Audition Information 2025
Experience the Extraordinary!
Co-founded in 1987 by acclaimed New York City Ballet Principal dancer Daniel Duell, and former ballerina Patrica Blair, Ballet Chicago prides itself for its elite training program. The School curriculum is based on the ballet technique established by George Balanchine. Ballet Chicago is dedicated to providing each student with superior ballet training in a culture that fosters personal growth, and is known for its ability to transform dancers through highly focused guidance, correction, and validation.
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To be eligible for Ballet Chicago's Summer Programs, students must be 11 years or older and must demonstrate technical development appropriate to their age level. Students are evaluated throughout the Summer Programs and may be invited to attend the Annual Program. To be eligible for Ballet Chicago's Annual Programs, students must be 6 years or older and must demonstrate technical development appropriate to their age level. Learn more about Ballet Chicago's programs below.
5-Week Summer Intensive
6/23-7/25
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The Summer Intensive is open to dancers ages 11 and up. ​Ballet Chicago’s five-week Summer Intensive offers the serious ballet student an unparalleled training experience. Our comprehensive curriculum includes women’s and men’s technique in the Balanchine tradition, pointe, variations, Pilates, stretch, modern dance technique, classical Spanish dance, and pas de deux (for upper levels only).
2-Week Advanced Repertory Workshop
7/28-8/8
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Ballet Chicago’s two-week Advanced Repertory Workshop is a perfect complement to our five-week Summer Intensive. They are coached daily to gain the strength, purity of line, musicality, self-confidence, and focus that allows them to transform classroom technique into artistry. Acceptance to the Advanced Repertory Workshop is by audition only.
Junior Intensive
Session 1: June 16-20
Session 2: July 18-August 1
Session 3: August 4-8
Ballet Chicago’s Junior Intensive, designed for dancers ages 7 to 12, gives students the foundation necessary to excel. We inspire students to become excited about beautiful posture, and we teach them how to combine purity of form with expressiveness, increasing the capacity of their minds as well as their bodies.
WAYS TO AUDITION
VIDEO AUDITIONS: $30 Audition Fee
Video auditions are available to students who are unable to attend in person. Click below to fill out the online audition application through DanceApply. You will need to upload a photo in first arabesque and a headshot (school photos acceptable).
IN-CLASS AUDITION: $40 Audition Fee
In-class auditions are also available to students who are unable to attend one of our National Audition Tour dates. Students will be required to fill out an audition application upon arrival. Please bring a hard copy of a photo in first arabesque and a headshot (school photos acceptable). Dimensions for each photo must be smaller than 5" x 7". Cash or check is accepted for the $40 registration fee (made out to Ballet Chicago).