A ballet master’s job combines management and artistic vision, as the master not only organizes a ballet company’s personnel, but also frequently takes the lead in selecting a program, choreography, and dancer training. Almost every ballet company in the world has a ballet master who serves as the organization’s director. He or she is in charge of nearly all internal operations of the company, including performances and dancer selection. A ballet master’s job description usually includes close collaboration with the company’s marketing director, artistic director, and financial officers to ensure a streamlined and profitable operation.
Ballet companies generate revenue from two sources: performances and endowments. The only thing that matters to masters is that they put on a good show. They are, in many ways, the leaders of ballet companies, as they are in charge of selecting, training, and staging dancers. Almost all are professional ballet dancers, with the majority having performed professionally for years before being named or elected to the position of “master.” Prior dance experience is nearly always at the top of a ballet master’s list of requirements.
The master, in most companies, is the one who decides on the year’s schedule. He or she chooses which ballets will be performed and how many times they will be performed. Each show is then cast by the master, who chooses the lead ballerinas and danseurs. He or she is usually in charge of finding new dancers, auditioning potential newcomers, and disciplining dancers who don’t meet expectations.
The choreography for performances is also chosen and set by a ballet master. Basic choreography exists for most established ballets, but it is not required to be followed to the letter. Master dancers have the power to change even established staging to make the show more unique and dynamic, as well as to capitalize on the individual dancers’ strengths.
The master must then teach and train the dancers once the staging is complete. Extensive rehearsals are usually used to provide this training. The dancers will be taught the steps by the masters, who will then train and drill them until their movements match the master’s vision for the show.
Not every rehearsal focuses on the same choreography. A ballet master is also in charge of the general fitness and overall training of his or her troupe. This frequently entails leading exercises, promoting cross training, and leading non-scripted dance workouts.
The responsibilities of a ballet master extend beyond the stage. The master must represent the dancers in meetings with other company officials, such as marketing directors, artistic and costuming managers, and financial affairs officers, as president of the troop. The master is essentially the stage’s voice. To be successful, a ballet company must ensure that all voices are heard when major decisions are made.