1. What is PUB, and what does it do?
PUB stands for Princeton University Ballet. It 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 with 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 too. However, most have had extensive ballet training in the past. Some PUB dancers dance with the dance department and others don’t.
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 too. However, most have had extensive ballet training in the past. Some PUB dancers dance with the dance department and others don’t.
3. What’s it like to be in PUB?
A. What is the time commitment like?
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. It is typically Saturday afternoon for about 3 hours and a fun time where everyone gets together, catches up, takes class, and sings to the music. 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 4 or 5 pieces and part-time members typically are in 2 or 3. Each piece usually has about 8 to 10 hours of rehearsal spread across the semester.
B. What is the social component like?
PUB also frequently has social events and members often become very close friends! From group dinners and movie nights to trips to NYC and more! In general, rehearsals are relaxed, lighthearted, efficient and fun.
C. What is the performing schedule like?
There is one big show at the end of each semester. During the week of the show, we rehearse frequently to produce the best possible show, so this week is a bit more of a time commitment. There are usually 2-4 shows depending on the production and venue. It is a great time to have friends and family come and enjoy all our hard work.
A. What is the time commitment like?
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. It is typically Saturday afternoon for about 3 hours and a fun time where everyone gets together, catches up, takes class, and sings to the music. 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 4 or 5 pieces and part-time members typically are in 2 or 3. Each piece usually has about 8 to 10 hours of rehearsal spread across the semester.
B. What is the social component like?
PUB also frequently has social events and members often become very close friends! From group dinners and movie nights to trips to NYC and more! In general, rehearsals are relaxed, lighthearted, efficient and fun.
C. What is the performing schedule like?
There is one big show at the end of each semester. During the week of the show, we rehearse frequently to produce the best possible show, so this week is a bit more of a time commitment. There are usually 2-4 shows depending on the production and venue. It is a great time to have friends and family come and enjoy all our hard work.
4. Are there other ways to dance on campus?
Yes! The dance department has a free, drop-in ballet class everyday at noon 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. These courses are for credit and students receive a pass, D, or F grade. There is also a show every fall with the dance department where they bring in other choreographers twice a week that is often enjoyable for PUB dancers. This is not for credit, but is organized through the dance department and is a more long term commitment than drop in class.
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 class everyday at noon 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. These courses are for credit and students receive a pass, D, or F grade. There is also a show every fall with the dance department where they bring in other choreographers twice a week that is often enjoyable for PUB dancers. This is not for credit, but is organized through the dance department and is a more long term commitment than drop in class.
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 buy snacks. But, if this is problematic for any member, they are encouraged to talk with the Business Manager to work something out.
Yes. There is typically a $30-40 membership fee per semester used to fund social activities and buy snacks. But, if this is problematic for any member, they are encouraged to talk with the Business Manager to work something out.
6. How can I join PUB?
A. Audition Process
PUB has an audition once a year. This year’s date and time will be announced shortly. We encourage any and everyone interested in PUB to come out! The audition is open to all students — not just freshmen!
B. What is it like?
The audition class will start with a technique class (barre and center, en flat), then have a brief pointe class, and have a short contemporary section at the end. Don’t worry if you don’t do pointe! Also, we know you have been backpacking in the woods for the past week on OA/CA and not in dance classes, so don’t worry if it’s been a while since you last danced! 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!
C. How will I get my audition results?
A few days after the audition, we will provide results to auditionees via email.
D. If I don’t join or don’t get in, can I still be a part?
Yes! Come to our shows! You can also help with the lighting, sound, or be stage manager. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram. Audition again next year!
A. Audition Process
PUB has an audition once a year. This year’s date and time will be announced shortly. We encourage any and everyone interested in PUB to come out! The audition is open to all students — not just freshmen!
B. What is it like?
The audition class will start with a technique class (barre and center, en flat), then have a brief pointe class, and have a short contemporary section at the end. Don’t worry if you don’t do pointe! Also, we know you have been backpacking in the woods for the past week on OA/CA and not in dance classes, so don’t worry if it’s been a while since you last danced! 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!
C. How will I get my audition results?
A few days after the audition, we will provide results to auditionees via email.
D. If I don’t join or don’t get in, can I still be a part?
Yes! Come to our shows! You can also help with the lighting, sound, or be stage manager. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram. Audition again next year!
7. I have more questions.
A. 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.
B. Can I watch videos of PUB?
Yes! We have a Youtube channel with videos from all our past shows! Check it out our Media Page and Princeton University Ballet on Youtube.
C. Where can I follow along?
Like us on Facebook at Princeton University Ballet, and follow us on Instagram at @puballet.
A. 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.
B. Can I watch videos of PUB?
Yes! We have a Youtube channel with videos from all our past shows! Check it out our Media Page and Princeton University Ballet on Youtube.
C. Where can I follow along?
Like us on Facebook at Princeton University Ballet, and follow us on Instagram at @puballet.