Children’s Program
Program Details
- Ages 2–12
- Requirements Registration
At the Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet, nurturing a love of dance at a young age sparks a true passion for the art form. The Grainger Academy’s Children’s Program builds a strong dance foundation by focusing on correct posture, placement, discipline, coordination, strength, flexibility, and musicality. This program follows a more traditional progression through Academy curriculum.
The Children’s Program offers classes that are semester-based for our youngest students, as well as classes that take place over the full academic year as students progress. For semester-based classes, students are registered one semester/session at a time and have three separate registration periods per year: fall, spring, and summer. For classes that take place over the full academic year, students register once in the fall, are committed to both fall and spring semesters, and have an optional summer session.
Students in the Children’s Program, with the exception of those in Toddler and Me and Creative Movement, have the opportunity to perform in the Grainger Academy’s annual productions.
Classes with Yearly Registration |
Classes with Semester-Based Registration |
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Academy Resources
Check below for information including schedules, registration, financial aid, and more!
Find our 2024-2025 Children's Program Schedule here.
Find our 2024-2025 Academy Calendar here.
All schedules are subject to change.
Registration for our 2025 Spring Semester will open to the public on December 18 at 10:00 AM CT. This is only for our semester-based classes.
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. Registration after the start of our classes may require a trial class placement or waitlist.
If you have questions about your Club Automation account or registration, please contact Reception at [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. Please watch your inbox for details.
New Students: New students will need to create a new Club Automation account to register. Students are placed in classes based on their age as of August 31 of that school year. Students ages 9+ require a trial class for proper placement. For more information on trial classes, please see our Trial Class page.
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.
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 $20 finance fee will be assessed each month that the account is delinquent.
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 as a form of payment.
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.
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.
Trial Classes
Trial Classes
Trial Classes
Trial classes are required for new students ages 9 and up. Click here to learn more about them!
Required Class Attire
Grainger Academy’s dress code is designed to encourage unity, discipline, and improved concentration among our students. Specific requirements for the Children’s Program can be found below.
Option 1:
Plain pink tank leotard, *flesh-tone or pink footed tights, *flesh-tone or pink canvas ballet slippers. No skirts.
Recommended: Wear Moi Faustine in PINK
*Tights and slipper colors must match.
Option 2:
White fitted t-shirt, Black shorts, White socks, White canvas ballet slippers
Adult (for Toddler and Me):
Comfortable clothes that allow for movement
Option 1:
Plain pink tank leotard, ¾" white hip alignment belt or ¾" elastic, *flesh-tone or pink footed tights, *flesh-tone or pink canvas split sole ballet slippers. No skirts.
Recommended: Wear Moi Faustine in PINK
*Tights and slipper colors must match.
Option 2:
White fitted t-shirt, black shorts, white socks, white canvas ballet slippers
Long hair must be in a neat bun, short hair must be pulled away from face. No jewelry or large accessories.
Option 1:
Plain light blue tank leotard, ¾" white hip alignment belt or ¾" elastic, *flesh-tone or pink footed tights, *flesh-tone or pink canvas split sole ballet slippers. No skirts.
Recommended: Wear Moi Faustine in SKY
*Tights and slipper colors must match
Option 2:
White fitted t-shirt, black shorts or black tights, white socks, white canvas ballet slippers
Long hair must be in a neat bun, short hair must be pulled away from face. No jewelry or large accessories.
Ballet I and II students should bring a journal or paper and a pen or pencil to take notes for class.
All IIB and IIA students should bring a medium-strength Theraband.
Solid colored tank leotard or solid colored fitted t-shirt, Fitted black dance shorts or jazz pants, Black jazz shoes
Hair must be pulled away from the face. No jewelry or large accessories.
Solid colored tank leotard or solid colored fitted t-shirt, Fitted black dance shorts or black footless/convertible tights
Option 1: Black character shoes in a 1' heel, black character skirt (below the knee)
Recommended: Natalie black character skirt or Body Wrappers black circle skirt
Option 2: Black jazz shoes, optional black jazz pants