Chicago Ballet Arts

Chicago Ballet Arts is a nonprofit arts organization offering inclusive, pre-professional ballet training for students ages 2 through adults in Evanston, Illinois. Founded in 1986, CBA was created to infuse the rigor of a pre-professional dance program with an inclusive, nurturing environment, providing access and opportunity to high-quality ballet training for all with the desire to learn.

The school features a Balanchine-influenced curriculum with live piano accompaniment by skilled musicians. The highly experienced faculty provides individual attention in small class sizes, allowing students to progress technically and artistically while developing a lifelong love for the arts. CBA served Chicago’s north and northwest neighborhoods for over 34 years before moving to Evanston in fall 2020.

Programs include the Preparatory Division for ages 2-5, Pre-Professional Division for ages 5-18 with progressive levels, Adult Division for ages 18+ on a drop-in basis, and two performance ensembles. The Pre-Professional Division offers a full schedule including modern, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop classes. Students participate in multiple performance opportunities throughout the year, including the Annual Concert and Winter Showcase.

CBA alumni have gone on to prestigious university dance programs and professional dance careers, and current students are accepted into some of the country’s top summer intensives each year. The school is proud to continue its dedication to quality, diversity, inclusion, and community. Free trial classes are available for prospective students, and complimentary classes are offered for Northwestern students in the Adult Division.