Summer Intensives

The Advanced Intensives are designed for serious students who have a strong foundation in ballet. Regular classes include ballet technique, pointe, variations, men’s class, partnering, and classical repertoire. These programs will include additional classes in modern, jazz, body conditioning, character, contemporary repertoire, and Pilates. Each Intensive concludes with a final presentation showcasing students’ work throughout the program.

Junior Summer Intensives are two or three-week intensives designed for serious students who love to dance. Daily classes throughout these programs may include ballet technique, pointe/pre-pointe, classical repertoire, character, jazz, modern, conditioning, and more. These programs conclude with a final presentation showcasing students’ work and growth throughout the program.

Summer Intensive housing is facilitated by the Grainger Academy and can be chosen at the time of registration. Students attending extended programs have the option of living at University Center. Located in downtown Chicago at 525 S. State Street, it is just a short walk from Joffrey Tower, restaurants, shopping, and public transportation.

University Center's Boarding Fee includes: 

- Shared suite with semi-private bathroom

- Access to lounge areas with kitchenette, laundry facilities, computer center, and fitness center

- Complimentary Wi-Fi Breakfast and dinner served daily in University Center’s state of the art dining facility

- 24-hour supervision by Joffrey chaperones

- 24-hour on-site security staff and secured entrances

Whether it is Summer Dance, baseball, or concerts and festivals in the parks, there is always something happening in Chicago! After a challenging week of dancing, students in extended Summer Intensive Programs will participate in weekend activities planned by the Grainger Academy. Different activities are held each Saturday and Sunday of the program to offer students a chance to see the sights and explore the beautiful city of Chicago.

For students who choose to stay in the dorms, weekend activities are required, and a non-refundable activities fee will be added. For students who are not staying in the dorms, the weekend activities are optional and are not included in tuition. Local students not staying in the residence hall may opt to add weekend activities and join the dorm students on all of the weekend field trips. Weekend activities are chaperoned by the Grainger Academy Chaperone Team.

CHICAGO ACTIVITIES PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED:

- Fun in the sun at Oak Street Beach

- Navy Pier

- Millennium Park

- Architectural river boat tour

- Catching a show in the Theater District

- Baseball Game

- Michigan Avenue Shopping

- Museum of Science and Industry

- Adler Planetarium

- Exploring diverse neighborhoods

- Lincoln Park Zoo

- Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

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.

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. 

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.

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

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.