Mission

Ballet Chicago

...where artistic excellence and content of character forge the next generation.

 

Mission:  Ballet Chicago is committed to sharing the transformative power of ballet with a broad, diverse audience, fostering a lifelong love for the arts and enriching Chicago’s cultural landscape. Through expert training, high-quality performances, and community engagement, we pursue artistic excellence to inspire future generations of dancers and audiences.

 

History and Background: Founded in 1987 by acclaimed dancer and educator Daniel Duell and former ballerina Patricia Blair, Ballet Chicago has become a leading institution for classical ballet training in the Midwest. For over 30 years, it has nurtured thousands of aspiring dancers, many of whom have pursued professional careers with top ballet companies across the nation and around the world. Ballet Chicago maintains a reputation for excellence in both training and performance while remaining committed to accessibility and inclusion in every aspect of its work.

 

George Balanchine Trust: Through a unique partnership with the George Balanchine Trust, Ballet Chicago students learn and perform a repertoire typically reserved for professional companies. Ballet Chicago co-founder Daniel Duell danced under Mr. Balanchine’s direction at the New York City Ballet from 1972 to 1987, and Balanchine choreographed several pieces for Duell during this period. Both Mr. Duell and Ms. Blair are répétiteurs for the Balanchine Trust, a designation that enables them to teach and stage Balanchine’s ballets, which they have done not only for Ballet Chicago but also for professional companies worldwide.

 

Educational Programs:  Ballet Chicago offers a comprehensive range of programs serving students, audiences, and the broader community. Our educational programming advances our mission to make classical ballet accessible while fostering artistic excellence. We provide twelve months of high-quality ballet training for dancers ages 3 and up, welcoming students from Chicago, across the nation, and around the world. Through a year-round curriculum led by exceptional instructors, Ballet Chicago serves both local students and those pursuing our rigorous pre-professional program, removing barriers to participation and creating pathways for young people from diverse backgrounds to engage deeply with the art form. Our programs strengthen the cultural fabric of our community by cultivating disciplined artists, confident individuals, and future leaders who carry the values of collaboration, perseverance, and creative expression beyond the studio.