Resources
At the University of Chicago
Ballet in Chicago
Dance Supplies
Dancer Health and Wellness
Local resources
Student Counseling and Resource Services: (773) 702-9800
Short term psychiatric and mental health services available free of charge to UChicago students. Services offered in a variety of problem areas for dancers, from dealing with stress to managing a healthy relationship with diet and exercise.
Student Care Center: (773) 702-4156
Physical therapy, general physical care, nutritionist, eating disorder specialists, and many other physical health services available free of charge to UChicago students.
Eating Disorders Clinic at the U of C Hospitals: (773) 702-3858
Please specify you would like an intake with the Eating Disorders Clinic
Insight for Eating: (847) 604-1918
Eating Disorders, Weight Management and General Psychological Services
A member of University Ballet is happy to discuss Insight's program and her positive experience there with anyone considering treatment. In order to maintain her privacy, please email the webmaster (anonymously is fine) to request her contact information.
Please note that if you have health insurance through U of C (SASI), you will need a referral from SCRS for maximal reimbursement, so be sure to set up an Intake appointment at SCRS first to avoid financial penalty. The same is true if you have SASI and would like a referral to any mental health private practitioner in the community. Many private health insurance groups also ask for this referral.
Self-help Resources for Eating Disorders
Email anadgrouphydepark@gmail.com
(Monday evening Hyde Park ANAD Group)
SCRS ED Message Board
Unfortunately this resource is not currently available. We hope to see the boards back online soon.
login: SCRS
password: uchicago
Awakening Center
An eating disorder and counseling center in Chicago.
Something Fishy
A wonderful website with plenty of information on eating disorders, including personal stories, treatment options in your area, and several forums for persons with eating disorders and their loved ones.
Dancer Nutrition (PDF)
A very helpful pamphlet on healthy eating for dancers (not necessarily eating disorder related) from Safety and Health in Arts Production and Entertainment (SHAPE).
Recommended Reading
The Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet by Gail Grant
Every dancer should own this old and trusted guide, which has technical definitions and information on several different techniques.
To a Young Dancer by Agnes DeMille
Another wonderful handbook. And don't be fooled by the title: if you are taking traditional ballet classes, it's not too late to read this book!
White Swan, Black Swan: Stories by Adrienne Sharp
For those who adore the drama of the artistic life, or for any bitter realistic pessimists in the ballet world. Or if you are simply interested in what a dancer's life is really like.
The New York City Ballet Workout Book
Absolutely essential, especially for the dancer who can't always make it to class. This book incorporates some pilates and yoga-based movements with simple ballet steps and calisthenics, as well as stretches. There is also a video available.
The Dancer's Foot Book
A resource for anyone dancing intensively, whether barefoot, in slippers, or en pointe. Another classic, this one has information on common dancer foot annoyances and injuries.
Summer Intensives
Summer intensive programs are a great way to work on your ballet technique and meet people from other parts of the country and other colleges. Two great resources for summer study are Dance and Pointe Magazines. Each year the January issues include a summer study guide including information about auditions, tuition payments, scholarships, housing, and what classes are offered at each program. Auditions for the programs that require one are generally held between the beginning of January and the end of February, and most hold Chicago auditions at Lou Conte Dance Studio, the Ruth Page Foundation, or Ballet Chicago.
Summer programs exist for all levels of dancers. If you want to go, you only need to find the one that is right for you! Some good questions to think about are: Do you want to go to a highly competitive program? Do you want to audition at all? Do you want to perform on a regular basis? Do you want to perform at all? Do you want to stay in Chicago, go back to your hometown, or study somewhere entirely different? Do you want to go to a ballet focused summer intensive, or one with equal emphasis on ballet and modern? (The Ailey School and the ABT Collegiate Summer Intensive both have strong modern programs.) Is class size important? How many weeks do you want to spend dancing? For how many weeks can you physically handle dancing from four to eight hours per day? Dance and Pointe Magazines can help find a summer intensive that matches your interests and needs.
Many members of UBallet have attended summer intensive programs and would love to share information about their experience with you. Please email the Head of Teaching for more information. If you are interested in a specific program, let us know, and hopefully we can match you with a UBallet member has attended it in the past and can answer questions for you.
Many of the intensives require dance photos. If you have never taken dance photos before (or even if you have!) it is very helpful to have an experienced dancer taking the photograph in order to make sure to get the best shot. A member of the Teaching Staff or your rehearsal director would be a great person to help. While the Ida Noyes Dance Room doesn't provide the best background for an audition photo, with ample warning someone can reserve the Bartlett Arts Space for a photo session. Try to take your photos before winter break if at all possible, or at the very beginning of winter quarter, so that you have plenty of time to get a good one before auditions start.
This list has been compiled with the needs and age limits of college students in mind; however it is not all exhausting and many excellent summer intensive programs are not included on this list.
Advanced Level
The Ailey School Summer Intensive (ages 16-25)
Seven weeks; audition required; pointe not required
American Ballet Theatre Collegiate Summer Intensive (ages 18-24)
Three weeks; audition required
Boston Ballet Summer Dance Program (SDP) (ages 12-22)
Five weeks; audition required
Joffrey Ballet School (ages 12-22)
Two to eight weeks; audition required
North Carolina School of the Arts (ages 12-BFA)
Five weeks; audition required
San Francisco Conservatory of Dance (ages 14-25)
Four to six weeks; audition required
Intermediate/Advanced Level
Burklyn Ballet Theatre (ages 12-23)
Two to six weeks; audition required
Beginning/Intermediate Level
Boston Ballet Adult Summer Dance Program (ASDP) (ages 18+)
Two weeks; no audition required; pointe not required
Richmond Adult Ballet Summer Intensive (ages 18+)
One week; no audition required; pointe not required
All Levels
Lou Conte Dance Studio
One to twelve weeks; no audition required; pointe not required
Ruth Page Foundation
One to five weeks; no audition required; pointe not required
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