Ballet Chicago

Business Details

39 Years

experience

Premier Ballet Training in Chicago

Ballet Chicago was founded in 1987 by acclaimed dancer/choreographer Daniel Duell and former ballerina Patricia Blair to educate and inspire young artists through classical ballet. Our mission emphasizes artistic excellence and character development, offering rigorous training in the Balanchine Technique with a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Students of all backgrounds receive personalized instruction, gaining technical mastery and performance experience through year-round programs and eight weeks of summer training. We provide unparalleled opportunities to perform iconic works, including The Nutcracker and Balanchine masterpieces, while fostering life skills that empower students to excel both in dance and beyond.

Our faculty includes internationally recognized artists who deliver focused mentorship in small classes, ensuring each student develops confidence, discipline, and artistry. With specialized programs for ages 3 to professional levels, Ballet Chicago serves as a launching pad for careers in dance while maintaining accessibility through scholarship programs and community outreach initiatives.

Services

Ballet Training Summer Intensive Winter Intensive Audition Preparation Performance Programs

Details

Year established: 1987

Highlights and features

We offer Balanchine Technique training through a special arrangement with the George Balanchine Trust
Our students perform in 10 Nutcracker shows annually at major Chicago venues
We provide personalized instruction with small class sizes and expert faculty
Our programs include housing options and financial aid for qualified students
We maintain a 30-year legacy of producing professional dancers and fostering community

What people say

Exceptional faculty Unparalleled performance experience Strong community focus Excellent technique development

Website

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Services

Ballet Training

Ballet Chicago provides comprehensive ballet training based in the Balanchine Technique. Our curriculum develops technical mastery and artistic expression for students ages 3 through professional levels. Expert faculty deliver personalized instruction in small classes, focusing on classical technique, pointe work, and performance skills.

Summer Intensive

Our five-week Summer Intensive offers advanced training in the Balanchine tradition. Participants receive technique classes, pointe instruction, and repertory coaching from renowned faculty. The program includes housing options and prepares dancers for professional careers through performance opportunities and masterclasses.

Winter Intensive

This four-day program focuses on technical refinement and performance preparation. Dancers train in ballet technique, Pilates, and wellness seminars while preparing for upcoming auditions. The intensive accommodates intermediate and advanced students aged 11+ with specialized tracks for different skill levels.

Performance Programs

Students gain professional performance experience through productions like The Nutcracker and Balanchine+Beyond. Our programs feature over 100 dancers annually in major Chicago venues, offering roles in classical and contemporary works that build stagecraft and artistry.

Audition Preparation

Ballet Chicago offers audition training through masterclasses and specialized workshops. Our faculty prepares dancers for professional opportunities with guidance on repertoire selection, presentation, and technical execution while maintaining connections to major dance companies.

People

Daniel Duell

Artistic Director

Co-founder and Artistic Director Daniel Duell is a renowned choreographer and former principal dancer with New York City Ballet. He has shaped Ballet Chicago's curriculum since 1987, emphasizing Balanchine technique and professional development.

Patricia Blair

School Director

Co-founder Patricia Blair brings decades of professional ballet experience to her role as School Director. A former ballerina with major companies, she oversees training programs that combine technical rigor with character development for diverse student populations.

Ted Seymour

Resident Choreographer

Resident Choreographer Ted Seymour creates original works for Ballet Chicago's performances. With extensive experience in Balanchine repertoire, he coaches students in classical technique while developing new choreographic pieces for annual productions.

Questions

What ballet training methods do you use?

We specialize in the Balanchine Technique® through an official arrangement with the George Balanchine Trust.

Are auditions required for all programs?

Auditions are required for Summer Intensive and Balanchine Repertory Workshop; other programs have open enrollment.

Do you offer housing for out-of-town students?

Yes, supervised housing is available at University Center for students aged 12+ during summer programs.

What performance opportunities exist?

Students perform in The Nutcracker (10 shows), Balanchine+Beyond (2 shows), and multiple annual school performances.

Are scholarships available?

We offer merit scholarships, financial aid, and specialized programs like the Male Scholarship Fund for qualified students.

What age groups do you accept?

Our programs serve students starting at age 3 through professional-level training in the Professional Division.

Reviews (6)

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Javier Valencia

Aug 26, 2019 Report

Nutcracker 12/14
Nice theater, nice seats. We scored with free parking next door at the church parking lot (if you park on the nearby streets, be aware some have two-hour limits.
Casting was clever and inclusive. Was epecially amused by the single caucasian mom with seven kids at the opening Christmas party scene. Kids were especially talented. Some hits and misses with the main dancers, but really enjoyed the evening. It was fun to see so many spell-bound youngsters in the audience.

Holly Hanjra

Nov 14, 2018 Report

Very good instructors who are patient with young kids. Both my daughters look forward to their ballet classes and the on stage performance

Carmen R.

Apr 07, 2016 Report

My daughter loves Ballet Chicago! The classes are great and the teachers very dedicated to instilling the love and passion for dance, along with excellent instruction and guidance. The yearly performance of the Nutcracker is always very exciting and fun for the students. They get to showcase their hard work. The Spring performance in May is also fantastic. The administrators Danny and Val are very nice and always willing to help and answer any questions you may have. I know that Ballet Chicago is the best school for dance and I think you would agree.

Ila L.

Dec 09, 2015 Report

Excellent instruction with devoted staff. The skills they teach young dancers transcend well beyond ballet. Ballet Chicago is a true asset to Chicago.

Stephanie P.

Jan 02, 2012 Report

Ballet Chicago is an amazing company. As an adult I have taken open division ballet classes at a few different dance companies, and all and all they have been alright, however I never felt a one on one connection with the teacher, and better yet I didn't feel like I ever really grasped what they where teaching me. At Ballet Chicago I never once felt that way, I was able to see a clear improvement is my technique in a matter of weeks. They have different levels of classes and an convenient night schedule. The classes to me where challenging but yet I was able to grasp the combinations and

Love X.

Sep 12, 2010 Report

I really enjoy this place. They take dancing seriously. The directors are wonderful people. The place is a little bit intimidating at first (because it's run like a tight ship) but people will warm up to you at their own pace. The new studios (never saw the old ones) are beautiful, and there are plenty of them. The locker rooms are great, and the showers are awesome! The bathroom is spacious and always clean, and reserved to dancers only. Everything is code-protected so you don't have to worry about theft here.

Watching the level 6 dancers can give you an idea to the caliber of training