Student Handbook
Table of Contents
1) Profile The School of Ballet Chicago The Ballet Chicago Studio Company The Balanchine Repertory Project CommunityOutreachandEducationalProgramServices
2-3) ArtisticDirection DanielDuell,ArtisticDirector Patricia Blair, Director of the School of Ballet Chicago Ted Seymour, Resident Choreographer
4) AdmissionInformation Evaluations Promotions Attendance Tardiness Absences
5) Programs PreparatoryDivision StudentDivision ProfessionalDivision Career Counseling
6) PerformanceOpportunities PreparatoryandStudentDivision ProfessionalDivisionandBalletChicagoStudioCompany
7) SummerTraining Children’s Programs Children’s Theme Camps JuniorIntensive Summer Programs Ballet Chicago Boot Camp Five-WeekSummerIntensive Two-WeekAdvancedIntensive
17NStateSt,Suite1900,Chicago,IL60602•P312-251-8838•F312-251-8840•www.balletchicago.org
8) RegistrationandTuition PreparatoryDivision StudentDivision ProfessionalDivision
9) DressRequirements
10-12) PoliciesandProcedures Code of Conduct Building Rules Attire Photography and Videography Publicity Dressing Rooms Casting Communication Callboard Website School Closings Liability
13) SchoolCalendar Semester Schedule Important Dates Auditions Dress up Days Performances Holidays
14) SupportingBalletChicago
Profile
TheSchoolofBalletChicago BalletChicagoisaninternationallyrecognizedprofessional-trackschoolofballetdedicatedtorigoroustechnicaltraininginaculturethatfosterspersonalgrowth.Co-foundedin1988byacclaimeddancer/artisticdirectorDanielDuellandformerballerinaPatriciaBlair,BalletChicagobelieveseveryaspiringartistdeservestheopportunitytoexplorehisorherfullestpotential,andstrivestomakeclassicalballettrainingaccessibletoalltalentedstudentswhohavethedesiretodance.
TheSchoolcurriculumisbasedontheballettechniqueestablishedbyGeorgeBalanchine,whorevolutionizedtheartformbyexpandingandstreamliningthefundamentalsofclassicalballet.BalletChicagoisknownforitsabilitytotransformdancersthroughhighlyfocusedguidance,correction,andvalidationforeachstudent.Teachingimpeccabletechniqueandfundamentallifeskills,ourstudentsgoontofindsuccessindance,aswellasanyotherendeavortowardwhichtheirpassionmaytakethem.
LocatedintheheartofdowntownChicago,BalletChicagooffersclassesforstudentsagethreethroughadult.Ourfacilityfeaturesfivesunlight-drenchedstudios,allwithsprungfloors,pianos,andHarlequinslip-resistantvinylflooring.Alsofeaturedaremoderndressingroomswithshowers,groundfloorlobbywithsecurity,and19thfloorreception.
BalletChicagoisa501(c)3non-profitorganization. TheBalletChicagoStudioCompanyComposedofadvanced-levelstudentsfromtheSchoolofBalletChicago,theBalletChicagoStudioCompanyreplicatesaprofessionalcompanyexperience.ThedancersperformmasterpiecerepertoireintheatersthroughouttheChicagometropolitanarea.EachDecemberthecompanydancestheholidayclassicTheNutcrackeratthehistoricAthenaeumTheatre,presenting11performances,featuringacastofover100performers.InMay2018,theBalletChicagoStudioCompanyculminatesits20thAnniversary,andreturnstothestageoftheHarrisTheaterforMusicandDance.Withinthesetwentyyears,BalletChicagoStudioCompanyAlumnihavespannedtheglobe,performinginover60companiesthroughouttheUnitedStates,SouthAmerica,andEu-rope. TheBalanchineRepertoryProject TheBalanchineRepertoryProjectoffersourstudentstheopportunitytoperformtherepertoireofGeorgeBalanchine,the20thcentury’smostinfluentialclassicalchoreographer.Mr.BalanchinefoundedtheSchoolofAmericanBalletandtheNewYorkCityBallet,andisregardedasoneofthemostsignificantartisticinfluencesintheworldofballet.Aprolificartist,Mr.Balanchinechoreographedmorethan400balletsduringhislifetime,some150ofwhichareperformedregularlybyballetcompaniesallovertheworld.TheprojectisgreatlyenabledandenhancedbyMr.DuellandMs.Blair,whoareofficialrepetiteursfortheGeorgeBalanchineTrust. CommunityOutreachandEducationalServicesProgram TheCommunityOutreach&EducationalProgramservicesabroadrangeofdiversegroupswithinmetropolitanChicago.Audiencesrangeinagefrompre-schoolchildrentoseniorcitizensandhailfromtheinner-cityneighborhoodsofChicagototheoutlyingsuburbs.Eachyear,over10,000peopleinmetropolitanChicagoexperienceourprogramsandperformanceofferingswhichincludein-schoolresidences,lecturedemonstrations,full-scalepublicperformances,andspeciallydesignedchildren’sprograms.
Ballet Chicago reserves the right to change without notice any statement in this handbook.
