THE SCHOOL OF BALLET CHICAGO
When Daniel Duell and Patricia Blair founded the School of Ballet Chicago in 1995, they envisioned a place where dancers would receive exceptional training in a nurturing environment. Ballet Chicago’s mission remains centered on educating and inspiring young dancers, empowering each to realize their full potential with poise, passion, and purpose. Our efforts focus on our students' growth both as classical ballet dancers and as individuals equipped to navigate life's challenges. Renowned for rigorous training, we remain steadfast in ensuring that our students excel both in the studio and beyond.
Now in our 30th year, Ballet Chicago remains dedicated to positively impacting lives through the beauty and power of ballet. We remain committed to inspiring generations of dancers and audiences, ensuring that the impact and spirit of Ballet Chicago will endure far into the future.
THE BALLET CHICAGO STUDIO COMPANY
The Ballet Chicago Studio Company replicates a professional company experience and is recognized as one of the top training programs in the country. Through a special arrangement with the George Balanchine Trust, BCSC dancers participate in the Balanchine Repertory Project, offering them the rare opportunity to learn and perform the works of George Balanchine, one of the 20th century’s most influential classical choreographers. Mr. Balanchine, the founder of the School of American Ballet and the New York City Ballet, created more than 400 ballets, nearly all of which are considered masterpieces of American ballet.
In addition, BCSC dancers have the chance to showcase new works by some of the most talented choreographers in the profession. Few programs in the country offer as many opportunities to perform high-caliber roles on world-class stages as Ballet Chicago.
Since its inception, BCSC has presented over 400 performances across Chicago, the Midwest, and Canada, with annual seasons at the historic Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture in Lakeview and the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in downtown Chicago. All ballets performed, including Duell and Blair's exquisite production of The Nutcracker, are carefully selected to prepare dancers for the technical and artistic demands of a professional career. These performances enable dancers to build a curriculum vitae that feature a recognized repertoire known worldwide for its standard of excellence.
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All the ballets performed, including Duell and Blair's exquisite production of the Nutcracker, are intentionally selected to prepare the dancers for the technical and artistic demands of a professional career, and to provide a curriculum vitae that boasts a recognized repertoire known for its standard of excellence the world over. Since its inception, BCSC has given over 400 performances throughout Chicago, the Midwest and Canada, with annual seasons at the historic Athenaeum Center for Culture and Thought in Lakeview and Downtown at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance.
Serenade choreography by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust.
Photography by Ron McKinney Photography
THE BALANCHINE REPERTORY PROJECT
The Balanchine Repertory Project offers our students the opportunity to perform the repertoire of George Balanchine, the 20th century's most influential classical choreographer. Mr. Balanchine founded the School of American Ballet and the New York City Ballet, and is regarded as one of the most significant artistic influences in the world of ballet. A prolific artist, Mr. Balanchine created more than 400 ballets during his lifetime.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Ballet Chicago has a rich legacy of making the beauty of classical ballet accessible to people of all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. From the inner-city neighborhoods of Chicago to the outlying suburbs, approximately 10,000 people experience our programs and performance offerings each year. Our community outreach programs include:
The Gift of Dance - This program provides free tickets to our annual Nutcracker performances at the historic Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture and spring Balanchine + Beyond Series at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance.
The Nutcracker School Matinees - Our school matinee performances offer steeply discounted tickets to school children from the entire Chicago metropolitan area. In-school study guides are provided to enhance each child's theater experience.
Dance-Along Nutcracker - In collaboration with the City of Chicago and the Department of Cultural Affairs, we offer classes and free performances for children and families each December.
Gift of Dance Recipients and Collaborative Partners*
Alluvion
Anixter Center
The Art Institute of Chicago
Big Brothers Big Sisters Metro Chicago
Breakthrough Urban Ministries
BUILD, Inc
Chicago Academy for the Arts
Chicago Cares
Chicago Children's Choir
Chicago High School for the Arts
Chicago Hope Academy
Christopher House
College Mentoring Experience
Chicago Police Department
Chicago Public Schools
Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) Deneen School
CYC Educational Support Initiative
CYC Fellowship House
CYC Sidney Epstein
Deborah's Place
Deeply Rooted Dance Theater
Ensemble Español
Future World Learning Center
The Girl Scouts of America
Holy Family Ministry
Inner City Impact Cicero
International Music Foundation
I-Radha
Little Learners Academy
Logan Square Chamber of Commerce
Kenwood Academy
Kroc Center Chicago
Lawrence Hall
Maywood Fine Arts Center
Mercy Home for Boys and Girls
Momma Tribe
New Life Centers of Chicagoland
New Moms
Project Education Plus
Project Syncere
Recovery on Water
Tickets for Kids
Urban Prairie School
Salvation Army
Youth Crossroads, Inc
Jane Adams Resource Corporations
Vettix.org
