Most ballet dancers begin their professional career in their late teens, when other young people are beginning college or career training. Working as a dancer requires a full time commitment, with little opportunity for outside employment or continuing education. By age 30, the typical ballet dancer is already approaching retirement. When most people are well established in a career, the dancer faces embarking on a whole new career path. This may be a difficult task, particularly when the transition comes unexpectedly, as when a serious injury suddenly ends a career.
The Dancers’ Trust Fund was founded by the dancers and friends of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre to assist their fellow dancers with sometimes a difficult transition. Since its inception in 1993, the Trust has given more that $80,000 in tuition assistance, helping many dancers to complete their educations and become established in successful new careers.