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ArtisticDirection
DanielDuellFounderandArtisticDirector,BalletChicagoRepetiteur,TheGeorgeBalanchineTrust BalletChicagoArtisticDirectorDanielDuellisaforceinthedevelopmentofAmericanClassicism,andispassionateabouttheadvancementofballettechniqueinitspurestandmostenergeticform.AsadancerwiththeNewYorkCityBalletfrom1972-1987,hewastaughtandcoacheddailybyGeorgeBalanchine.Quicklyrisingthroughtheranks,DuellwaspromotedtoSoloistin1977,andthenPrincipalDancerin1979.Heperformedawide-ranging
PatriciaBlairAssociateArtisticDirectorandSchoolDirector,BalletChicagoRepetiteur,TheGeorgeBalanchineTrustPatriciaBlairwasborninNewYorkCity,beganstudyingballetattheageof7,andlaunchedherprofessionalperformingcareerattheageof17.ShetrainedinmanyschoolsincludingNorthCarolinaSchooloftheArtsandHarknessHouseforBalletArts,butattributeshersummerattheSchoolofAmericanBalletwithignitingherloveforandcommitmenttotheBalanchineTechnique®.Afunfact—whileastudentatNorthCarolinaSchooloftheArts,shewaschosentodancetheroleof“Myrtha”inGisellealongsideprincipaldancersSveaEkloff(GrandThéâtrede
repertoire,dancingleadingrolesintheballetsofGeorgeBalanchine,JeromeRobbins,PeterMartins,andJacquesd’Amboise,amongothers,includingmultipleworksthatwerecreatedforhim.AFordFoundationScholarshiprecipientfromtheageof13,hetrainedwiththeDaytonCivicBallet,thenatTheSchoolofAmericanBallet,andattheageof19wasinvitedtojoinNYCB.InadditiontohisfifteenyearsatNYCB,hewasafeaturedguestartistfornumerouscompaniesnationwideandperformedforseveralPBSDanceinAmericapublictelevisionprograms.Duellhasbeenchoreographingsince1980andhascreatedworksforBalletChicago,BalletHispanicoofNewYork,DaytonBallet,HarknessDanceTheatre,TheJacob’sPillowDanceFestival,andTheSchoolofAmericanBallet.HealsocollaboratedwithWTTWChannel11inChicagotodesigntwoprograms;thefirst,anEmmyAwardwinningspecial(outstandingculturalprogramming)onBalletChicago,andthesecondentitled“LoveinFourActs,”aprogramshowcasingfourChicagochoreographersselectedbyDuell.Hewasalsoawardedthe2000RuthPageAwardfromtheChicagoDanceCommunityfortheArtisticDirectionofTheBalletChicagoStudioCompany.
Duellisafrequentlectureronballet,music,andthearts,servesonseveralnot-for-profitboardsandadvisoryboards,andhasbeenanadjudicatorfortheNationalEndowmentfortheArtsandTheIllinoisArtsCouncil.HeisalsoarepetiteurforTheGeorgeBalanchineTrustandstagesballetsacrosstheUnitedStates.HeconductsmasterclassesinboththeUnitedStatesandEurope,includingrepeatedteachingengagementsatTheSchoolofAmericanBallet,TheUniversityofIowa,andtheBulgarianNationalDanceAcademyinSophia,Bulgaria.InSpring2011and2012,DuellworkedwiththeRoyalDanishBalletteachingandcoachingthecompanyinpreparationforitsNewYorkSeasonanditsCopenhagenperformanceofBalanchine/Stravinskymasterworks.DuellisalsoanAdjunctProfessorofBalletforIndianaUniversityBloomington.
Genève)andAmericanBalletTheatre’sBurtonTaylor—atruehonor.AfterleavingNCSA,shereturnedtoNYC,studiedwithDavidHowardandNanetteCharisse,andsubsequentlyjoinedtheEglevskyBalletunderthedirectionofNYCBformerprincipal,EdwardVillella.Sixyearslater,whilestilldancingfulltimewiththecompany,shebecameoneoftheorganization’sBalletMasters.
Ms.BlairperformedasaguestartistdevelopingnewworkswithnumerousNYchoreographers,dancedinmusicaltheatreproductionsacrosstheUSandonBroadway,andbrieflyenteredtheLAmotionpictureworldwithPavanne for a Dying Princess, a solodancefilmcreatedespeciallyforher.
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ArtisticDirectionContinued...
TedSeymourResidentChoreographer,BalletChicagoTedwasborninDallas,TexaswherehebeganhistrainingatTheDallasMetropolitanBallet.HelatermovedtoChicago to study with Daniel Duell and Patricia Blair at the School of Ballet Chicago as a member of The Ballet ChicagoStudioCompany.TedchoreographedhisfirstballetforBCSC,Toccatafor5,in2001.Later,TedmovedtoNewYorktoattendtheSchoolofAmericanBallet.WhileatSAB,TedchoreographedtwoballetsfortheStudentChoreographicWorkshopandwasinvitedbyPeterMartinstocreateanewworkforTheNewYorkChoreographicInstitute.
UponleavingSAB,TedjoinedCedarLakeContemporaryBallet,dancingforchoreographerssuchasEdwaardLiang,NicoloFonte,andBenoit-SwanPouffer.TedjoinedSuzanneFarrellBalletin2007wherehehasdancedfeaturedrolesinBalanchine’sEpisodes, La Valse, andtheActIIpasdedeuxfromA Midsummer Night’s Dreamamongothers.Hehasbeenafacultymembersince2009,andwasnamedBalletChicago’sResidentChoreographer,choreographingforthecompany’smainstageperformancesandeducationalprograms.TedchoreographedthecriticallyacclaimedCreatures of Prometheusforthe2012InternationalBeethovenFestival,Celestial RitesforBalletChicago’s25thAnniversarySeasonatTheHarrisTheaterin2013,IntermezziforBalletChicago’s2014SpringRepertory Season at The Harris Theater, Danzon!for2015andSecrets de Printempsfor2016.
