History
Ballet Chicago is an internationally recognized professional track school of ballet that creates exceptional dancers and people. Ballet Chicago is dedicated to rigorous technical training in a culture that fosters personal growth and by teaching impeccable technique as well as fundamental life skills, their students go on to find success in dance and life. Ballet Chicago founders and professional ballet dancers Daniel Duell and Patricia Blair create a powerhouse of talent. Mr. Duell is one of the world's finest ballet artistic directors, and was a long-time student of George Balanchine - an artist who revolutionized classical ballet and is regarded as one of the most influential choreographers in the world of ballet. Husband and wife team, Mr. Duell and Ms. Blair are committed to carrying on Balanchine's legacy by providing one of the highest caliber curriculums in the nation that is based on his technique.
Specialties
Because Ballet Chicago believes that performing experience is an essential element in the serious student's artistic and technical development, the Ballet Chicago Studio Company was established in 1997. Composed of advanced-level students from the School of Ballet Chicago, the Ballet Chicago Studio Company program replicates a professional dance company experience, performing regularly throughout metropolitan Chicago. The repertory is primarily of the works of George Balanchine, whose ballets are historically significant and performed by dance companies all over the world. Through this accelerated performance training program, Ballet Chicago Studio Company members receive years of performing experience by the time they are ready to pursue a professional dance career. The Ballet Chicago Studio Company program was conceived and founded by Artistic Director Daniel Duell who was a principal dancer with New York City Ballet. Mr. Duell studied directly under Mr. Balanchine learning firsthand the Balanchine technique and style. His guidance ensures that our students and audiences experience authentic stagings of the works of George Balanchine.