Barrington Dance Academy

"But, first a school!" - George Balanchine (1904-1983) said to Lincoln Kirstein (1907-1996) on his proposition of co-founding the American Ballet Company (American Ballet Theater).

Barrington Dance Academy first opened its doors in 1984. The school began with a small staff, about fifty young children and a handful of teenagers. The Barrington Dance Academy offers a unique opportunity for students of all ages and experience to study a variety of dance forms in a professional and supportive setting. The primary goal of the school is to develop each student's individual creative potential and technical proficiency. The BDA offers a variety of classes including Creative Movement for children, Pre-Ballet, Ballet, Tap, Character, Jazz, Modern and Variations.

Dance Curriculum

Creative Movement for Children - The class develops a child's natural desire to express themselves and channels it into a definitive way of moving to music. Boys and girls will improve their gross motor skills and muscle flexibility while enjoying a magical creative experience. Classes at various levels for ages 3 - 5.

Pre Ballet - A creative movement class which prepares the dancer for the study of classical ballet. Based on the Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus. Ages 6 - 8.

Ballet - Classical ballet will be taught incorporating techniques from the Russian, English and Italian Schools of Ballet. A graded syllabus is offered in both junior and majors divisions beginning at age 8.

Jazz - Jazz dance is an eclectic form of dance combining the structure base of ballet with the stylized movement of other dance forms (Summer Only).

Modern - The study of modern dance introduces the student to expression and freedom of movement utilizing Martha Graham technique (Summer only).

Character - This course presents technique and choreography from national dances. Character dance is an important part of a ballet dancer's training.

Variations - This class presents choreography from the classical ballet repertoire as well as choreography created by faculty and guest artists.

Scholarship Program - The Scholarship Program has been in place since 1995 and serves to inspire dancers that meet exceptional criteria for these awards.

In 2001, a new program was started offering scholarship opportunities for creative and technical development to underprivileged grade school children in the Chicago area. In addition, there are scholarship opportunities throughout the year for boys ages 6 years and over.

Information regarding our scholarship program may be obtained from the artistic director, Mary Greco.