Ms.Blairishighlycommittedtotheartisticeducationandpersonalwell-beingofyoungdancers.Shebeganworkingwithchildrenwhenshewasonly15yearsold,andtothisday,herloveandrespectofclassicalballetandpassingthatontoyoungartistsisoneofhergreatestpassions.ShewasanactiveteacherinNewYorkCityatbothHarknessHouseforBalletArtsandStepsNY.Additionally,shevolunteeredtoteachat-riskyouthinchurchesandcommunitycenters.
ShecametoChicagoinSeptember1987,attheinvitationofformerNYCBPrincipaldancerDanielDuell,tostageballetsforChicagoCityBallet’sfallseason.Afterworkingtogetherforonlythreeweeks,DuellinvitedhertorelocatetoChicagoandjoinhisartisticteam.From1988-1997,shewasBalletMasterforthenewlyestablishedBalletChicago.Forabriefperiod,sheevenfilledinastheorganization’sInterimExecutiveDirector.In1995DuellandBlairformedTheSchoolofBalletChicagowheresheservesasSchoolDirectorandAssociateArtisticDirectoroftheBalletChicagoStudioCompany.InadditiontoherworkwithBalletChicago,shehasbeenaguestteacherforthePacificNorthwestBalletSchoolinSeattle,theNationalDanceInstituteandNewMexicoSchooloftheArtsinSantaFe,andIndianaUniversityinBloomington.ShehasalsohadthehonorofteachingatTheSchoolofAmericanBalletinNewYorkCity.
Ms.BlairhasalifelonglovefortheballetsofGeorgeBalanchine,andvaluesboththeprivilegeofhavingperformedsomanyofthem,aswellasthejoyofpassingthemontotoday’sdancers.AsarepetiteurfortheGeorgeBalanchineTrust,sheisresponsibleforstagingandmaintainingalargebodyofworkforBalletChicago.ShehasalsostagedMr.Balanchine’sballetsforSt.LouisBallet,IndianaUniversityBloomington,andmostrecently,HuntsvilleBallet.
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AdmissionInformationStudentsmayenrollinallPreparatoryDivisionlevelsandthefirsttwoStudentDivisionlevelswithoutanaudition.
ForStudentDivisionLevel3andupanauditionisrequiredpriortoenrollment.AuditionsmaytakeplaceinascheduledBalletChicagoclassorbyspecialarrangement.
Forenrollmentinformationonalllevels,[email protected],[email protected],orbycallingtheBalletChicagomainphonenumber,312-251-8838,andaskingforMr.ValenteorMs.Hurst.
EvaluationsEvaluationsfocusonprogressandgoalsachieved,classprocessesandprofessionalism.EvaluationmeetingscanbescheduledthroughtheSchoolAdministrator.Allstudentevaluationsarekeptstrictlyconfidential.Pleasedonotapproachteachersordirectorswithoutascheduledmeeting,asinterruptinginstructorsduringorbetweenclassesisdisruptive.
PromotionsManyfactorscontributetoeachstudent’sprogressintheaccomplishmentofskillsandtheunderstandingofclassicalballettechnique.Bodytype,naturalflexibility,growthrateofbones,andmusculardevelopment,aswellasemotionalandphysiologicaldevelopmentarefactorsindeterminingprogress,andvaryfromstudenttostudent.Otherfactorsincludeconsistentclassattendance,andindividualcommitmenttotraining.Asastudentadvancesthroughtheschool,expectthatmorethanoneyearwillbespentineachlevel.Promotiontothenextclasslevelmaytakeplaceatanytime,asproperindividualdevelopmentisthemostimportantfactorinstudyingclassicalballet-acommitmenttowhichthedirectors,facultyandstaffofBalletChicagoarededicated.
Attendance-ClassRegularattendanceisessentialtothedevelopmentandadvancementofeachstudent.Absences,regardlessofthereason,canaffectastudent’sabilitytomovetothenextlevel.Studentswithexemplaryattendancegainabetterunderstandingoftheirphysicalabilities,properballettechnique,andtheartformoverall.
Attendance-RehearsalAttendanceandbeingontimeforallrehearsalsisrequiredinordertoensurethatastudentcanappearonstageinBalletChicagoperformances.Signingupfortheseperformancesisthefirststepinsecuringone’sabilitytobeonstage!Pleasecarefullyconsideryourcommitmenttotheseactivities–studentsarerequiredtobeateveryrehearsal,ontime,dressed,andreadytoenterthestudioortheatre.Fulfillingtheserequirementsismandatory.Itistheonlywaythedancerissufficientlypreparedtorealizetheexcitementandbenefitsofdancingon-stagewithconfidenceandjoy.
TardinessBeingontimeforclassandrehearsalisasimportantasattendance.Propermuscularpreparation,development,reviewofmaterialcovered,andtheprogressionofeachclassarecarefullyplanned.Studentswhoarelateforclassmaybeaskedtoobserve.Thisisatthediscretionoftheteacher.
