What a gem of a ballet school! The three reasons we have loved this school for our daughter: (1) The faculty has some serious ballet expertise and passion (numerous alumni have become professional ballet dancers) but they're also incredibly good with teaching kids. Our daughter is always excited to go and see her teachers & classmates. (2) All students from 3yos in Creative Movement to the pre-professional dancers in the studio company are cast in their annual Nutcracker performances. Not only is it a cool experience for her perform on stage in real performing arts venues like the Harris Theater, but it's taught her a lot that goes beyond dance. Performing on stage in front of over a thousand people without stage fright, showing up for her classmates for multiple shows each season are good life skills. (3) While ballet isn't the most historically diverse place, Ballet Chicago's school directors make a conscious effort to be inclusive (different backgrounds, body types, etc.) You can tell they're committed to making ballet a positive experience for their dancers and it extends across the school. There's a real community feel. Oh! and I should mention that the studio and classes are also well-equipped: live piano accompaniment during classes, Marley sprung floors, nice natural light. read more

This is a ballet school that will prepare young dancers with technical skill and performance experience and foster a love of dance. Both my son and daughter enjoyed performing in the annual nutcracker performance and it was great as a parent to watch the esprit de corp develop among the young dancers of all ages. read more

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 they have- the dancers are all great to watch, unlike most studios who have only 1 or 2 "top" dancers and the rest struggling to follow far behind. They have a ton of classes every day for the pre-professional levels. The teachers are all good and bring their own flavor. The only downside is that open classes are only once a week right now, so people not interested in a pre-professional program are going to have a hard time attending enough classes to meet their needs, but the amount of classes appears to have been reduced only due to lack of interest, so perhaps if more people voiced a desire for open classes, more would open up. The pointe classes are done in a safe manner, they don't rush kids onto pointe and if something hurts they will let you sit it out and ice it rather than risk further injury like less reponsible schools would. The technique classes are challenging and varied. The pilates is also great, though no machines are used. Overall a great program to put your children into! I don't have much experience with schools in the midwest but from what I've been researching so far, this seems to be one of the best. read more

We began over 5 years ago taking our oldest daughter Isabel and have not stopped since. She thoroughly enjoys ballet and as soon as her younger sister could begin she has also looked forward to Ballet Classes. They both love their teachers and enjoy performing in the Nutcracker performance that is done every year. read more

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 geezzz is it a great work out!!! read more

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. read more

As an adult beginner in ballet, I looked around for a school that I would feel both comfortable and receive competent instruction. I found this combination at Ballet Chicago. The studio space is very nice (19th floor). The instructor for adult ballet, William, is a natural teacher. Perhaps the space is not ultra modern like Joffrey's space, but the classes are not as crowded either. If substance is more important than style in your selection of a dance school then I would highly recommend you look in Ballet Chicago. read more

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

If you are really into the arts and musical performances, I would suggest for you to try this place. They offer all types of dance instructions. They offer classes and one-on-one training as well. It's a great place to get a good experience. read more