Understand that the New York City Ballet draws nearly all of its dancers from its educational affiliate, the School of American Ballet. Even the children who perform roles in seasonal classics such as "The Nutcracker" are students of this prestigious school.
Begin the process towards acceptance into the School of American Ballet by scheduling an audition. The school accepts students aged 6 to 18 years who have ballet training suitable for their age.
Plan to audition in one of the scheduled audition times offered by the School of American Ballet. These auditions are offered at different times each year and are generally arranged according to the age of the applying students (see Resources below).
Become fluent in the language of ballet by attending classes regularly, as well as studying French. The majority of terms in the art of ballet come from the dance's French origination, and it helps to have a firm grasp of this language in order to understand and follow directions offered by your instructors and ballet directors.
Know that even if you are selected to attend the School of American Ballet, there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to perform with the New York City Ballet. Young students are generally included in the winter season performances where children's roles are included in the cast. Older students may also be selected to perform as part of the New York City Ballet's ongoing lecture-demonstration series.
Understand that fewer than 10 individuals join the troupe of the New York City Ballet each year. In fact, throughout the course of its existence, there have only been 700 or so dancers in this distinguished ballet troupe.