AbsencesIfastudentisillandcannotattendclass,pleasenotifytheSchoolAdministratorpriortothestartofclass.Classescanbemadeupinthelevelbelowthestudent’sassignedlevelandmustbescheduledthroughtheSchoolAdministrator.Injuredstudentsarerequiredtoobserveallassignedclassesandrehearsalsunlesspriorexcusalisgiven.
NoticeofNon-DiscriminatoryPolicyBalletChicagoadmitsstudentsofanyrace,color,sexualorientation,nationalandethnicorigintoalltherights,privileges,programs,andactivitiesgenerallyaccordedormadeavailabletostudentsattheschool.Itdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,color,sexualorientation,nationalandethnicorigininadministrationofitseducationalpolicies,admissionspolicies,scholarship,programs,financialaidprograms,andotherschool-administeredprograms.
ThePreparatoryDivisionBalletChicago’sPreparatoryDivisionclassesprovideaninspiredintroductiontotheartswithafocusoncreativity,groupinteraction,motorskilldevelopmentandthejoyofself-expression.
TheStudentDivision TheSchoolofBalletChicagooffersacomprehensivetrainingenvironmentthatprovidesstudentswiththeskillsnecessarytopursueacareerinclassicalballetandinspireseachofthemtoreachtheirverybestpotentialthroughthestudyanddisciplineofclassicalballet.ThetechniquetaughtatTheSchoolofBalletChicagoisbasedonstandardsestablishedbyGeorgeBalanchineandemphasizestheenergy,musicality,articulation,andgenerosityofspiritthatisthehallmarkofBalanchinetraineddancers.
TheProfessionalDivision TheProfessionalDivisionoffersacomprehensivetrainingprogramfortheseriousstudent.Admittancetotheprogramisbyauditiononly.Studentstraindailytomasteradvancedtechnicalskill,consistency,musicality,articulation,andnaturalexpression.ThroughtheBalletChicagoStudioCompany,theprogramprovidesprofessional-levelperformingexperiencecrucialtoastudent’sdevelopment.Composedofadvancedlevelstudents,theBalletChicagoStudioCompanywasinauguratedin1997andperformsamasterpiecerepertoireintheatricalvenuesthroughoutmetropolitanChicago.Thecompany’srepertoireconsistsprimarilyofworksbyGeorgeBalanchine,whoseballetsareperformedbyprofessionaldancecompaniesallovertheworld.TheuniqueopportunitytoperformtheballetsofMr.BalanchineismadepossiblethroughspecialarrangementwiththeGeorgeBalanchineTrust.
Toscheduleanaudition,[email protected],orbycallingtheBalletChicagomainphonenumber,312-251-8838,andaskingforMs.Hurst.
Thereisa$25auditionfee.
CareerCounseling BalletChicagooffersexceptionalguidancetostudentsregardingcareercounseling.Whenadancerisreadytoseekaprofessionalposition,he/sheisinvitedtoattendameetinginwhichtheyareintroducedtotheindustrydetailsofauditioningforaballetcompany.Aftertheinitialgroupmeeting,eachdancerismetwithandcounseledindividually.Theyaretaughthowtoresearchcompanies,availablepositions,andorganizeauditioninformation.Theyareassistedwiththecreationandassemblingofallnecessarycollateral-resume,photos,videoselection,andcoverletters.Asauditioningforcompaniesusuallyrequirestravel,theyarealsoadvisedandsupportedintheirselectionofwhichauditionstoattend.Havingplaceddancersinover60companiesthroughouttheUnitedStates,Europe,andSouthAmerica,BalletChicago’sdedicationtoitsstudentsandthefocusedguidanceofferedeachindividual,hasprovedtobehighlysuccessful.
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Programs
•CreativeMovement(ages3-4) •Pre-Ballet(age5) •IntroductiontoBallet(ages6-7)
•Bravo!Boys(ages7-12)•Ballet1(ages7&8)-noauditionrequired •Ballet2-auditionrequired
•Ballet6(ages14andup)–auditionrequired •Ballet7(ages15andup)–auditionrequired •Men’sclasses(ages15andup)–auditionrequired
•Ballet3-auditionrequired•Ballet4-auditionrequired •Ballet5-auditionrequired
PerformanceOpportunities
DanceVisionEach fall, Ballet Chicago’s DanceVision fosters the making of new works by bringing together young choreographers and Ballet Chicagostudents.TheelementoflivemusicplayedbytalentedyoungmusiciansisaddedthroughcollaborationwithMidwestYoungArtists.TheprogramculminatesintwoperformancesateithertheChicagoCulturalCenterorKenwoodAcademyeachyearforhundredsofCPSchildren,sponsoredbytheInternationalMusicFoundation.
TheNutcrackerThe Nutcracker isanexcitingholidaytraditionthathasbeenperformedforoveracentury.ParticipatinginThe Nutcracker is a wonderfulexperienceandaninvaluablepartofayoungdancer’seducation.ThisDecember,BalletChicagowillpresent11performances, 8publicand3schoolshows, of The Nutcracker,featuringacastofover100dancers,atthehistoricAthenaeumTheatreinChicago’sLakeViewneighborhood.
