For the last few years, The Academy has offered the Rusty and Jeffrey Sanfilippo Young Men's Dance Initiative scholarship to three elite-level freshman male dancers.

These dancers will receive tuition assistance for up to the entire cost of tuition. Learn how the Young Men’s Dance Initiative is impacting our students here:


Evan Boersma, Class of 2017, Joffrey Ballet

Evan Boersma, Class of 2017, Joffrey Ballet

Led by world-renowned choreographer Randy Duncan, The Academy's Dance Department is one of the leading preparatory institutions for top colleges and dance companies in the country.

Please contact Amanda LePard, Director of Enrollment Management for more information and to schedule an audition. Please also check out our Summer Dance Program.


The Academy Dance Department is recognized as one of the leading preparatory institutions for top colleges and dance companies in the country.

Jackson Bradford, Class of 2020

Jackson Bradford, Class of 2020

Students take a foundational class of ballet every day, delving deep into classical technique — also taking jazz, modern, pointe, pas de deux. Academy dancers will have the opportunity to audition for the Academy’s repertory company, and perform in Chicago and beyond. Students will also grow their understanding of dance history while working with both Academy faculty and accomplished guest artists.


The Academy educational model is co-curricular.

Amari Frazier, Class of 2019, Juilliard, and Lillie Yokom, Class of 2019, SUNY Purchase

Amari Frazier, Class of 2019, Juilliard, and Lillie Yokom, Class of 2019, SUNY Purchase

In addition to pre-professional dance training, Academy students participate in a robust academic program. A third of Academy graduates pursue majors and careers outside of the arts, finding that the unique experience they had at The Academy allowed them to succeed in business, science, engineering, law, and more.