Pre-professional
Training Program
The Pre-Professional Training Program of The Joffrey Ballet is designed to prepare dancers for a professional performing career. Artistic Director Ashley Wheater and Associate Artistic Directors
Anna Reznik and Alexei Kremnev have created an unprecedented curriculum that will be taught by some of the world’s most sought-after faculty.
Audition is by placement audition and students must meet specific requirements. Students must be at least 7 years old and have a healthy body that is suited for the demands of classical dance.
Girls and boys are placed in 5 levels according to age, experience, and ability. They follow a structured syllabus of training designed to increase their technical skills, stamina and discipline
in accordance with their age and physical development. For placement audition information see AUDITIONS.
The program includes classes in ballet technique, pointe, pas de deux, character, variations, male virtuosity, contemporary, modern, core strengthening/stretch, Latin, and
jazz. The Pre-Professional
Training Program will also include special classes in Bournonville Technique, Dance History, Looking at the World through Art, Dance Careers, and Parents Class (educating parents on dance as a
career, etc.).
See class schedule
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Level Descriptions
Level I: 7-8 years, by placement only
Level I students will focus on the development of the attention span, participation, self-discipline, proper conduct in class,
memory and focus for the training process. They will continue
to develop motor functions, flexibility, coordination, extension, jumps, etc. Concentration will be given to placement and correct body alignment so the student can master placement of the
body, legs, arms and head. Beginning musical consideration, such as phrasing, accents, tempo and rhythm will be emphasized.
Required number of Ballet Technique classes per week: 1
Recommended number of Ballet Technique classes per week: 2
Level II: generally 8-9 years, by placement only
Level II students continue training in the fundamentals of classical ballet technique, vocabulary and studio etiquette. This
level focuses on the development of technical skills, coordination, discipline and musicality. Their physical training will concentrate on placement and correct body alignment.
Required number of Ballet Technique classes per week: 2
Recommended number of Ballet Technique classes per week: 3
Level III: Generally 9-11+ years, by placement only
Exercises from previous levels are repeated with an increased frequency. Development of the legs and feet are
stressed with work on demi-pointe and in later stages on Pointe.
Required number of Ballet Technique classes per week: 3 + 3 Pointe (Pre-Pointe) Classes
Recommended number of Ballet Technique classes per week: 4 + 3 Pointe (Pre-Pointe) Classes
Level IV: Generally 12-13+ years, by placement only
Exercises from previous level are repeated with an increased frequency with work on demi-pointe and on pointe. Classes will increase in complexity and there will be great emphasis on the
development of line and movement quality. Students will continue to develop epaulements and port de bras. The technical vocabulary of turning and batteries will be introduced and expanded. Emphasis
will be on the development of artistry, musicality and personality.
Required number of Ballet Technique classes per week: 4 + 3 Pointe classes
Recommended number of Ballet Technique classes: 5 + 3 Pointe classes.
Level V: Generally 14+ years, by placement only
This period of study involves strengthening the student’s stability in various turns,
beats and large jumps while performing the exercises on half-toe and on pointe. Emphasis is placed on development of smooth connection of movement of the arms and body. Repertoire is
introduced to further the physical development of Virtuosity, Artistry, Musicality and Personality.
Required number of Ballet Technique classes per week: 5 + 4 Pointe classes
Recommended number of Ballet Technique classes per week: 6 + 5 Pointe classes
All Levels will be required to study other dance forms in their level.
Please contact the Academy of Dance Directors with questions or concerns regarding the class requirements for the Pre-Professional Program.
About Pointe
The study of Pointe work is essential in preparing the young ballerina for the advanced status in ballet training. Only the teacher can determine when a student is ready to begin this aspect
of training. Strong feet, ankles, legs, and body control are the keys to physical readiness. Comprehension of classical ballet technique is an essential component for recommendation
for Pointe work.
Additional Training
All students are encouraged to attend all of The Joffrey’s Summer Intensive Program, master classes and workshops. Additional classes can be taken, time permitting, in a lower level. Please
speak with the Associate Artistic Directors for more information.
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Attire
The Academy of Dance maintains a dress code to encourage improved concentration. Students are required to wear the color leotard assigned for their level. Students
who are not properly attired will be required to leave class so they may change into appropriate dance clothing.