SpringRepertoryThroughaspecialarrangementwiththeGeorgeBalanchineTrust,BalletChicagogivesstudentstheabilitytoperformarepertoireoftenreservedforprofessionalcompanies.EveryMayattheHarrisTheater,TheBalletChicagoStudioCompanyperformsworksofGeorgeBalanchineaswellasArtisticDirectorDanielDuellandResidentChoreographerTedSeymour.
AnnualSchoolPerformanceTheSchoolofBalletChicagoconcludestheschoolyearwithourAnnualSchoolPerformance.Thisperformanceisanopportunityforstudentstodemonstratetheskillstheyhavegainedthroughouttheyear.Itisawonderfulexperienceandavaluablepartofeachdancer’seducation.TheshowcasefeaturesstudentsfromthePreparatoryandStudentDivisionsaswellasashortexcerptfromtheProfessionalDivisionstudents.
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ThePreparatoryDivision
•TheNutcracker •AnnualSchoolPerformance
TheStudentDivision
•TheNutcracker •SpringRepertory •AnnualSchoolPerformance
TheProfessionalDivision
•DanceVision •TheNutcracker •SpringRepertory •AnnualSchoolPerformance
Summer Training
Summeristheidealtimeforadancertoincreasehisorherskillsandpassionforclassicalballet.Theexpandeddailyintensivetrainingcancatapultadancerforward,resultinginimprovedconfidence,stamina,focus,techniqueandartistry.
Children’sPrograms
Children’sThemeCampJoinusforanenrichingsummerexperienceexploringthemagicalworldofballet!Ouryoungeststudentsenjoydaysfilledwithdanceclassestolivemusic,costumedecorating,balletvideos,andhealthy(organic,glutenandpeanutfree)snacks.Eachcampsessionfocusesonadifferentthemefromclassicchildren’sstoriesorworld-renownedballets.Weevenhavecraftsprovidedby American Girl Place, Chicago! BalletChicago’sThemeCampstrikestheperfectbalancebetweenstructureandcreativity.
JuniorIntensiveBalletChicago’sJuniorIntensive,designedfordancersages7-12,givesstudentsthefoundationnecessarytoexcel.Weinspirestudentstogetexcitedaboutbeautifulpostureandteachthemhowtocombinepurityofformwithexpressiveness.Weshowthemhowtoincreasetheircapacitytofocustheirmindsaswellastheirbodies.
Twoclasslevelsareavailable;placementisbasedonage,amountofpriortrainingandlevelofadvancement.Theprogramculminateswithanin-studioviewingforparentsandfamilymembers.Bothintheclassroomandinperformance,BalletChicagobuildsability,awareness,andself-confidence.
ProfessionalTraining
BalletChicagoBootCampAoneweek“getinshape”workshopthatpreparesdancersforsummertrainingprograms.Technique,pointe,andstretchclassmakeupthedailycurriculum.
AnnualSummerProgramBalletChicago’sfive-weekSummerCourseofferstheseriousballetstudentanunparalleledtrainingexperience.Ourcomprehensivecurriculumisbothdemandingandinspiring;studentimprovementispalpablewitheveryclass.
AdvancedIntensiveBalletChicago’stwo-weekAdvancedIntensiveisaperfectcomplementtoourfive-weekSummerCourse,aslearningandperfectingrepertoryisakeyelementoftheAdvancedIntensive.Dailycoachingenablesthestudenttogaintheskill,musicality,andself-confidencetotransformclassroomtechniqueintostage-worthyartistry.
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RegistrationandTuition
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Toregister,completetheregistrationformsfoundonlineatwww.balletchicago.orgorintheBalletChicagoSchoolOffice.Pleasereturntoadministrationwithtuitionpayment.Allstudentsarechargedayearlyregistrationfee.Pleaseaddtheregistrationfeetothefirstpayment. Fullpaymentsmaybemadebycheckorcreditcardandareduebythefirstdayofthesemester.Ifyouchoosetotakeadvantageofthemonthlypaymentoption,acreditcardmustbeprovidedandtuitionwillbeautomaticallydeductedbetweenthe1stand5thofeachmonth,SeptemberthroughMay.Inallcases,latepayments,bouncedchecks,ordeclinedcreditcardchargeswillbebilleda$30perincidentfee.Onceastudentisenrolled,annualtuitionisnon-refundable.
AllStudentandProfessionalDivisiondancersmustauditionbeforeregistering.Fullyearenrollmentisrequired.Ifyouchoosethemonthlypaymentoption,youareresponsibleforadepositandeightmonthlypaymentsuntiltheannualtuitionispaidinfull.
Oncethestudentisenrolled,tuitionisnon-refundable.
PreparatoryDivision
StudentDivision
ProfessionalDivision
RegistrationFee:$75
RegistrationFee:$35
RegistrationFee:$50
Level AnnualTuitionBallet 1 $955Ballet 2 $2,000Ballet 3 $3,450Ballet 4 $4,500Ballet 5 $5,700
Level AnnualTuitionCreativeMovement(ages3-4) $620Pre-Ballet(age5) $620IntroductiontoBallet(ages6-7) $620Bravo!Boys $620
Level AnnualTuitionBallet 6 $6,750Ballet 6/7 $7,800Ballet 7 $7,800Men $7,800
Dress Requirements
ClassUniformforGirls:
PreparatoryDivision: •CreativeMovementIandII:Pinktights,anycolorleotard/pinkleatherballetslippers •Pre-Ballet:Pinktights,buttercupleotard/pinkleatherballetslippers •IntroductiontoBalletIandII:Pinktights,lightpinkleotard/pinkleatherballetslippers Preparatory Division students are permitted to wear tutus and tiaras / tunics and crowns so that they can experience the full joy of being a young ballerina or future male danseur!
