Salt Creek Ballet

Salt Creek Ballet is a leading nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established in 1985 that operates both as a premier Chicagoland ballet school and pre-professional performance company. Located in Westmont, Illinois, the organization is dedicated to dance education and professional-quality performances founded upon the discipline and artistry of classical ballet, with the core belief that while not every student will become a professional dancer, every student deserves a professional dance education.

The school offers comprehensive ballet training for students of all ages starting from 2.5 years old through adult levels. The curriculum includes ballet, contemporary, character, modern, jazz, and tap classes organized into progression levels from youngest students through pre-professional training. Classes are available throughout the week with varying schedules, and enrollment is ongoing year-round allowing students to register at any time.

The pre-professional company provides high-level performing opportunities for area dancers through major annual productions. Past performances include full-length classical ballets such as The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Alice in Wonderland, Don Quixote, and the upcoming Cinderella. Productions feature world-class ballet artists, live orchestras, stunning costumes, and vibrant professional-quality sets. Performances are held at venues including the McAnich Arts Center.

Additional performing opportunities include Summer Camps, Summer Intensives, Winter Festivals, Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) competitions, Spring Recitals, and extensive Community Outreach programs. The organization offers Literature Through Dance residencies in schools, library programs, lecture demonstrations, and pre-performance group lectures that bring ballet education to the broader community.

The studio maintains a formal dress code and comprehensive policies for students and families. The faculty includes highly trained instructors and artistic directors Erica De La O and Kristopher Wojtera. The organization accepts both individual donors and corporate sponsors to support its nonprofit mission. Rolling auditions for the pre-professional company begin in January each season.