Ballet Chicago is a Balanchine-based training institution founded in 1987 by Daniel Duell and Patricia Blair. The organization operates the Ballet Chicago Studio Company, which provides stage experience through major Balanchine works, other repertory, and performances including an annual production of The Nutcracker. The Studio Company has presented over 1,000 performances across Chicago, the Midwest, and Canada. Performances take place at the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture and the Harris Theater for Music and Dance.
The school offers ballet training for students ages 3 and up through three divisions: Preparatory Division (ages 3–7), Student Division (Levels 1–5), and Professional Division (ages 14+). Classes are taught with live piano accompaniment. The curriculum includes technique, pointe, pas de deux, repertory, Pilates, and stretch classes. Summer programs include a Summer Intensive for ages 11 and up, Junior Intensive for ages 7–12, and specialized workshops. The organization offers scholarship programs including the Philip and Marsha Dowd Merit Scholarship Program, Dance for Tomorrow Financial Aid Scholarship for children from low-income families, and a Male Scholarship Program for aspiring male dancers aged 15 and up.