StudentDivision: •Ballet1:Pinktights,whitecamisoleleotard/pinkleatherballetslippers •Ballet2:Pinktights,lightbluecamisoleleotard/pinkleatherballetslippers •Ballet3:Pinktights,lavendercamisoleleotard/pinkleatherballetslippers •Ballet4:Pinktights,navycamisoleleotard/pinkleatherballetslippers,pointeshoes •Ballet5:Pinktights,blackcamisoleleotard/pinkleatherballetslippers,pointeshoes
ProfessionalDivision: •Ballet6:Pinktights,black/whitecamisoleleotard/pinkleatherballetslippers,pointeshoes •Ballet7:Pinktights,black/whitecamisoleleotard/pinkleatherballetslippers,pointeshoes
ClassUniformforBoysandMen: •AllLevels:Greytights,whitet-shirt/whiteleatherballetshoesandwhitesocks
All female students are required to arrive at Ballet Chicago with their hair in a bun, neatly and securely fastened. Dancers with short hair will need to pull their hair back away from their face and secure with headbands and pins. If you need help, you may request a hair tutorial at the start of the term.
Approved brand and style numbers for tights, leotards, and shoes are available on the Ballet Chicago website and on file at Chicago Dance Supply and Motion Unlimited. Let the clerk know you are a Ballet Chicago student and provide your class level. They will let you know what style to purchase. If purchasing from Discount Dance Supply, you can access the information by logging on to the full year program section of the Ballet Chicago website.
DanceSupplyStores
•ChicagoDanceSupplywww.chicagodancesupply.com 5301N.ClarkSt.,2ndfloor Chicago,IL60640 773-728-5344
•MotionUnlimited www.motionunlimiteddancewear.com 218S.Wabash,2ndfloor Chicago,IL60604 312-922-3330
•DiscountDance www.discountdancesupply.com
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Policies and Procedures
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CodeofConductItisapolicyofBalletChicagotopromoteahealthyandpositiveenvironmentforallstudentsandstaff.StudentsareexpectedtobehaveinaresponsiblemannerandarerequiredtoadheretotheSchool’sPoliciesandProcedures.Studentsareexpectedtoshowexemplaryconductatalltimes,totreatotherstudents,staff,faculty,volunteersandbuildingpersonnelwithrespect.BalletChicagostrivestoensurethattherulesarereasonableandclear.BalletChicagoreservestherighttodismissanystudentwhoseconductisfoundtobeunsatisfactory.
ThefollowingareprohibitedatBalletChicago:
•Verbalharassment,physicalthreatsorintimidation,actsofviolenceofanykind•Theft,destructionofschoolpropertyorpropertyofothers•Possessionoruseofalcoholand/orillegaldrugsbyanystudentsattendingtheprogram•Firearmsorweaponsofanykind•Tobacco:BalletChicagofacilitiesaredesignatednon-smokingareas.IllinoisStatelawprohibitspersonsundertheageof21tosmoke,andprohibitssmokinginanypublicfacilityandwithin30feetofanybuilding•PhotographyorVideographyinlockerroomsorbathrooms•Inappropriateuseoftheinternetorsocialmedia•Inappropriateuseofcellphones
Violationofanyoftheseruleswillleadtoimmediatedisciplinaryaction.Actionsmayinclude(butarenotlimitedto)Expulsion,DismissalfromtheProgram,Suspension,Probation,Fines.BalletChicagoreservesthefullauthoritytoenforcetheCodeofConduct,whichmayincluderevocationofscholarshipsorfinancialassistance.
BuildingRulesBalletChicagoislocatedinapublic,multi-usebuilding.Parentsareresponsibleforaccompanyingyoungchildrentoandfromthe19thfloor.Parentsarewelcometowaitfortheirchildreninthemainreceptionarea.Pleaserefrainfromenteringotherfloorsofthebuilding.Pleasealsorefrainfromenteringstaffoffices,unoccupiedstudiosorthewardroberoom.
AttireStudentsmustwearstreetclothestoandfromthestudio.
PhotoandVideoPhotographyorvideography(includingcellphonephotos)isnotpermittedinanyclass,rehearsalorperformance.BalletChicagoshallnotbeliableinanywayforimagesorfootagethatviolatethispolicy.
PublicityEnrollmentgrantsBalletChicagothepermissiontousephotosandvideosfromclasses,rehearsals,specialevents,andperformancesforthepurposesofmarketingtheSchoolandBalletChicagoperformances.Enrollmentwaivesanyrightsofcompensationorownershipthereto.BalletChicagopromotionalmaterialisinclusiveof,butnotlimitedto,BalletChicagomarketingmaterials,brochures,informationpackets,videos,websitephotos,dancerelatednewspaperandmagazinearticles,Facebook,andTwitter.
DressingRoomsBalletChicagohasfourdressingrooms:threefemale,onemale.Boththemenandadvancedlevelfemalestudentshavelargedressingroomswithbathroomsandshowers.Theyoungerlevelstudentshaveaseparatedressingroomslocatedacrossfromthekitchenetteandlounge.
