1. What is PUB, and what does it do?
Princeton University Ballet (PUB) is Princeton’s very own student-run ballet company. PUB puts on two main stage shows a year and many other smaller performances. PUB dancers perform classical ballets en pointe, contemporary pieces, works by guest choreographers, and everything in between. Students run the whole show from start to finish — creating the choreography, programming the show, and managing the company!
2. Who is in PUB?
PUB is made of all students — just like you, from all different majors, residential colleges, and eating clubs. PUB dancers come from all different dance backgrounds and many have had extensive ballet training in the past.
PUB is made of all students — just like you, from all different majors, residential colleges, and eating clubs. PUB dancers come from all different dance backgrounds and many have had extensive ballet training in the past.
3. As a member of PUB, what is the time commitment?
PUB’s time commitment can vary. We have company class once a week that all members come to where we take class and run pieces. Then, depending on how many pieces a member is in they will have other rehearsals throughout the week. A full-time member is typically in 3 pieces and part-time members typically are in 1 or 2. Each piece usually has about 8 to 10 hours of rehearsal spread across the semester.
4. Does PUB have a social component outside of the studio?
PUB frequently has social events, from group dinners and movie nights to trips to NYC and more! In general, rehearsals are relaxed, lighthearted, efficient and fun.
5. What is the performing schedule like?
There is one main show towards the end of each semester. During the week of the show, we rehearse daily and there are usually 2 to 4 shows. Depending on the semester, there may be other smaller performances and video projects throughout.
PUB’s time commitment can vary. We have company class once a week that all members come to where we take class and run pieces. Then, depending on how many pieces a member is in they will have other rehearsals throughout the week. A full-time member is typically in 3 pieces and part-time members typically are in 1 or 2. Each piece usually has about 8 to 10 hours of rehearsal spread across the semester.
4. Does PUB have a social component outside of the studio?
PUB frequently has social events, from group dinners and movie nights to trips to NYC and more! In general, rehearsals are relaxed, lighthearted, efficient and fun.
5. What is the performing schedule like?
There is one main show towards the end of each semester. During the week of the show, we rehearse daily and there are usually 2 to 4 shows. Depending on the semester, there may be other smaller performances and video projects throughout.
4. Are there other ways to dance on campus?
Yes! The dance department has a free, drop-in ballet classes several days a week that many PUB dancers love to take to keep in shape and to improve their technique. There are also many dance courses offered through the dance department. In the fall, these classes are typically more contemporary and in the spring they are often a bit more classical, but this varies. There is typically an advanced ballet course offered for credit in the spring. There is also a show every fall with the dance department featuring work by guest choreographers that PUB dancers are often involved in.
Many PUB dancers also dance in other student run dance groups! Dancers are free to dance in any other group (like BAC, BodyHype, diSiac or eXpressions) if they would like to.
Yes! The dance department has a free, drop-in ballet classes several days a week that many PUB dancers love to take to keep in shape and to improve their technique. There are also many dance courses offered through the dance department. In the fall, these classes are typically more contemporary and in the spring they are often a bit more classical, but this varies. There is typically an advanced ballet course offered for credit in the spring. There is also a show every fall with the dance department featuring work by guest choreographers that PUB dancers are often involved in.
Many PUB dancers also dance in other student run dance groups! Dancers are free to dance in any other group (like BAC, BodyHype, diSiac or eXpressions) if they would like to.
5. Do I have to pay to be in PUB?
Yes. There is typically a $30-40 membership fee per semester used to fund social activities and performance expenses. But, if this is problematic for any member, they are encouraged to talk with the Business Manager and the fee may be waived.
Yes. There is typically a $30-40 membership fee per semester used to fund social activities and performance expenses. But, if this is problematic for any member, they are encouraged to talk with the Business Manager and the fee may be waived.
6. How can I join PUB?
Audition process: PUB has an audition at the beginning of each semester. We encourage any and everyone interested in PUB to come out! The audition is open to all students — not just freshmen! The audition class will start with a technique class (barre and center), then a brief pointe section, followed by a short contemporary section at the end. Don’t worry if you don’t do pointe! Wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Typically people wear a leotard with pink or black tights, shorts or a skirt. Bring a water bottle and a smile! You will have a number at the audition, but it is a more laid-back and casual environment than the typical ballet audition. We just want to see you move! Audition results will be sent via email a few days after the audition.
Audition process: PUB has an audition at the beginning of each semester. We encourage any and everyone interested in PUB to come out! The audition is open to all students — not just freshmen! The audition class will start with a technique class (barre and center), then a brief pointe section, followed by a short contemporary section at the end. Don’t worry if you don’t do pointe! Wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Typically people wear a leotard with pink or black tights, shorts or a skirt. Bring a water bottle and a smile! You will have a number at the audition, but it is a more laid-back and casual environment than the typical ballet audition. We just want to see you move! Audition results will be sent via email a few days after the audition.
7. I have more questions. Who can I talk to?
Feel free to send an email to our president, Lucy Sirrs (lsirrs@princeton.edu) or via our Contact Page with any questions you may have. Find out more about PUB from our YouTube channel and Instagram page @puballet.
Feel free to send an email to our president, Lucy Sirrs (lsirrs@princeton.edu) or via our Contact Page with any questions you may have. Find out more about PUB from our YouTube channel and Instagram page @puballet.