June 23 – August 11, 2019
The Chautauqua Ballet program, under the direction of Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, is well known for the unique opportunity it affords students to study with master teachers within a small studio environment. The faculty at Chautauqua will often help place students into major companies throughout the U.S. through their many contacts. An important part of the program is the possibility for young dancers to perform (with live music) in the 4,000-seat Amphitheater.
The School of Dance facilities include four large teaching and rehearsal studios — the Carnahan-Jackson Studios. The dancers are housed in a well-supervised dormitory which is adjacent to the studios. The summer of 2009 saw the completion of new buildings which house the costume shop as well as faculty/staff housing. The center core of the Carnahan-
Jackson Studios has been reconfigured to provide for enhanced administrative and production offices as well as proper locker rooms for both professional and student dancers.
The ballet curriculum at Chautauqua is designed for talented students who wish to pursue careers as professional ballet dancers. Intensive training in classical ballet will be continued in rehearsals leading to performances. All classes feature live music. In spite of a rigorous schedule of classes and rehearsals, students will have ample time to enjoy recreational activities at Chautauqua including symphony concerts, professional ballet company performances, Friday Night specials and any number of recitals and lectures at no extra cost.
Apply Today :: Dance Programs
We strongly encourage you to apply in advance! Application now open. Chautauqua's auditions are held at various locations across the country are in the form of an abbreviated ballet technique class.
Artistic Director/Faculty
Lead by Artistic Director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, students work regularly with world-renowned faculty, including choreographers Mark Diamond, Bonnefoux, Maris Battaglia and Michael Vernon. Under the tutelage of Patricia McBride, they also present ballets by Balanchine and Petipa.
Cost & General Information
Admission is by audition only and students must enroll in the entire duration of the program. Students may apply for scholarships, which are awarded on the basis of student's talent, years of study and financial need.
Housing and Student Life
Students live in our dorms side by side with other musicians, dancers and visual artists forming relationships that last a lifetime.
The Programs
The School of Dance provides students from across the nation the opportunity of studying with world-renowned teachers. The most advanced students receive the experience of performing with live orchestras in the 4,000-seat Amphitheater.
Performances
The Chautauqua Dance program includes performances by the Charlotte Ballet, Pilobolus and another guest company TBA in residence, along with the School of Dance student performances. In addition to masterpieces in classical ballet, it stages modern dance and contemporary ballet.
Dance Alumni Highlights
Many of Chautauqua's dance alumns have gone on to build illustrious careers in some of the worlds leading ballet companies. Below is a partial list of alumni carrers.
Support the Dance Programs
Learn more about how you can become involved in Chautauqua's School of Dance.