All girls must wear Capezio style #cc101 leotards in the colors assigned to their level (see below) with Capezio style #15 tights in ballet pink (adult size) or Capezio style #1872C
in ballet pink (children’s) and pink canvas ballet shoes. Because this is a brand new line of leotards that will not be available until mid-January, students will not be required to
have this specific leotard until February 1st. Some stores still carry Capezio style #9630 – which is the same style with a slightly different material. Students are welcome to
use this style of leotard. Students unable to get the #CC101 or #9630 leotard are welcome to wear a plain black leotard until February 1st.
Level I – pink
Level II – white
Level III – light blue
Level IV – burgundy
Level V – Navy
On Thursday nights, girls are free to wear any solid color leotard.
All men must wear gray tights, white fitted T-shirt, white socks and white ballet shoes.
All uniforms should be kept clean and neat. Holes and frayed edges must be mended. Dance and Pointe shoes should never be worn outside the building. Warmers may not be worn during
class. Short black ballet skirts are needed in Pas de Deux classes. Ties on pointe shoes should be tied in a double knot, cut off with 1-1/2 inch remaining and tucked in. This
will be done by the teacher on the first day of classes for younger students. Watches, jewelry and safety pins should not be worn in the studio. A student’s hair should be confined
so that it is immobile, does not distract the audience, hit other dancers or impede turns.
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Tuition & Fees
Tuition and Pricing for Winter Semester 2009
| |
1 Payment Plan |
2 Payment Plan |
| Level I |
$486.00 |
$243.00 |
| Level II |
$918.00 |
$459.00 |
| Level III |
$1512.00 |
$756.00 |
| Level IV |
$2268.00 |
$1134.00 |
| Level V |
$2916.00 |
$1458.00 |
Tuition is due upon registration. If you would like to pay in two installments the first payment is due at the time of registration, and the second payment is due exactly
two months following, the week of February 23rd.
All students pay a $25.00 non-refundable annual registration fee.
All late, denied or returned payments will be charged a $25 processing fee.
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Auditions
Placement Classes and Conferences for Winter Semester 2009 have already passed. Please contact Academy reception (312.784.4600) if you are interested in being placed in the
Pre-Professional Training Program for the Winter Semester.
Participation in Competitions, Festivals, etc.
Academy of Dance Students may be invited to participate in prestigious dance competitions, festivals, etc. It is the sole discretion of the Artistic Director to determine which students deserve
to represent the Academy of Dance at such events. Annual tuition does not cover competition/festival expenses and each student will be responsible for any competition fees, travel, accommodation,
costumes and any other expenses. To guarantee high level of artistry and proper representation of the Academy of Dance, all students must receive the Artistic Director’s approval for
any solo they might present. Students whose solos do not have such approval may participate as “independent.”
Private Lessons
All private lessons are at the discretion of the Academy of Dance Directors. Please contact the Academy of Dance Director for more information.
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Trainee Program (Fall 2009)
The Academy of Dance has established a program specifically to meet the needs of 17-20 years olds preparing for a professional dance career. Daily technique classes, pointe, pas de deux,
character, male virtuosity, repertoire in classical and contemporary styles as well as other dance disciplines, are all a part of this rigorous professional program. The personal attention
and guidance to each student by the Joffrey staff will help prepare each student for their career and life as a dancer. Audition techniques, teaching methodologies, handling business and
financial matters, as well as exploring other career options are all part of the curriculum provided. Most important our goal is to assist and nurture our students in becoming whole,
healthy, and happy adults who have a true passion for dance, and a clear understanding of how to make dance a career.
Participation in the Trainee Program is by invitation from the Artistic Director, Ashley Wheater.
Auditions for the Trainee Program will be in the spring of 2009 and during the 2009 Summer Intensive. More information to come! If interested call the Academy of Dance
Director to request information at (312) 784-4600.
International Exchange Scholarships will be available. More information to come.
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Performance Opportunities
Performance is an important part of a dancer’s education. The Academy of Dance strives to provide students with the following performances:
• Year End Class Presentation. This very special performance will be held in The Joffrey’s Blackbox Theatre. Each class will present works
and demonstrate accomplishments of the year. No costume will be required; everyone will participate in class attire. Date and Details TBA. Continue to visit joffrey.org for
more updates.
• Pre-Professional Training students will have additional performance opportunities to be announced.
• Opening Gala Performance. To Be Announced
• Nutcracker 2009. Auditions in September 2009. Continue
to visit Joffrey.org for updates in July 2009.
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