Pre-Professional Program

Find our 2024-2025 Academy Calendar here.

Find our 2025-2026 Pre-Professional Program Schedule and Pricing here. 

Find our 2025-2026 Academy Calendar here.

All schedules are subject to change.

Tuition Policy

When registering for any of the Grainger Academy’s programs, students/parents/guardians should understand that it is a commitment for the entire length of the program. By registering for classes, registrants agree that they are liable for the full amount indicated on any Grainger Academy materials, including any fees, even in the event of the student's withdrawal or dismissal from the program before it has begun or is complete.

Students must be in good standing with a zero balance on their account before registration into the next semester/session is allowed. All students must have all tuition and fees paid in full to take class on the first day of the program unless a payment plan has been predetermined by the Academy staff.

All students for whom payment is 30 days past due may be dismissed from the program or asked not to participate in classes and productions until payment has been received. 

If an account is over 30 days past due, a $30 finance fee will be assessed each month that the account is delinquent. A declined ACH debit or card payment is considered a late payment. An additional thirty-dollar ($30.00) fee for declined payments will be assessed. After two declined ACH debit or card payments, students may be withdrawn from the Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet.

Refund Policy

The Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet does not offer any refunds or credits for missed classes, withdrawal, or dismissal from the program. By registering for classes and programs, students agree that they are liable for the full amount indicated on any Grainger Academy materials and will adhere to any payment plans or scheduled payments put in place.

The Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet does not accept cash or check as a form of payment.

Students may register using our registration system, Club Automation, which can be found linked below. Specific registration instructions can be found below as well. All classes fill on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to register as soon as you are eligible to ensure your preferred class section.

If you have questions about your Club Automation account or registration, please contact [email protected]. 

Returning Students: Returning students are students who were registered for the previous semester or year. Returning students should use their pre-existing Club Automation account to register. All returning students are eligible to take part in Priority Registration. 

New Students: New students will need to create a new Club Automation account to register. New students in the Pre-Professional Program must have admission to the program via an audition or trial class prior to registering. Please see the top of this page for details. 

Club Automation

Find our registration instructions here.

Medical Forms Required for All Students: 

The Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet requires all students to have a Medical Exam and Medical Waiver on file in order to participate in Grainger Academy programming, with the exception of students in the Adult Division. This is for the safety of the student and the Grainger Academy. Students who do not have all medical forms on file by their first class will be permitted to attend and observe class, however, will not be able to dance. Students may begin participating fully in classes once all medical forms have been submitted. Medical Exams must have been completed and signed within twelve (12) months of August 31 the year the student is registered for Grainger Academy programming. Students who are still missing forms after two (2) weeks of being enrolled in Grainger Academy programming will be un-registered from said programming. Forms only need to be submitted once per school year. New forms must be submitted at the start of each fall or at the time the new student joins the Grainger Academy. Blank copies of the Academy Medical Waiver and an Illinois State Medical Form can be found linked in the submission form. To find them, hover your mouse over the part of the form where you upload your files and the link will appear to the right. They are only accessible on a laptop or desktop computer and not on a mobile device. The Medical Exam does not have to be the Illinois State Medical Exam provided. The Grainger Academy will accept any medical exam form provided and completed by a licensed medical professional. To participate in Grainger Academy programming, all students MUST submit a Medical Care Waiver and Medical Exam Form by their first class.

Submit Medical Forms here.

Grainger Academy’s dress code is designed to encourage unity, discipline, and improved concentration among our students. Long hair must be in a neat bun, short hair must be pulled away from face. No jewelry or large accessories.

