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ACADEMY BALLET CONSERVATORY

Premier Pre-Professional Ballet Program

WELCOME 

The Academy Ballet Conservatory is the premier pre-professional ballet training program in the Chicago area, with a comprehensive curriculum that includes Repertoire, Contemporary, and Character studies. Designed for students who already have a solid technical foundation and wish to pursue ballet seriously in some professional capacity, we begin assessing students for readiness at approximately age 11.  Please note that this program is by "invitation only," and an audition is required for admittance.

 

Students in this program may be invited to participate in Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and other prestigious ballet competitions.  Many of our Conservatory dancers are accepted into world-class companies here in the US, as well as in Europe (view HERE).

The Academy of Dance Arts
SamanthaCiske - The Academy of Dance Arts

Why Choose The Academy Ballet Conservatory?

From parents who see their children grow artistically and personally, to alumni now performing on world-class stages, and students who experience a blend of rigorous training and unwavering support—each testimonial speaks to the Academy’s unique ability to cultivate talent, discipline, and passion. Our Conservatory program isn’t just about training dancers; it’s about shaping well-rounded artists ready to take on professional challenges with confidence, skill, and resilience.

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Hear from families who have witnessed the life-changing impact of our curriculum, from foundational technical training to specialized coaching for Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and other elite competitions. Discover how our graduates thrive in ballet companies across the U.S. and Europe, and why they credit the Academy Ballet Conservatory with preparing them to reach their dreams.

PARENT TESTIMONY

The Academy of Dance Arts under the direction of founder and artistic director, Sherry Moray, has been instrumental in facilitating our daughter’s success throughout her ballet career. Our daughter, Anjuli, not only received outstanding training, but also the guidance and encouragement to pursue her dreams. Miss Sherry is very focused on creating opportunities that will take her students to the next level in order to gain recognition in the
ballet community whether it be by participating in elite competitions or attending summer intensives at world class ballet programs all over the world.

Anjuli’s growth as a dancer at ADA led her on an amazing journey. The training she  received and the accolades she was awarded while working with Sherry Moray were an integral part of the unique opportunities that she was able to pursue. One of her opportunities led her to attend Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Boston for her senior year of high school. She was able to continue with her ballet training while still focusing on academics. Miss Sherry’s encouragement and support throughout this journey made the transition seamless.

While at Walnut Hill, Anjuli decided to continue her ballet training upon graduation by attending college. Miss Sherry was very supportive by writing a letter of recommendation to prospective universities on Anjuli’s behalf. We are proud to say that Anjuli is attending the Ballet Program at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. Anjuli also had the opportunity after graduation to attend a summer intensive program at the Dutch National
Ballet Academy in Amsterdam following in the footsteps of another distinguished alumni of ADA.

We have learned throughout this process that in the ballet world, no path is linear. But with outstanding training, guidance, and world class experiences, anything is possible. Sherry Moray delivers on all of them.

Kelli Paul

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