Ballet Chicago’s Summer Intensive Program is known for its focus on George Balanchine’s

repertory and its unwavering commitment to artistic and technical excellence. With small class sizes, students benefit from personalized attention and detailed corrections— an exceptional level of instruction rarely found in larger programs.

Our studio is located in the heart of Chicago’s South Loop, a vibrant area that hosts many of the city’s iconic attractions, such as the Art Institute of Chicago, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum of Natural History, Grant Park, Millennium Park, and the Chicago Lakefront. Additionally, it is within walking distance of Navy Pier and the Magnificent Mile.

Auditions are held during our National Audition Tour. We prefer for students to audition in person, but we also accept audition videos via DanceApply. Video specifications and submission instructions are available on DanceApply and also here: Ballet Chicago Video Auditions

Yes! Indicate your interest when you submit your audition application. Dancers who attend

our summer programs are eligible for admission to the year-round program.

Admission to the Ballet Chicago Studio Company is open to those who audition and are

accepted into the Professional Division. Please note that the Studio Company is part of the School’s curriculum and is not a paid position.

Audition with the group corresponding to your age at the time of the audition.

$40 audition fee (cash or check payable to Ballet Chicago)

Pre-registration receipt (if applicable)

A photo in first arabesque (4”x6”) and a headshot

Female-Identifying Dancers: Any solid color leotard, flesh-tone tights, ballet slippers, pointe shoes (if applicable)

Male-Identifying Dancers: Solid-color t-shirt, grey/black tights, white ballet shoes

Ballet Chicago’s auditions include a full ballet technique class for all auditionees. No one is cut from any portion of the class. Women will be asked to do pointe work and men will be asked to do men’s steps.

Applicants will be notified via email within approximately two weeks of their audition date. If you have not received your notification within two weeks please check your spam folder. If it’s not there, notify balletchicago@balletchicago.org or call 312-251-8838.

Placement classes will be held on the first day of the program.

Classes: 4 per day (Mon-Fri), 2 on Saturdays

Extras: Lectures on foot care, injury prevention, nutrition, street safety, and artistic seminars

Yes, although typically, students must complete the Summer Intensive or an equivalent program before joining the 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.

Yes, Ballet Chicago offers safe, supervised housing for dancers ages 12 and older at

University Center, located at 525 South State Street. This secure building is approximately

five blocks from Ballet Chicago. Dancers are accommodated in semi-quad rooms

(four dancers per suite, two per bedroom), with all Ballet Chicago dancers housed on

the same floor. Four adult resident chaperones live on-site to supervise residents

and ensure their safety and security. Parents of dancers under 18 can select from

three levels of chaperone supervision: fully chaperoned, group, or buddy system.

University Center features an exercise room, free laundry facilities, and lounges

on each floor. Each suite includes cable TV, wireless internet access, microwaves, and dorm-sized refrigerators.

The housing rate includes breakfast and dinner (brunch on weekends and holidays).

The dining hall offers a variety of healthy food options and accommodates vegan,

vegetarian, and other dietary needs, including allergies. Housing availability is

limited and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dorm activities include trips to iconic Chicago attractions, such as the

Art Institute of Chicago, Shedd Aquarium, Grant Park Music Festival, Lincoln Park Zoo, North Avenue Beach, and boat tours of the Chicago River.

Yes, financial aid is available to qualified students. Students must register for the program

prior to applying for financial aid. Merit scholarships are determined during the

audition tour. Financial aid and scholarships can be applied to tuition and do not cover housing or other expenses.

Ballet Chicago does not provide refunds or credits for missed classes, withdrawals, or

dismissals from the program. By registering for any Ballet Chicago program, parents/students accept responsibility for the full payment amount as stated in Ballet Chicago’s materials and agree to comply with any established payment plans or schedules.

Ballet Chicago admits students of any race, ethnicity, color, gender identity or presentation, sex, sexual orientation, religion, immigration status, and sensory or mental disability to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of the aforementioned in administration of its education policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, performance casting, or any other school administered programs.