17NStateSt,Suite1900,Chicago,IL60602•P312-251-8838•F312-251-8840•www.balletchicago.org
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PoliciesandProceduresContinued...
CastingCastingistheselectionofdancersforspecificroles.
Criteriaforcastinginclude: •Thedancer’sspecifictechnicalskills •Thedancer’sartisticandinterpretiveability •Thedancer’sphysicaltraits,includingheightandoverallproportions •Thedancer’sabilitytolearn,retain,andaccuratelyexecutechoreography •Thedegreetowhichadancerdevelopsartisticallyinanyroleheorsheisassignedtolearn •Theavailabilityofcostumesforagivenballetorrole •Howadancerfitsintotheoveralllookofaballetordance •Thedancer’sdegreeofprofessionalism,including: >Qualityofdailyworkinclassandrehearsal >Degreeofself-motivationtowardbestefforts >Reliabilityofattendance >Bestpossiblephysicalcondition >Diligentfocusonprocessesofpreparationfordailytraining >Notparticipatingingossipornegativespeculation > Support of peers, and being a good team member >Positive,respectfulattitudeandbehavioratalltimes >Constantattentiontothecallboard,asscheduleandcastingchangescanhappenatanytime >Carefortheartformandanygivenballetasawhole,notjustone’sassignedroles >Gracefulacceptanceofcastingdecisions,whatevertheymaybe
CriteriaforcastingdoNOTinclude: •Anyformofparents’volunteeractivityfortheorganization •Anyformoffinancialdonationstotheorganization •Studentseniority •Formerappearancesbyadancerinagivenrole •Castingcomplaints
Otherimportantnotes: •LEARNINGASSIGNMENTSARENOTCASTING.Dancerslearnmanymorerolesthantheyendupperformingaspartof theiroveralleducationanddevelopmentofskills. •DESIGNATEDUNDERSTUDIESareresponsibleforknowingandpreparinganyassignedunderstudyrolewhetherornottheyare casttoperformit.Illnessesandinjurieshappenunpredictably,andANUNDERSTUDY’SREADINESSTOPERFORMANY ROLEUNDERSTUDIEDATAMOMENT’SNOTICEISASTANDARDPARTOFTHEPROFESSION. •CASTINGISSUBJECTTOCHANGEATANYTIME. •APARENT’SROLEISTOSUPPORTTHEIRCHILD’SSELF-ESTEEMREGARDLESSOFTHEIRCHILD’SDISAPPOINTMENTOVERCASTING. WEATHERINGDISAPPOINTMENTSWITHGRACEISALIFESKILLIMPORTANTTOACHILD’SDEVELOPMENT. •PARENTSARENOTPERMITTEDTOAPPROACHORACCOSTANYMEMBEROFBALLETCHICAGO’SFACULTY,ADMINISTRATION,OR ARTISTICSTAFFABOUTCASTING.
17NStateSt,Suite1900,Chicago,IL60602•P312-251-8838•F312-251-8840•www.balletchicago.org
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PoliciesandProceduresContinued...
CommunicationBalletChicagorelaysschedulesandinformationregardingimportantfutureeventsinthreedifferentways: Callboard:Schedulesandotherimportantinformationarepostedonthecallboard Emails:BalletChicagosendsweeklye-blastsand/oremailswithschedulesandpertinentinformation Website:Informationisalsopostedontheparent’ssectionoftheBalletChicagowebsite
CallBoardThecallboardisameansofdisseminatinginformationthatisanindustrystandardintheworldofballetandtheatre.Schedulesandimportantinformationarephysicallypostedinaspecificlocationandartistsareexpectedtorefertothecallboardastheirprimarysourceofinformation.TheBalletChicagocallboardislocatedinthemainhallwayoppositeStudio3.TheAthenaeumTheatrecallboardislocatedinthemainbackstagehallway,andtheHarrisTheatercallboardislocatedintheGreenRoom.Itisessentialthatdancersknowtheirclasslevelandtowhichrehearsalsorrolestheyhavebeenassigned.Thisenablestheparticipanttobeaccurateregardingwhatinformationtolookforonthecallboard.Itisthedancer’sresponsibilitytocheckthecallboarduponarrivalandrepeatedlythroughouttheday.Forouryoungerdancers,parentsorlegalguardiansarerequiredtocheckthecallboardfortheirchild.
WebsiteTheparent’ssectionofourwebsiterequiresausername(youremailaddress)andpassword(suppliedtoyoubyBalletChicago),inordertogainaccess.Theloginfortheparent’ssectioncanbefoundonourwebsiteandyoucanchoosebetweenfullyearprogramorsummer,dependinguponwhichseasonitis.Youcanonlygainaccesstotheparent’ssectionofthewebsiteifyourdancerisenrolledatourschool.Onceyouareenrolledyoushouldreceiveapasswordfromourstaff.
Pleasenotethatschedulesaresubjecttochange,especiallyduringperformanceseason,sopleasecheckthecallboardfrequently.DancersandorlegalguardiansofchildrenparticipatingatBalletChicago,agreetoknowtheirownclasslevel,whatlearningassignmentorroletheyhavebeencastin,andagreetocheckthecallboarduponarrivalandbeforeleavingthestudio.Youareresponsibleforyourownschedule.
