The Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet, is committed to providing students of all ages, levels and backgrounds who have a desire to dance with a world-class education built on a foundation of classical ballet. With the talents cultivated at the Joffrey Academy, students can pursue careers as professional dancers at companies throughout the world, higher education opportunities in dance, or success in other fields. Through the Joffrey Academy’s programs, students develop a diverse set of skills including artistry, creativity, discipline and confidence, among others. The Joffrey Academy’s high-quality, educational programming forms future audiences and support for the Joffrey and builds the organization’s reputation worldwide.
As the official school and only training program of The Joffrey Ballet, we believe that the Academy should be a reflection of the Joffrey Company – America’s preeminent ballet company. Following Robert Joffrey’s vision for training, the Academy is rooted in classical ballet. Taking from the English, Russian and French techniques, amongst others, the Academy’s curriculum gives students a well-rounded and comprehensive dance education, fully preparing them for today’s dance world. The Academy’s training syllabi have been carefully crafted and reviewed by Ashley Wheater and the Academy Artistic Team. The training offered at the Academy generates technically strong, artistically creative and well-versed students who will excel in their future careers.
Located in the heart of Chicago’s theater district, the 20,000 square foot Exelon Education Center, which is home to the Academy, boasts four state-of-the-art studios in the new Joffrey Tower. The Joffrey Academy received the distinguished honor of being named Outstanding School in 2010, 2012, 2015, and 2016 by the Youth America Grand Prix, the world’s largest international student ballet competition. The Joffrey Academy also received the Boeing Game Changer Award in recognition of its efforts to make dance accessible to all.
Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet, is the only training program owned, operated or endorsed by The Joffrey Ballet. The Joffrey Ballet is not affiliated with any other dance training or school program, including the Joffrey Ballet School in New York. The Joffrey Academy, located in the Exelon Education Center at Joffrey Tower in Chicago, Illinois is the only school that follows the organizational mission, training syllabi, and artistic vision of The Joffrey Ballet. No other program, including those holding the Joffrey name, is sanctioned by The Joffrey Ballet. For more information, please contact Academy Reception at 312.784.4600.
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Photo credit: Cheryl Mann