Ballet Chicago

Ballet Chicago is the premier Balanchine-based ballet school of the Midwest, where artistic excellence and content of character forge the next generation of dancers. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago at 17 N. State Street, this distinguished institution has been nurturing the talents of ballet students for decades, attracting dancers from across the city, state, nation, and globe.

Ballet Chicago is a place where the beauty of one’s character is as important as the beauty of one’s tendu, where diversity is intentional, and where students of all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds dance side-by-side as one. The school offers comprehensive annual programs divided into three divisions: the Preparatory Division for younger students, the Student Division for intermediate-level dancers, and the Professional Division for advanced students pursuing serious ballet training.

The Ballet Chicago Studio Company, established in 1997 and composed of advanced-level students, provides essential performing experience that replicates a professional dance company. The Studio Company performs regularly throughout metropolitan Chicago, with a repertory primarily consisting of works by George Balanchine, whose ballets are historically significant and performed by dance companies worldwide. Through this accelerated performance training program, Studio Company members receive years of performing experience by the time they are ready to pursue professional dance careers.

The school also offers intensive Summer Programs and conducts a National Audition Tour to identify talented young dancers across the country. Ballet Chicago maintains five spacious, light-filled studios for classes and rentals, each featuring marley-covered sprung floors, mirrors, pianos, and professional-grade sound systems. The seven-week Summer Intensive features ballet, modern/jazz, contemporary, and Spanish dance, plus enriching cultural excursions to Chicago landmarks including the Art Institute, Millennium Park, Field Museum, and nearby Broadway shows.

Through the Gift of Dance program, Ballet Chicago gives back to the community by donating performance tickets to organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, and Vet Tix. Ballet Chicago is committed to providing access to world-class ballet education while fostering a diverse, inclusive community of young artists.