SchoolClosingsIntheeventofinclementweather,pleasegototheBalletChicagowebsite,www.balletchicago.org.Anycancellationswillbepostedonthehomepage.TheSchoolofBalletChicagogenerallyfollowsChicagoPublicSchoolDistrictsguidelinesforschoolclosings.
LiabilityBallettrainingandtheexercisesassociatedwithitplacesunusualstressonthebodyandcarrywiththemtheriskofphysicalinjury.TheSchoolofBalletChicago,itsfaculty,stafforboardmembersshallnotbeliableinanywayforinjuriessustainedorillnessescontractedduringattendanceattheSchooloranyofitsrelatedfunctions.Itshouldalsobeunderstoodthatdanceinstructioninvolveskineticcorrectionsthatmayincludephysicallytouchingstudentsaspartofregularclassworkandrehearsals.
17NStateSt,Suite1900,Chicago,IL60602•P312-251-8838•F312-251-8840•www.balletchicago.org
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School CalendarSemester Schedule • First Semester • Second Semester Important Dates •RegistrationDeadline • Parent Open House •NutcrackerOrientationMtg-MANDATORY •NutcrackerRegistrationPacketsDue • Nutcracker Rehearsals Begin •FallFundraiser,SunsetSoirée •NutcrackerPhotoDay(Dolls&Mice) •NutcrackerPhotoDay(Angel,Party,Polli) • Classes Resume •SummerRegistrationBegins •ClassObservation/FallSemesterEnds • Spring Gala • Ballet Chicago Boot Camp • Children’s Theme Camp •JuniorIntensive • Summer Course •SummerCourseObservation •AdvancedIntensive •AdvancedIntensiveObservation
Auditions •NutcrackerAuditions •SummerProgramAuditions Dress-UpDays(optional) • Halloween •Valentine’sDay •St.Patrick’sDay • Derby Day Performances • DanceVision Sneak Peeks •DanceVision@ChicagoCulturalCenter •DanceAlongNutcracker@ChicagoCulturalCenter •NutcrackerSchoolPerformances@Athenaeum •NutcrackerPublicPerformances@Athenaeum • Spring Rep Sneak Peeks •BalletChicagoStudioCompanySpringRep@Harris •AnnualSchoolPerformance(AllSchool)@Athenaeum •SummerCoursePerformance@Studebaker •AdvancedIntensivePerformance@Studebaker
Holidays • Fall Break •ThanksgivingBreak •WinterBreak •MartinLutherKingJr.Day • President’s Day • The School of Ballet Chicago Spring Break • The Ballet Chicago Studio Company Spring Break •MemorialWeekendBreak • Independence Day
September5,2018-January19,2019 January22,2019-June1,2019 Wednesday,September5,2018 Saturday,September15,2018Saturday,September15,2018Saturday,September22,2018 Saturday,September22,2018Sunday,September23,2018Saturday,November3,2018Saturday,November10,17,2018Monday,January7,2019Monday,January7,2019 Saturday, January 19, 2019Thursday,April4,2019June17-21,2019June17-21,2019June17-21,2019&July29-August9,2019June25-July27,2019Friday, July 26, 2019July29-August9,2019Friday, August 9, 2019
Saturday,September15,2018 Sunday, January 27, 2019
Saturday, October 27, 2018 Saturday, February 9, 2019 Saturday,March16,2019 Saturday,May4,2019
November2and3,2018Thursday,November15,2018Sunday,December2,2018 December5,6and13,2018 December7,8,9,14,15,1,2018 April 12 and 13, 2019Saturday,May11,2019 Sunday,May19,2019Thursday,July25,2019Friday, August 9, 2019
October6-8,2018November21-24,2018(BCSCrehearseson24&25)December17-January5,2019January 21, 2019February18,2019April14-April20,2019April18-April20,2019May25-27,2019Thursday,July4,2019
SupportingBalletChicago
BalletChicagoprovidesoneofthehighestcalibercurriculumsinthenation.WearetheonlyMidwestschoolandcompanysingularlydedicatedtosustaininganddevelopingupontheartisticlegacyofNewYourCityBalletfoundingdirector,GeorgeBalanchine,whichincludespermissionfromTheBalanchineTrusttoperformselectballetsfromthemaster’sopus.
Wearecommittedtoapositiveworkingenvironment,toprovidingindividualattentiontoeachstudent,livepianomusicforallclasses,andofferingmultiplemain-stageperformanceopportunitiesforourdancers.
BalletChicagoisanot-for-profitorganization,andtuitioncoversonly50%ofthecostofoperatingourschool.
Giftsfromparents,bothpastandpresent,arevitaltotheorganization.Parentscandonatethroughvariousmeans:
PerformanceSponsorshipsMasterworksSocietyMembershipFallFundraiserNutcrackerGiftsCalendarend-of-yearSolicitationSpringGalaandPaddleRaiseFiscalend-of-yearSolicitation
ThemoneyraisedfromthesedrivesisessentialinhelpingusbridgetheveryrealgapbetweentuitionandtheactualcostofrunningBalletChicago.Visitballetchicago.orgtoviewgivingoptionsanddonorbenefits,ortomakeyourdonationeasilyandsecurelyonline.
Thereisnocorrelationbetweenparents’personalgiftstotheSchoolandachild’sprogressinBalletChicagoclassesorinperformancecasting.
17NStateSt,Suite1900,Chicago,IL60602•P312-251-8838•F312-251-8840•www.balletchicago.org
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