Overview
The Pre-Professional Division at the Joffrey Academy of Dance is designed to meet the highest artistic standards. Led by Karin Ellis-Wentz, Head of Pre-Professional Programs, the artistic staff trains dancers to develop a strong foundation in classical ballet. With the discipline and confidence cultivated at the Joffrey Academy, students can pursue careers as professional dancers, or find success in other fields. As part of the Pre-Professional Division, students participate in a full schedule of evening dance classes, and perform in the Joffrey Academy’s annual Fall and Spring productions. Past productions have included The Blue Bird of Happiness, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Coppélia, and Don Quixote Suite.
Audition
Placement in the Pre-Professional Division is by audition only. Students are encouraged to attend the International Audition Tour and audition during the Summer Intensives. If you are not able to attend the Audition Tour, the Joffrey Academy accepts video auditions. In-class auditions during the Academic year are available at the discretion of the Artistic Team.
Schedule and Important Dates
2017-2018 Pre-Professional Division Schedule
First Semester: September 5, 2017 – January 21, 2018
Second Semester: January 22 – June 3, 2018
Pre-Professional Program Packet
Click here to download our 2016-2017 Program Packet.
Required Class Attire
Joffrey Academy’s dress code is designed to encourage unity, discipline, and improved concentration among our students. All students in Pre-Pro III – VI and Trainees are required to wear the assigned Motionwear leotard in the color assigned to their level. The teacher may ask a student to sit and observe class if they are not in the correct attire.
Ballet, Pointe & Repertoire (Levels III – VI)
Women
Motionwear pinch front camisole leotard in required color (listed below) silkskyn, style 2516
White ¾” hip alignment belt or ¾” elastic
Bloch Adaptatoe convertible tights in pink (PNK), style T1935L or Body Wrappers convertible tights in theatrical pink (TPK), style A31
Body Wrappers black chiffon wrap skirt,style P981
Pink canvas split sole ballet slippers
Pink pointe shoes.
Men
Body Wrappers short sleeve “snug-fit” pullover tshirt in white, style M400
Body Wrappers convertible tights in slate gray, style M92
Thin white ballet socks
White ballet slippers
Nude dance belt
Jazz (Levels III – IV): Black jazz shoes
Modern (Levels V – VI): Bare feet
Contemporary (Levels V – VI): Black socks (no logos)
Character (Levels IV – VI): Women: Black character shoes in 1.5″ heel, Natalie black character skirt (below the knee), style N8108 or Body Wrappers black circle skirt (below the knee), style 511
Leotard Colors by Level:
Level III: Maroon
Level IV: Hunter Green
Level V: Royal Blue
Level VI: Perfect Plum
Required Performance Attire (Levels III – VI)
Women: Motionwear black camisole leotard (style 2516), nude camisole leotard, nude trunks, Bloch Adaptatoe convertible tights in pink (style T1935L) or Body Wrappers convertible tights in theatrical pink (style A31), pink ballet slippers, pink pointe shoes, black bike shorts
Men: Body Wrappers black and white fitted tshirts (style M400), M. Stevens white and black tights (style 1099) or Body Wrappers black and white tights (style M92), white and black ballet slippers, nude dance belt, black bike shorts
Additional Dress Code Guidelines
- Uniforms should be kept clean and neat. Dancewear is to be kept laundered and in good repair. Holes and frayed edges must be mended.
- Warm-up attire may not be worn during class, including shirts, legwarmers, skirts, etc.
- Jewelry should be minimal: only small earrings at the teachers’ discretion. No watches or bracelets.
- Shoes should be neatly sewn with like color thread. No safety pins.
- Hair should be pulled up securely in a neat bun. No large hair accessories please.
- Please mark clothing, shoes and dance bags with the student’s name and class level.
- Dance shoes should never be worn outside the building.
Dancewear Stores
Allegro Dance Boutique
2114 Central Street
Evanston, IL 60201
847.733.8460
and
104 S. Cook Street
Barrington, IL 60010
847.277.1009
Motion Unlimited
218 S. Wabash, Suite 270
Chicago IL, 60601
312.922.3330
Discount Dance Supply
800.328.7107
www.discountdance.com
Class Etiquette
Pre-Professional students further develop discipline and respectfulness in the classroom by actively practicing these student expectations.
Photo credit: Todd Rosenberg
Classes
Classes
Level III
Students in this level will study ballet vocabulary, focusing on the development of the legs and feet with the introduction of pre-pointe and pointe work.
Approximately ages 10-12+
Required number of classes per week:
3 Ballet • 2 Pre-Pointe • 1 Jazz • 1 Conditioning • 2 Repertoire (second semester only)
Level IV
New vocabulary is added to the terms addressed in Level III and a focus on strengthening of pointe work. Classes will increase in complexity and emphasize the development of line, movement quality, musicality and artistry.
Approximately ages 12-15+
Required number of classes per week:
4 Ballet • 3 Pointe • 1 Jazz • 1 Character • 2 Repertoire (first and second semester)
Optional:1 Ballet • 1 Pointe
Level V
Advanced pointe work and ballet technique are emphasized. Dancers are challenged in every aspect of training and performance. More advanced roles are given to high level students in the Academy spring productions.
Approximately ages 14-18+
Required number of classes per week:
5 Ballet • 4 Pointe/Repertoire • 1 Jazz • 1 Character • 1 Modern • 1 Pilates
Optional:1 Ballet • 1 Pointe
Level VI
This is the most intense level of training in the Pre-Professional Division, aimed at preparing dancers for a professional career. Advanced pointe work and ballet technique are emphasized. Dancers are challenged in every aspect of training and performance.
Approximately ages 14-18+
6 Ballet • 5 Pointe/Repertoire • 1 Jazz • 1 Character • 1 Modern • 1 Pilates
Level V and VI Men
2 Men’s Classes per week in addition to their 5-6 ballet technique classes
Requirements: Placement in the Pre-Professional Division is by audition only. Please contact reception [at] joffrey [dot] org if you would like to schedule an audition.
