Dance Lab Program

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.

Dance Lab Ballet I

8-11+ Years Old | 1.5 Hours | Full Academic Year

This class is designed for students who want to learn the fundamentals of ballet. Students are introduced to ballet vocabulary as well as musicality, discipline, and class structure.

Dance Lab Ballet II

11-17 Years Old | 1.5 Hours | Full Academic Year

Building upon fundamental concepts of ballet technique, students begin to focus on strength and coordination through a more structured class.

Dance Lab Ballet III

11-17 Years Old | 1.5 Hours | Full Academic Year

Students build their ballet vocabulary and technique, and as they build strength and coordination, their musicality and discipline will also deepen.

Dance Lab Ballet IV

11-17 Years Old | 1.5 Hours | Full Academic Year

Students will continue training in ballet technique, vocabulary, and studio etiquette. This level builds on the development of technique and coordination, and students will begin to gain musical understanding and graceful expression. 

Dance Lab Ballet V

11-17 Years Old | 1.5 Hours | Full Academic Year

Students in this class will be using a more extensive ballet vocabulary, as they focus on artistry and gain precision as an advanced dancer. 

Dance Lab Teen Ballet

Must be enrolled in Dance Lab Ballet III, IV, or V | 1.5 Hours | Full Academic Year

This open ballet class for advanced levels of ballet offers continued practice in technique, vocabulary, musicality, and artistry.

Dance Lab Pre-Pointe

By Placement Only | 1 Hour | Full Academic Year

Students will prepare for pointe in this class with Theraband and strengthening exercises on the floor and at the barre. This class will further develop the muscles needed to dance on pointe. Dancing on pointe requires proper spine alignment, turn out from the hips, strong ankle strength, proper foot-pointing technique, and good balance. In Pre-Pointe, students will work on strengthening calf muscles, ankles, and the arches of the feet. Class is to be taken in flat dance shoes. Pointe shoes should not be purchased prior to class. All students will be recommended to go on pointe on an individual basis when the teacher feels the student is strong enough and ready. At that time, information about pointe shoe purchasing will be discussed with the teacher. Requirements: Recommended for Dance Lab Ballet III and IV students. Students need Grainger Academy teacher approval before enrolling, including students who are currently taking pre-pointe or pointe at another studio. Students who are interested in being approved for Pre-Pointe should contact Joffrey Reception at [email protected]. Students wishing to take Pre-Pointe must register for two Dance Lab ballet classes per week, including the ballet class immediately preceding the Pre-Pointe class.  

Dance Lab Pointe I and II

By Placement Only | 1 Hour | Full Academic Year

Students will begin to work on pointe in Dance Lab Pointe I and strengthen their technical abilities in Dance Lab Pointe II. Dancing on pointe requires proper spine alignment, turn out from the hips, strong ankle strength, proper foot-pointing technique, and good balance. In Dance Lab Pointe, students will continue to work on further strengthening calf muscles, ankles, and the arches of the feet. Dance Lab Pointe will include exercises at the barre and in the center to increase strength and practice balance.All students will be recommended to go on pointe on an individual basis when the teacher feels the student is strong enough and ready. At that time, students will be recommended to a pointe shoe fitting at Allegro Boutique once they receive teacher approval for Pointe class.Requirements: Recommended for Dance Lab Ballet IV and V students. Students need Grainger Academy teacher approval before enrolling, including students who are currently taking pointe at another studio. Students interested in being approved for Pointe should attend a placement ballet class. Students wishing to take Pointe must register for two Dance Lab ballet classes per week, including the ballet class immediately preceding the Pointe class.

Jazz I 

7-10 Years Old | 1 Hour | Full Academic Year

In this uniquely American dance style, students learn basic jazz dance techniques. Jazz I will help develop student’s performance, endurance, strength, and rhythm. Taking jazz in addition to ballet will help create a well-rounded dancer.  

Jazz II

10-13+ Years Old | 1.5 Hours | Full Academic Year

Students will learn and expand upon basic jazz dance techniques in this upbeat class. Jazz II will help develop their endurance, strength, and musicality through more complex steps. Taking jazz in addition to ballet will help to create a well-rounded dancer. 

Modern I

9-12+ Years Old | 1 Hour | Full Academic Year

In a class drawing from Horton and Graham, students will explore moving in different levels in space and using their spines in all directions to become more daring movers. 

Modern II

12+ Years Old with prior experience in a Modern class | 1 Hour | Full Academic Year

Expanding upon Modern I, students will attain a deeper knowledge of a codified modern technique such as Horton and Graham. Modern II focuses on increasing the complexity and athleticism of movement sequences and choreography. 

Dance Lab Ballet Ensemble

Must be enrolled in Dance Lab Ballet IV/V | 1.5 Hours | Full Academic Year

As they work toward a spring performance, students in Dance Lab Ballet IV/V will have the opportunity to explore classical ballet in both solo and group work. Pushed to refine steps learned in class, dancers will be challenged to grow as technicians, artists, and thinkers. 

Dance Lab Contemporary Ensemble

Must be enrolled in Dance Lab Ballet III/IV | 1 Hour | Full Academic Year

As they work toward a spring performance, students in Dance Lab Ballet III/IV will have the opportunity to explore contemporary movement while pulling from their ballet training. Dancers will be challenged to grow as technicians, artists, and thinkers. 

Men's Technique

Must be enrolled in Dance Lab Ballet III, IV, or V | 1 Hour | Full Academic Year

This combined class offers male-identifying dancers the opportunity to work on strength, agility, and coordination with a focus on jumps and turns.

Find our 2024-2025 Dance Lab Program Schedule and Pricing here.

Find our 2025 Summer Session Schedule and Pricing here. 

Find our 2024-2025 Academy Calendar 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.

Registration for our 2025-2026 Year-Round classes will open to the public on July 9 at 10:00 AM CT. 

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 [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 and will register during Open Registration.

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. Specific requirements for the Dance Lab Program can be found below. Long hair must be in a neat bun, short hair must be pulled away from face. No jewelry or large accessories.

Ballet and Pointe

Ballet students should bring a journal or paper and a pen or pencil to take notes for class.

- Option 1: Black camisole leotard, *flesh-tone or pink tights that cover the feet, *flesh-tone or pink canvas, split sole ballet slippers. Recommended: Wear Moi Faustine in BLACK

*Tights and slipper colors must match

- Option 2: White fitted t-shirt, black shorts or black tights, black ballet shoes.

Students in Pre-Pointe and Pointe should bring a medium-strength Theraband.

Students new to Pointe should not purchase pointe shoes without first speaking with their instructor.

Jazz

Solid colored camisole leotard or t-shirt, fitted black dance shorts or jazz pants, black jazz shoes.

Modern/Contemporary

Solid colored tank leotard or solid colored fitted t-shirt, fitted black dance shorts or black footless/convertible tights.

Required Performance Attire (Only for Students Participating in Performances)

- Option 1: Wear Moi Faustine leotard in BLACK

- Option 2: White fitted t-shirt, black tights, black ballet shoes

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

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.