Co-founded in 1987 by acclaimed dancer/choreographer Daniel Duell and former ballerina Patricia Blair, Ballet Chicago's mission is to educate and inspire young artists through the study of classical ballet, and in so doing, to lay a foundation of life skills that empowers each one to realize their full potential.
It is a place where the beauty of one's character is as important as the beauty of one's tendu, a place where diversity is intentional - where inner city, foster children, middle-class and those of great fortune stand side-by-side, although we will never tell you which is which.
It is a place where the beauty of one's character is as important as the beauty of one's tendu, a place where diversity is intentional - where inner city, foster children, middle-class and those of great fortune stand side-by-side, although we will never tell you which is which.
Services
Ballet Chicago is an internationally recognized professional track school of ballet that creates exceptional dancers and people. Ballet Chicago believes every aspiring artist deserves the opportunity to explore his or her full potential, and is committed to making classical ballet training accessible to all talented students who have the desire to dance.
Ballet Chicago Alumni are spanning the globe! Since 2001, when our first students began branching out on their own, they have joined companies, attended universities, become professional dancers, teachers, choreographers, actors and designers, doctors, lawyers, writers, business professionals in many areas, and most of all, wonderful human beings.
Ballet Chicago's Preparatory Division classes provide an inspired introduction to the arts with a focus on creativity, group interaction, motor skill development, and the joy of self-expression. For summer activity, Children's Theme Camps are offered for Preparatory Division Students.
Enrollment in the Ballet Chicago Preparatory Division includes the opportunity to perform in Ballet Chicago's annual production of The Nutcracker at the Athenaeum Theatre in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood.Preparatory Division students are encouraged to wear tutus and tiaras/tunics and crowns so that they can experience the full joy of being a young ballerina or future male danseur!
Enrollment in the Ballet Chicago Preparatory Division includes the opportunity to perform in Ballet Chicago's annual production of The Nutcracker at the Athenaeum Theatre in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood.Preparatory Division students are encouraged to wear tutus and tiaras/tunics and crowns so that they can experience the full joy of being a young ballerina or future male danseur!
Ballet Chicago's curriculum is carefully stepped and provides students with the foundation necessary to pursue a career in classical ballet. The technique is Balanchine-based and offers the most advanced training methods available to ballet dancers today. All classes are conducted by teachers experienced in developing young children and are accompanied by one of our expert class pianists.
Ballet Chicago's Professional Division offers advanced training for those wishing to pursue a career in ballet. A comprehensive curriculum consisting of women's technique and pointe, men's technique and weight training, pas de deux, repertory, pilates, gyrokinesis, and stretch classes. All PD students attend several classes each day and have the opportunity to become members of the Ballet Chicago Studio Company.
Reviews (8)
Javier Valencia
Aug 26, 2019
Report
Nutcracker 12/14
Nice theater, nice seats. We scored with free parking next door at the church parking lot (if you park on the nearby streets, be aware some have two-hour limits.
Casting was clever and inclusive. Was epecially amused by the single caucasian mom with seven kids at the opening Christmas party scene. Kids were especially talented. Some hits and misses with the main dancers, but really enjoyed the evening. It was fun to see so many spell-bound youngsters in the audience.
Nice theater, nice seats. We scored with free parking next door at the church parking lot (if you park on the nearby streets, be aware some have two-hour limits.
Casting was clever and inclusive. Was epecially amused by the single caucasian mom with seven kids at the opening Christmas party scene. Kids were especially talented. Some hits and misses with the main dancers, but really enjoyed the evening. It was fun to see so many spell-bound youngsters in the audience.
Holly Hanjra
Nov 14, 2018
Report
Carmen R.
Apr 07, 2016
Report
My daughter loves Ballet Chicago! The classes are great and the teachers very dedicated to instilling the love and passion for dance, along with excellent instruction and guidance.
The yearly performance of the Nutcracker is always very exciting and fun for the students. They get to showcase their hard work. The Spring performance in May is also fantastic.
The administrators Danny and Val are very nice and always willing to help and answer any questions you may have.
I know that Ballet Chicago is the best school for dance and I think you would agree.
The yearly performance of the Nutcracker is always very exciting and fun for the students. They get to showcase their hard work. The Spring performance in May is also fantastic.
The administrators Danny and Val are very nice and always willing to help and answer any questions you may have.
I know that Ballet Chicago is the best school for dance and I think you would agree.
Ila L.
Dec 09, 2015
Report
Stephanie P.
Jan 02, 2012
Report
Ballet Chicago is an amazing company. As an adult I have taken open division ballet classes at a few different dance companies, and all and all they have been alright, however I never felt a one on one connection with the teacher, and better yet I didn't feel like I ever really grasped what they where teaching me.
At Ballet Chicago I never once felt that way, I was able to see a clear improvement is my technique in a matter of weeks. They have different levels of classes and an convenient night schedule. The classes to me where challenging but yet I was able to grasp the combinations and
At Ballet Chicago I never once felt that way, I was able to see a clear improvement is my technique in a matter of weeks. They have different levels of classes and an convenient night schedule. The classes to me where challenging but yet I was able to grasp the combinations and
Love X.
Sep 12, 2010
Report
I really enjoy this place. They take dancing seriously. The directors are wonderful people. The place is a little bit intimidating at first (because it's run like a tight ship) but people will warm up to you at their own pace.
The new studios (never saw the old ones) are beautiful, and there are plenty of them. The locker rooms are great, and the showers are awesome! The bathroom is spacious and always clean, and reserved to dancers only. Everything is code-protected so you don't have to worry about theft here.
Watching the level 6 dancers can give you an idea to the caliber of training
The new studios (never saw the old ones) are beautiful, and there are plenty of them. The locker rooms are great, and the showers are awesome! The bathroom is spacious and always clean, and reserved to dancers only. Everything is code-protected so you don't have to worry about theft here.
Watching the level 6 dancers can give you an idea to the caliber of training
Robert H.
Jan 27, 2010
Report
As an adult beginner in ballet, I looked around for a school that I would feel both comfortable and receive competent instruction. I found this combination at Ballet Chicago. The studio space is very nice (19th floor). The instructor for adult ballet, William, is a natural teacher. Perhaps the space is not ultra modern like Joffrey's space, but the classes are not as crowded either. If substance is more important than style in your selection of a dance school then I would highly recommend you look in Ballet Chicago.
Muhammad A.
Aug 26, 2005
Report
