Boys in Ballet

Ballet Is for Everyone

What comes to mind when you hear the word ballet? Do you picture pink tutus, elegance, and femininity? While these images are associated with ballet, they only scratch the surface of what the art form represents. The stereotypes surrounding ballet often overlook the extraordinary discipline, strength, and dedication required to achieve its signature grace. 

Ballet develops skills that extend far beyond the studio: mind-body connection, creative expression, mobility, discipline, respect, and musicality. 

Kyler Gordan, cornerback for the Chicago Bears, began his athletic journey in the dance studio. As a competitive dancer, Kyler trained in multiple styles, including jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and ballet, before turning his focus on football. In the 2024 NFL season, he recorded 75 combined tackles, a career-high in fumble recoveries, and 13 starts, ranking him 20th among 122 cornerbacks nationally. Kyler credits his early dance training with enhancing his agility and control on the field, making him a more dynamic and versatile athlete.

Similarly, Joffrey Company Artist Dylan Gutierrez attributes his strength and athleticism as a dancer to his formative years playing basketball. On the court, he learned teamwork, perseverance, and the value of reps. Lessons that continue to inform his career as a professional dancer. Dylan's journey has taken him from the Royal Ballet School in London to The Joffrey Ballet studios in Chicago, where he has been a Company Artist since 2009.  

The Future Starts in the Studio

At The Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet, students receive world-class training designed to prepare them for whatever future they may pursue. Here, students are encouraged to challenge themselves, discover their potential, and develop the discipline and athleticism to thrive, both in dance and beyond. 

Grainger Academy's Boys Dance Classes offer a supportive environment where young students can explore the freedom of movement while building essential life skills. They develop focus, resilience, flexibility, and coordination, tools that will benefit them if they become dancers, doctors, or athletes. 

Whichever path they choose, dance builds futures. It transcends age, gender, and background, offering endless possibilities to anyone willing to step into the studio.