1. How do I get in to the summer program?

All students must audition for the Summer Course and Advanced Intensive.

2. Can I audition by sending a video?

Yes, all requirements must be met for a DVD or video audition. Click here to download the Video Audition Form.

3. What is the difference between the Summer Course and Advanced Intensive?

The Summer Course is five weeks long and provides a challenging and comprehensive training experience. The curriculum includes Technique, Pointe, Variations, Pas de Deux, Men's Technique, Weight Training for Men, Pilates, Stretch, Modern, and Character or Jazz.

The Advanced Intensive directly follows the Summer Course and is two weeks long. This program offers a challenging curriculum with a strong emphasis on learning and exploring established ballet repertory.

4. 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.

5. How do I get in to the Ballet Chicago Studio Company?

Those who audition for the year-round program are eligible for the Studio Company if accepted into Level 5 or Level 6. The Studio Company is a program of the School's curriculum and is not a paid position. Click here for more detailed information about the Ballet Chicago Studio Company.

6. What is the audition fee?

Auditions for our national audition tour have a $25.00 application fee. Pre-registrations for the audition tour have a discounted, non-refundable application fee of $20.00. If auditioning via DVD or video, the application fee is $35.00.

7. How do I register in advance for the national tour audition?

Dancers may register in advance online for the auditions during the national audition tour. The $20.00 audition fee is required in order to register in advance and is non-refundable. Advanced registrations for the auditions are not required, but are preferred.

8. What should I bring to the audition?

All applicants must bring the $25.00 audition fee (cash and checks made payable to Ballet Chicago are accepted). If you pre-registered for the audition, please bring your $20.00 advance audition fee receipt and completed audition application upon arrival. All dancers must provide a photo in first arabesque (no larger than 5" x 7") and a headshot (school photos are acceptable).

9. 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.

10. What is the dress code for the audition?

Girls 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. Black tights and black or white ballet shoes are preferred. No warm-ups allowed in the class.

11. 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, girls will be asked to do pointe work and men will be asked to do men's steps.

12. When will I be notified of the audition result?

All applicants are notified via email within two weeks after their audition date. If you have not received your notification after two weeks, please notify the Summer Course Administrator.

13. If accepted to the Summer Course and Advanced Intensive, can I attend only the Advanced Intensive?

Ballet Chicago generally requires that summer students enroll in the five-week Ballet Chicago Summer Course or other summer program of similar intensity and quality prior to the Advanced Intensive. We encourage you to attend both Ballet Chicago programs, as the Advanced Intensive is a continuation of the Summer Course and involves advanced pointe work, partnering classes, and repertory.

14. If accepted, can I attend only part of the Summer Course?

Ballet Chicago generally requires that students participate in the entire five weeks of the Summer Course.

15. Are there single or open classes at Ballet Chicago during the summer?

No, all students must be enrolled in the five-week Summer Course and/or two-week Advanced Intensive.

16. Is there housing during the Summer Course and/or Advanced Intensive?

Yes, chaperoned housing is available at the University Center dormitories located at 525 S. State Street. The meal plan is included in the housing cost.

17. Is there a performance at the end of the Summer Course and/or Advanced Intensive?

Yes, both the Summer Course and Advanced Intensive conclude with a performance.

18. 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. Scholarships are awarded on a case-by-case basis.

19. How many dance classes are there each day?

Depending on level placement, students will have 3-4 classes per day (Monday thru Friday) and 1 - 2 classes on Saturdays.

20. Do I need to be on pointe to participate in the Summer Course and/or Advanced Intensive?

The five-week summer course has a pre-pointe class for young students not yet on pointe. The Advanced Intensive requires all students to be on pointe.