Level III

- Option 1: Wear Moi Faustine leotard in Burgundy, Bloch Adaptatoe convertible tights or Body Wrappers convertible tights in flesh-tone or pink*, Body Wrappers black chiffon wrap skirt, Flesh-tone or pink* canvas split-sole ballet slippers, Flesh-tone or pink* pointe shoes (for those on pointe), White ¾ hip alignment belt

*tights and shoe colors must match

- Option 2: Body Wrappers fitted short-sleeve t-shirt in white , Body Wrappers convertible tights in slate gray, Thin white socks, White canvas split-sole ballet slippers, Flesh-tone dance belt

Level IV

- Option 1: Wear Moi Faustine leotard in Prune, Block Adaptatoe convertible tights or Body Wrappers convertible tights in flesh-tone or pink*, Body Wrappers black chiffon wrap skirt, Flesh-tone or pink* canvas split-sole ballet slippers, Flesh-tone or pink* pointe shoes (for those on pointe), White ¾ hip alignment belt

*tights and shoe colors must match

- Option 2: Body Wrappers short-sleeve fitted t-shirt in white, Body Wrappers convertible tights in slate gray, Thin white socks, White canvas split-sole ballet slippers, Flesh-tone dance belt

Level V

- Option 1: Wear Moi Faustine leotard in Royal Blue, Block Adaptatoe convertible tights or Body Wrappers convertible tights in flesh-tone or pink*, Body Wrappers black chiffon wrap skirt, Flesh-tone or pink* canvas split-sole ballet slippers, Flesh-tone or pink* pointe shoes (for those on pointe), White ¾ hip alignment belt

*tights and shoe colors must match

- Option 2: Body Wrappers short-sleeve fitted t-shirt in white, Body Wrappers convertible tights in slate gray, Thin white socks, White canvas split-sole ballet slippers, Flesh-tone dance belt

Level VI

- Option 1: Wear Moi Faustine leotard in Navy, Block Adaptatoe convertible tights or Body Wrappers convertible tights in flesh-tone or pink*, Body Wrappers black chiffon wrap skirt, Flesh-tone or pink* canvas split-sole ballet slippers, Flesh-tone or pink* pointe shoes (for those on pointe), White ¾ hip alignment belt

*tights and shoe colors must match

- Option 2: Body Wrappers short-sleeve fitted t-shirt in white, Body Wrappers convertible tights in slate gray, Thin white socks, White canvas split-sole ballet slippers, Flesh-tone dance belt

Character

- Option 1: Black character shoes in 1.5" heel, Natalie black character skirt (below knee) or Body Wrappers black circle skirt (below knee)

- Option 2: Black jazz or character shoes, Optional black jazz pants

Jazz/Modern/Contemporary

Solid colored camisole leotard or solid colored t-shirt, Fitted black dance shorts or jazz pants

Shoes: 

- Jazz: Black jazz shoes

- Modern: Barefoot

- Contemporary: Plain black socks (no logos)

Required Performance Attire

- Option 1: One Wear Moi Faustine leotard in Black, One plain flesh-tone camisole leotard, Flesh-tone shorts

- Option 2: Body Wrappers fitted short-sleeved t-shirt in black, Body Wrappers convertible tights in black, Body Wrappers convertible tights in white, Thin black socks, Black canvas split-sole ballet slippers, Black bike shorts

The Grainger Academy has ongoing housing partnerships with Infinite Chicago and The Flats for students in the Pre-Professional Professional Training Programs. Housing is unchaperoned and for students 16 and older. Students 15 and under are encouraged to move to Chicago with a parent/guardian.

Infinite Chicago:

Infinite Chicago is located on Wabash and Jackson, is within walking distance to Joffrey Tower, and is designed to fit the busy lifestyle of Academy students living in the downtown Loop area. All apartments come fully furnished and include a large array of amenities including an in-unit washer and dryer or laundry room, full kitchen, and cable and internet service. 

The Flats: 

The Flats is located on Wabash, is within walking distance to Joffrey Tower, and is designed to fit the busy lifestyle of Academy students living in the South Loop area. All apartments come fully furnished and include a large array of amenities including an in-unit washer and dryer or laundry room, full kitchen, and cable and internet service. 

Students may receive either a scholarship or financial aid but will not be awarded both in the same semester/session. Scholarship and financial aid awards are only applicable to the programs they are assigned to. Students who have any type of need for financial assistance are encouraged to apply for financial aid.

