The Data-Driven Top School List (The “Corona Season” 2020 – 2021)

What schools are best at getting students into top American ballet companies? Our Instagram - @datapointes For the vast majority, ballet training does not lead to a sustained career as a professional ballet dancer. To have a shot at the top, you likely had to do at least one of these three things: 1. Go … Continue reading The Data-Driven Top School List (The “Corona Season” 2020 – 2021)

Second Company, Professional Division, Trainee Programs (Part 1)

How common is it for dancers to join second company-like programs in 26 American ballet companies? Our Instagram - @datapointes Over the past decades, various programs have popped up bringing students straight out of training schools into company life. These programs take students in their late teens to early twenties when professional ambitions are more … Continue reading Second Company, Professional Division, Trainee Programs (Part 1)

A Role for Data in Ballet

Data on dance and specifically ballet is largely private, kept for internal review within arts organizations. So when I began this project, the role of data collection in ballet was unclear. The task seemed intractable. Limited information, spread out between many, many company websites. What insight could be gained? Would there be anything meaningful at … Continue reading A Role for Data in Ballet