Classes

•     Fridays 7:00pm-9:00pm CT - Level II Class
•     Saturdays 11:00am-1:00pm CT - Level I and Variations Class
•     Sundays 10:00am-12:00pm CT - Level III and Pointe Class

Classes for Autumn 2024 run from September 30 to December 6. Please subscribe to the UBallet listhost for schedule updates and potential location changes.

If you are unable to attend our classes in person, we have recordings posted on our Youtube channel. In addition, we have assembled ballet class playlists for various levels, along with conditioning/exercise videos aimed specifically for dancers:

Video Ballet Classes: Beginner
Video Classes: Technique Resources for Beginners
Video Ballet Classes: Intermediate/Advanced
Video Classes: Conditioning (All-Levels)

Finally, UChicago TAPS/Lucky Plush Virtual Dance Lab offers weekly master classes on a pay-as-you-can basis. Some of our favorite classes include yoga, contemporary, and a weekly ballet class. FitChicago also offers a variety of free exercise and movement classes, such as Zumba, Barre, Yoga, and Pilates. You can find more details and a comprehensive list of classes on this UChicago Department of Athletics and Recreation page

University Ballet generally hosts three open technique classes per week during the academic year: Level I, II, and III. Classes are located in the dance room in the basement of Ida Noyes Hall, located at 59th and Woodlawn in Hyde Park unless otherwise indicated. All classes are free and open to the public.

Level I is best suited for dancers with no ballet experience up to two years of training, Level II ballet is best suited for dancers with more than two years, and Level III ballet is best suited for dancers with five or more years of intense training. Classes are for dancers who are college-aged and older; children may not take class with UB. We occasionally make exceptions for experienced high schoolers, usually if they are considering attending UChicago for college. If you have any more questions about which level would be best for you, contact our Head of Teaching Lola Flores.

Please subscribe to the UBallet listhost to receive weekly emails with detailed information on weekly class offerings and other community events.

What to wear

Any form-fitting clothing that allows you to move is acceptable; for women, a leotard and tights is the best choice for class. An appropriate alternative for beginning dancers is yoga pants/leggings and a fitted tank top. Ballet slippers are strongly recommended for all. Jazz shoes and socks are acceptable alternatives for beginning dancers; dancers are not permitted to take ballet classes barefoot.

Dancers with hair that is chin-length or longer should keep it pulled back from the face. For women, buns are preferred, but ponytails are acceptable.

Pointe Class

If you have taken pointe previously, please attend our pointe classes. Those who wish to attend pointe classes must take the preceding ballet technique class. UBallet pointe technique classes are appropriate for dancers with at least one year of experience dancing en pointe. Dancers may be asked to take class en demi-pointe at the teacher's discretion. Please email our Head of Teaching Lola Flores with any questions about taking classes en pointe.