How do I get in to the summer program?
All students must audition for the Summer Intensive and Adavanced Repertory Workshop.
Can I audition for the summer and year-round programs at the same time?
Yes. Indicate this on the application at the time of the audition. Students may also audition for the Ballet Chicago Studio Company during the National Audition Tour.
How do I get into the Ballet Chicago Studio Company?
Those who audition and are accepted to the Professional Division are eligible for admittance to the Ballet Chicago Studio Company. The Studio Company is a program of the School's curriculum and is not a paid position.
What is the audition fee?
Auditions for our National Audition Tour have a $30.00 application fee.
How do I register in advance for the National Audition Tour?
Dancers may register in advance online for the auditions during the National Audition Tour.
Advanced registrations for the auditions are not required, but are preferred.
What should I bring to the audition?
All applicants must bring the $30.00 audition fee (cash and checks made payable to Ballet Chicago are accepted). If you pre-registered for the audition, please bring your audition fee receipt upon arrival.All dancers must provide a photo in first arabesque
(no larger than 4" x 6") and a head shot (school photos are acceptable).
Which age group should I audition with if I am one age at the time of the audition and a different age during the Summer Program?
Audition with the group that is of your age at the time of audition.
What is the dress code for the audition?
Women may wear any color leotard. Pink tights and pink ballet shoes are required. No skirts or warm-ups in the class. Hair must be tidy and completely off the face. Men may wear any solid color t-shirt without words or pictures. Grey or black tights and white ballet shoes are preferred. No warm-ups allowed in the class.
What does an audition consist of?
Ballet Chicago's auditions include a full ballet technique class for all auditionees; no one is cut from any portion of the class. At the end of the class, women will be asked to do pointe work and men will be asked to do men's steps.
When will I be notified of the audition result?
All applicants are notified via email within one week after their audition date. If you have not received your notification within one week please notify Krystle Simmons at ksimmons@balletchicago.org or call 312-251-8838.
If accepted to the Summer Intensive and Advanced Repertory Workshop, can I attend only the Advanced Workshop?
Ballet Chicago generally requires that summer students enroll in the five-week Ballet Chicago Summer Intensive or other summer programs of similar intensity and quality prior to the Advanced Repertory Workshop. We encourage you to attend both Ballet Chicago programs, as the Advanced Repertory Workshop is a continuation of the Summer Intensive and involves advanced pointe work, partnering classes, and repertory.
If accepted, can I attend only part of the Summer Intensive or Advanced Workshop?
Ballet Chicago generally requires that students participate in the entire five weeks of the Summer Intensive and the full two weeks of the Advanced Repertory Workshop.
Are there single or open classes at Ballet Chicago during the summer?
No, all students must be enrolled in the five-week Summer Intensive and/or two-week Advanced Repertory Workshop.
Is there scholarship or financial aid available?
Financial aid is available to select students who qualify. Please indicate on the audition application that you would like to receive financial aid information. Merit Scholarships are awarded on a case-by-case basis.
How many dance classes will I take?
All students have 5 classes per day, Monday through Friday plus “Meet the Artist” on Saturday. The three most advanced levels have an optional Saturday morning technique class, and there’s even Family Yoga twice each week
Do I need to be on pointe to participate in the Summer Intensive and/or Advanced Repertory Workshop?
The five-week summer intensive has a pre-pointe class for young students not yet on pointe. The Advanced Repertory Workshop requires all students to be on pointe.
How many pointe shoes should I plan on bringing to the program?
That will depend on how fast you go through your shoes - that is individual.
When will I be assigned my level?
Levels will be pre-assigned and dancers will be evaluated during the first week.
What is the average class size?
The average class size is 20-30 students per level.