarded upon completion of the baccalaureate degree. Pre-college credit is also available to high school students through this program.

delivery
On-campus
Total Credit Hours
16 Credit Hours
duration
4 semesters

Admission & Audition Information

The two-year Professional Training Certificate Program is open by audition to students in any academic major. You can apply in-person during one of our dates listed below, or submit a video audition. Video auditions should be no longer than 10 minutes in length and must include a live introduction with your name, age, years of study and current place of study. Center work including adagio, petit allegro, grand allegro, pirouettes (en dehors/ en dedans). Pointe work for women including pirouettes. Men should show tour en l’air and allegro that includes beats and pirouettes.

Register for an audition
  • AUDITION FEE: $40
  • IN-PERSON AUDITION DATES: Info on auditions dates for the 2026/27 academic year are coming soon.
  • CONTACT: Contact Program Coordinator Delia Neil for more information.
  • ADMISSIONS: Admission and progression requirements and all program requirements, including a list of classes, can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog.

See past concerts

Students have the opportunity to perform in two fully produced concerts a year choreographed by faculty and renowned guest artists, in addition to their training at Charlotte Ballet.

See More Past Concerts

    Hear from a certificate student

    In conjunction with Charlotte’s professional dance company, Charlotte Ballet, UNC Charlotte offers a Professional Training Certificate in Dance for degree seeking students specializing in ballet performance. Hear from a certificate student!

    Watch More

    Dance in the center of our vibrant city

    Charlotte Ballet is located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, allowing students to experience the professional world of dance and our culturally vibrant city first-hand. Students make professional connections, perform works in University concerts and observe the work of Charlotte Ballet, a world-class ballet company with an ambitious repertory of contemporary ballets, Balanchine works and classical ballets.

    Learn more about Charlotte Ballet
    Melody at the ballet bar

    “I’m really thankful that I’m in the Professional Training program because it’s important to consistently take classes. I don’t want to lose my technique while studying both dance and criminal justice in school. I’m also going to be certified with the company itself. I get to be around a lot of good dancers and professional dancers, and if I take that to my advantage, I can use it to apply to my choreography or become a teacher, make my own studio.”

    Melody Shanahan

    B.A. in Applied Dance, Bachelor in Criminal Justice and Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Training with Charlotte Ballet

    Studio Tours

    We welcome the opportunity to get to know prospective students and their families. Schedule a studio tour with the Department of Dance!

    Tour our studios

    Discover other programs of dance study

    Register for an In-Person Campus Visit

    Experience the heart of UNC Charlotte with our in-person campus visits. Register for a First-Year Student Info Session and Tour offered daily — an unmissable opportunity to live the Niner life.

    Schedule A Tour

    Explore Official University Catalog

    Check out the official catalog for information on specific degree requirements, course progressions, curriculum and more.

    Visit Catalog