Joffrey Contemporary Ballet Trainee Program
Program Details
- Ages 17-22
- Requirements Audition
- Commitment Full-Time
The Grainger Academy’s Contemporary Ballet Trainee Program is a full-time, one-to-two-year program preparing students for a career in concert dance. Through a rigorous and holistic training model, dancers focus on classical ballet, contemporary techniques, West African, and modern.
Auditions and Admission
Contemporary Ballet Trainees are selected by the Abbott Academy Director and Head of Contemporary Ballet Trainee Program. Admission to the Contemporary Ballet Trainee Program is by audition only. Students may audition by attending our annual Audition Tour or submitting a video audition. Video auditions may only be submitted during our Audition Tour.
Visit the Academy's Audition page for more information.
Academy Resources
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 programs fill on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to register as soon as you are eligible to ensure your preferred program.
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.
New Students: New students will need to create a new Club Automation account to register. New students in the Contemporary Ballet Trainee Program must have admission to the program via an audition prior to registering. Please see the top of this page for details.
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.
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.
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.
The Grainger Academy has ongoing housing partnerships with Infinite Chicago and The Flats for students in the Pre-Professional and 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.
The Grainger Academy does not take any responsibility for arranging academic needs and does not provide an accredited program for the completion of high school. All academic arrangements are the responsibility of the student.
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.
Required Class Attire
Grainger Academy’s dress code is designed to encourage unity, discipline, and improved concentration among our students.
Option 1:
Plain black camisole or tank leotard
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
Option 2:
Body Wrappers fitted short-sleeved t-shirt in white
Body Wrappers convertible tights in slate gray
Thin white socks
White canvas split-sole ballet slippers
Flesh-tone dance belt
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)
Option 1:
One Wear Moi Faustine Leotard in Black
One plain flesh-tone camisole leotard
Flesh-tone shorts
Flesh-tone canvas split-sole ballet slippers
Option 2:
Body Wrappers fitted short-sleeved t-shirt in black
Flesh-tone shorts
Body Wrappers convertible tights in black
Body Wrappers convertible tights in white
Thin black socks
Black canvas split-sole ballet slippers
Flesh-tone canvas split-sole ballet slippers
Meet the Contemporary Ballet Trainees