Support Ballet Chicago
With your support, Ballet Chicago will continue to enrich Chicago’s cultural landscape.
The Nutcracker
Our annual production of The Nutcracker features 10 public performances, including a Sensory-Friendly show and an educational matinee. With a cast of over 100 dancers, the production takes place at both the Athenaeum Center and the Harris Theater for Music and Dance.
Balanchine + Beyond Spring Series
Ballet Chicago’s Spring Series at the Harris Theater showcases iconic ballets by George Balanchine, alongside original works by Artistic Director Daniel Duell and Resident Choreographer Ted Seymour.
DanceVision
DanceVision is a dynamic program that empowers emerging choreographers to create exhilarating new works performed by the Ballet Chicago Studio Company in collaboration with the Merit School of Music.
The Gift of Dance
We believe the arts should be accessible to all. That’s why we started The Gift of Dance, a program that reaches thousands of people in all Chicago neighborhoods providing children, families, seniors, and veterans free tickets to our critically acclaimed performances. Recipients include the Boys & Girls Club, Family Focus, Make-a-Wish Illinois, Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, Tickets for Kids,
and VetTix.
The Philip and Marsha Dowd Merit Scholarship Fund
The Philip and Marsha Dowd Merit Scholarship Program was established in 2002 to provide scholarship opportunities for gifted students. Students are selected based on their talent, technique, potential, and commitment.
Dance for Tomorrow Scholarship Fund
Financial aid scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and awards are reassessed annually.
Male Scholarship Fund
Ballet Chicago’s Male Scholarship Fund supports young men and boys
interested in dance by providing high-quality ballet training with up to 100% tuition assistance. Many male students have launched successful dance careers through this transformative program.
Special Events
Join us for Ballet Chicago’s two highlight celebrations each year—the glamorous Sunset Soirée every Fall and our elegant Annual Spring Gala. These unforgettable events raise vital funds that fuel our performance and training programs, scholarships, and General Operating Fund. Celebrate with us and make a difference!
Masterworks Society
Ballet Chicago’s premier giving group, the Masterworks Society, honors our most loyal annual supporters. Named for our deep roots in the Balanchine tradition, the Society reflects our artistic excellence and unique access to George Balanchine’s celebrated works.
Photo Credit Ron McKinney and Margo Hawk