Adult Summer Intensive

Registration Fee: $50.00

Tuition: $435.00

Pre-registration is required for all Adult Division classes and programs. Students may register using our registration system, Club Automation, which can be found linked below. To register, log in to your account and select Register for Programs on the left side of the screen. All classes and programs fill on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are a new student, please reference our Registration Instructions linked below on how to set up your Club Automation account.

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

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

Adult Intensives are not drop-in eligible. Students may register into their preferred level but instructors reserve the right to transfer students into the appropriate level if necessary. 

Club Automation | Grainger Academy

Find our registration instructions here.

In general, close-fitting clothing that allows the dancer to feel comfortable and allows for proper instruction is recommended. Dance attire is not required. No costumes or tutus, please. Students should wear ballet flats for ballet class, variations, and repertoire. Dancers with a minimum of two years of experience on pointe may wear pointe shoes for the classical repertoire workshop. No other classes may be taken on pointe. In addition to attire, all dancers will need to bring a water bottle and yoga mat. 

Beginner II Ballet with Various Instructors

Dancers will develop the basic technique and start to expand their terminology and use of arms and legs at the barre and the center. Beginner II requires basic ballet knowledge and is not suggested for those who have never danced before. We ask that all students take this class in soft ballet flats and refrain from wearing pointe shoes. 

Intermediate Ballet with Various Instructors

A well-rounded class for those looking for expanded terminology and technical challenges. It is recommended that dancers are well versed in ballet terms as the pace of the class will move quicker than the beginner levels. Longer exercises with more steps are also introduced at this level. We ask that all students take this class in soft ballet flats and refrain from wearing pointe shoes. 

Classical Variations with Various Instructors

Students will learn a variation from a classical ballet to be performed at the end of the intensive during an informal viewing. 

Gyrokinesis® with James Gowan

Gyrokinesis® is a movement method that emphasizes fluid, circular, and spiraling movements, often likened to swimming or dancing. It focuses on strengthening and lengthening the spine and improving range of motion. It is known for its ability to improve flexibility, coordination, and functional strength, while also promoting relaxation and a sense of well-being. A yoga mat is needed for this class. 

Classical Repertoire with Victoria Jaiani

During this workshop, students will learn an excerpt of a classical ballet from long-time Joffrey Company Artist Victoria Jaiani. Dancers with a minimum of two years of experience on pointe may wear pointe shoes for this workshop.

Pas de Deux Class with Head of Adult Division Raul Casasola

This class will be an introduction to the basic principles of traditional ballet partnering. Four Joffrey Ballet Company dancers will join to partner with students. No lifts or pirouettes will be performed in this class.

Classical Variations Showing

In this showing, students will have the opportunity to perform their classical variation in small groups in front of their peers, showcasing their hard work and growth during the intensive.

Final Gathering

The final gathering is an opportunity for intensive students to mingle and chat! A gift will be provided for each student.

Edson Barbosa, Current Company Artist with The Joffrey Ballet

From Rio De Janeiro, Edson has been with the company since 2014. Click on his name to read his full bio. 

Raúl Casasola, Academy Principal Teacher and Head of Adult Division, Former Company Artist with The Joffrey Ballet

From Madrid, Spain, Raúl danced with the company from 2008 to 2018. In 2019, he became the Principal Teacher at the Grainger Academy, followed by the Head of Adult Division in 2024. Click on his name to read his full bio. 

James Gowan, Current Instructor for the Contemporary Ballet Trainee Program

From Phoenix, Arizona, James began dancing at the age of 16 at Tempe Dance Academy. He graduated with a BFA in Dance from Point Park University. James has danced as a company member with Texture Contemporary Ballet, River North Dance Chicago and DanceWorks Chicago. He joined Alonzo King LINES Ballet in 2015. He has danced many principle roles during his tenure in the company working closely with King on new choreographies. Gowan has taught around the world as part of the company’s outreach program. James continues to study the art of movement. He leads somatically informed classes that draw from his self-studies in Body-Mind Centering and the Franklin Method. James believes in applying these embodied concepts to dance education and seeks to reveal to dancers additional possibilities for rich, efficient and elegant movement. James is currently a free-lance dance artist and is a certified trainer in the GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® methods.