Financial Aid

A limited amount of need-based financial aid is available for students whose financial circumstances would limit their exposure to classical ballet and other dance forms. Anyone interested in being considered for financial aid must submit a complete application during the application window. Students from any program can apply for financial aid, with the exception of the Adult Division. Financial aid only applies to tuition. It does not apply to the registration fee, housing, attire, visas, or any other fees related to the program.

Financial Aid Application

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships are available each year to students in auditioned programs who have demonstrated extraordinary professional potential. Scholarships are merit-based and awarded at the discretion of the Artistic staff. Scholarships only apply to tuition. They do not apply to the registration fee, housing, attire, visas, or any other fees related to the program. If a student is awarded a scholarship, they will be notified in their acceptance letter. 

Make-Up Classes: Students in the Dance Lab and Pre-Professional Programs, and students enrolled in year-round classes in the Children’s Program are permitted five (5) make-up classes for each class registration per year. Students enrolled in semester-based classes in the Children’s Program are permitted two (2) make-up classes for each class registration per semester. The availability of make-up classes is not guaranteed. To schedule a make-up class, please contact Reception by phone or email. Make-up classes do not include scheduled days off for the Grainger Academy such as Winter Break or Spring Break. Make-up classes must be completed within the same semester or year at the student’s level or the level immediately below in any program or program in which the student’s age is appropriate. The Grainger Academy strongly recommends that all absences be made up during the week following the absence. Make-up classes are not permitted during Observation Weeks. No refund or credit is given for missed classes, regardless of reason.

Private Lessons: Private lessons are offered to the Grainger Academy students at the discretion of the Academy Artistic Team and are dependent upon regular attendance in the classes in which the student is already enrolled. Students or parents should fill out the Private Lesson Request Form. The price of the lesson will include a studio rental fee, an administrative fee, and the faculty member’s rate for private lessons. The Artistic Director does not teach private lessons. Observation and video recording of private lessons is not permitted. Students must check in at Reception prior to attending their lesson. Private Lessons will be charged the morning of the day they are scheduled for. Any cancellations or modifications must be communicated to the Student Services Specialist at least one business day (24 hours) prior to the lesson. No refunds will be given for cancellations/modifications made without proper notice.  

Studio Late Policy: Students who arrive late to class miss the necessary preparations to ensure they are sufficiently warm, which prevents injuries. If a student enters the studio more than 10 minutes late, they may be asked to sit and observe. 

Pointe Work: Pointe work is essential in preparing a young dancer for advanced ballet training. Only the Grainger Academy Artistic Team and faculty can determine when a student is ready to begin this aspect of classical training. Strong feet, ankles, legs, and core strength are the keys to physical readiness. Comprehension of classical ballet technique is an essential component for pointe work. Students should not purchase pointe shoes prior to being evaluated and approved to take Pointe.

Students under the age of 11 will not be considered for pointe work, as beginning pointe work too early can be harmful to the development of a dancer. It is strongly recommended that students ages 7+ take two ballet technique classes per week if they would like to prepare to be considered for pointe work in their future training. 

Grainger Academy Gift Cards: Now available, the Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet offers digital gift cards for those wanting to give the gift of dance. Gift cards may be used on any payment at the Grainger Academy, including class tuition, private lessons, studio reservations, physical therapy sessions, merchandise, and more. Gift cards are available for purchase online through Club Automation, in-person, by email, or over the phone. Gift cards purchased online are only available in predetermined amounts. Those wanting to gift an amount different from what is available online may contact Reception to request their specific amount. Gift cards purchased online may only be applied to the account they were purchased on. To transfer the gift card, please contact Reception with the name on the account you would like the gift card to be transferred to. If the recipient does not have a Club Automation account, please make sure they create one prior to requesting the transfer. 

To use a gift card for any purchase, you must contact Reception to complete the transaction. Gift cards cannot be used to complete purchases online independently.