Whether you're a parent enrolling a first-time dancer or an adult returning to the barre, Chicago has ballet for you. Our directory tracks the schools worth knowing — from toddler and pre-ballet classes to serious pointe and pre-professional training, plus welcoming adult beginner classes. Use the map and rankings below to compare studios, see who offers a free trial, and find the right fit.
5 ★★★★★ 927 reviews
4.4 ★★★★☆ 267 reviews
World-class ballet organization performing classical & cutting-edge pieces at Auditorium Theatre.
5 ★★★★★ 190 reviews
Cultural organization and dance group providing classes for all ages plus folk performances.
4.9 ★★★★★ 192 reviews
5 ★★★★★ 148 reviews
5 ★★★★★ 133 reviews
🩰 Free trial class — check their site
The smartest way to start: these studios offer a trial or first class so you can try before you enroll — Forevermore Dance & Theatre Arts, Visceral Dance Center, Extensions Dance, Intrigue Dance and Performing Arts Center, All About Dance, VOLTA Performing Arts. Trials and offers change often, so check each studio's schedule, and see the full list on our free trial page.
Enrolling a young dancer? These schools offer children's classes: The Joffrey Ballet, Dovetail Studios, Ballet Folklorico de Chicago, Gus Giordano Dance School, Forevermore Dance & Theatre Arts, Visceral Dance Center. New to it all? Read what age to start ballet, then browse every kids' ballet studio in the directory.
It is never too late to start. These studios run adult classes: The Joffrey Ballet, Gus Giordano Dance School, Visceral Dance Center, A&A Ballet, Intrigue Dance and Performing Arts Center, THE HIVE. Nervous about a first class? Our adult beginners guide walks you through it, or see all adult ballet options.
Ballet is not one class. Studios here offer Adult Ballet, Adult Beginner Ballet, Kids Ballet, Toddler & Pre-Ballet, Teen Ballet, Pointe, Pre-Professional, Private Lessons, Summer Intensives, Adaptive Ballet. Not sure which class fits? Our types of ballet classes guide sorts them by age and level, and you can compare the training methods each school teaches.
I recently signed up for the four-week Bachata and Cumbia courses, which I had been wanting to try for a while after discovering them on social media. It’s my first time taking dance classes with little to no prior experience, and I’ve been really enjoying them so far.
Never disappointed with performance, beautiful theatre, you can purchase wine and other drinks and a little snacks and take it with you inside and enjoy the show. Chicago should be proud ofJoffrey ballet!
My family has danced at Dovetail for the past 8 years and I couldn't be happier with the expertise, creativity and supportive environment created by the team there. My daughter will be starting her third year on the competition team which has been a wonderful experience for her.