Victoria Jaiani, Current Company Artist with The Joffrey Ballet

From Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia, Victoria has been with the company since 2003. Click on her name to read her full bio. 

Jeraldine Mendoza, Current Company Artist with The Joffrey Ballet

From San Francisco, California, Jeraldine has been with the company since 2011. Click on her name to read her full bio. 

Paolo Randon, Current Company Artist with The Joffrey Ballet

From Valdagno, Italy, Paolo has been with the company since 2024. Click on his name to read his full bio. 

Kara Zimmerman, Former Company Artist with The Joffrey Ballet

From Hershey, Pennsylvania, Kara grew up training at the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet in Carlisle, PA.  In addition to her year-round training at CPYB, Kara also trained during the summers in Seattle, WA, at the Pacific Northwest Ballet School on full scholarship.

After graduating high school, Kara was invited to stay in Seattle and attend the Pacific Northwest Ballet School's Professional Division program full time. After training at the PNB school for two years, Kent Stowell and Francia Russell chose her to join the Pacific Northwest Ballet company as a member of the Corps de Ballet. During her 8 years with PNB, she had the privilege of traveling to England, Scotland, Hong Kong, and Turkey to perform internationally with the company. 

In 2008, Kara joined the Cincinnati Ballet as a Senior Soloist and then one year later joined the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, where she danced with the company for 6 seasons.

In August of 2015, Kara was invited to join the Victor Ullate Ballet Company in Madrid, Spain, where she spent a year performing and touring Victor Ullate’s works all throughout Spain and France. During that year, she also had the privilege to perform with the company in Colombia and Uruguay.

Over the years, Kara has been invited to perform as a guest artist all throughout the United States and abroad. In addition to teaching and coaching ballet, Kara is also a 200hr Certified Yoga Instructor.

Where can I park? 

There is an Inter-Park self-parking garage located next to Joffrey Tower at 20 E Randolph St that charges by the hour. Individual parking stickers are available for purchase at Joffrey Reception. Pre-paid parking packs are available at Joffrey Reception as well. Individual parking stickers and parking packs are eligible for use after 3PM on weekdays and all day on weekends. 

Aside from the garage, there is paid street parking in the surrounding area. 

What do I do for lunch? 

Lunch is not provided for our Adult Intensive students. There are a number of restaurants in the area surrounding Joffrey Tower. A fridge and microwave will not be available to those bringing a packed lunch.

Can friends and family attend the Classical Variations Showing on Sunday? 

The Classical Variations Showing is an informal showing intended only for registered participants of the intensive. Unfortunately, friends and family are not able to attend. 

Adult Division Cancelation Policy

Adult students who have registered for a class in advance but are unable to attend may contact the academy and request that their class registration be canceled. Canceling registration will result in a credit in the amount of the class price being added to their account. Credits may be used towards any future registration. Credits do expire 90 days after they've been added to the account.

Adult Division Refund Policy

The Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet does not offer any refunds for missed or canceled classes, withdrawal, or dismissal from the class/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.

Adult Arrival/Departure Policy

We kindly ask that Adult students arrive no more than 30 minutes prior to the start of their class and leave promptly within 15 minutes of their class ending. This is to ensure the safety of all students at the Academy and the security of our buildings. 

Photos/Videos Policy

The Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet does not permit photos and/or videos to be taken of any classes, students, or instructors. Exceptions include those with an active private studio rental and Observation Weeks. 

Studio Late Policy

Our classes require a proper warm-up in order to avoid injury. Therefore, either Joffrey Reception or Faculty may ask students to not participate if they arrive more than 10 minutes late. 

Grainger Academy Gift Cards: 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.