Ruth Page Professional Dance Training Program

"We believe anyone can dance if disciplined, well-trained, and open to various concepts.  
Flexibility of ideas is helpful in any profession but especially crucial in today's professional dance environment, where choreographers often integrate various styles into their work. We want our students to be ready
for the ever-changing and exciting world of today's dance world."

Victor Alexander
Artistic Director, Ruth Page Professional Dance Professional Dance Training Program
Director, Ruth Page School of Dance

Announcing the 2023/2024 Professional Dance Training Program!

Please welcome Jennamarie Aboul-Hosn, Valeria Aguirre-Cano, Alexandra Bradley, Gianna Curless, Mikala Curless, and Trystan Lopez Zumwalt.

Created in 2018 by Victor Alexander to continue developing serious and talented young dancers, ages 17-25, the Ruth Page Professional Dance Training Program bridges studio training and a professional dance career. The mission of the program is to identify, nurture, and mentor emerging dance artists from around the world through enhanced performance opportunities within an elite training program. Dancers train and rehearse daily throughout the school year, focusing on refining ballet and contemporary techniques in an international environment of performers and educators. Features of the program include unique performance experiences, study with guest artists and choreographers, and travel to Ruth Page's International Sister Schools in Cuba, Italy, and Spain. The Training Company dancers are also joined in performances by notable guest artists and choreographers, expanding their sphere of professional work.

Central to the program's performance schedule is the annual presentation of Ruth Page's The Nutcracker, the popular recreation of the beloved holiday classic. Initially presented in the Arie Crown Theatre from 1965 to 1997, Ruth Page's The Nutcracker performances recreate Ruth Page's beloved original full-length staging. With exquisite dancing, stunning costumes, and magical settings in the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of the Sweets, The Nutcracker promises world-class entertainment and holiday joy for children of all ages.

Additional performance engagements include the Ruth Page Professional Dance Training Program's Fall and Spring Showcases, the Ruth Page Festival of Dance at Ravinia, Center Stage at Ruth Page, and more.

The 2021-2022 season marked the inaugural year of the Lauren Anderson Scholarship at the Ruth Page School of Dance. Named after, and in collaboration with, the first African American principal dancer at Houston Ballet, the scholarship provides tuition assistance and mentorship for BIPOC dancers to join the Ruth Page Professional Dance Training Program. Interested applicants should reach out to victor@ruthpage.org.

The Ruth Page Professional Dance Training Program is led by the artistic team of Victor Alexander – Artistic Director, Dolores Long – Associate Director, and Maray Gutierrez – Artistic Associate.

NEXT AUDITION FOR THE 2023-2024 SEASON:

Dancers may audition for the 2023-2024 Ruth Page Professional Dance Training Program season at any International Dance Experience (IDE) Summer Intensive audition sites. 

Specific auditions to be announced.

All auditionees must return a completed Audition Form and two photos (a headshot and a full-body shot in first arabesque).

The 2023/24 Season begins August 28, 2023.

The Ruth Page Center for the Arts
1016 N. Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60610
 

Eligible dance artists will have completed high school, and it is recommended they attend the 2024 International Dance Experience, the summer intensive of the Ruth Page School of Dance, June 24 - July 19, 2024. The Ruth Page Civic Ballet will provide continued comprehensive technique training, unique performance experiences, focused study with guest artists and choreographers, and travel to our International Sister Schools in Cuba, Italy, and Spain. A commitment for the entire year is expected. Limited housing is available.

PROGRAM IS LATE AUG-JUNE • 5 DAYS/WEEK, 9:00 am-4:00 pm • 5-8 PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCES • $6,000 ANNUAL TUITION • SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

Financial Aid Available

Lauren Anderson Scholarship at the Ruth Page School of Dance

Victor Alexander Young Men's Scholarship

Work/Study Program

Tuition Assistance

Direct questions to scholarships@ruthpage.org

Info Sheet for the 2023-2024 Season:

Ruth Page Professional Training Program Info Sheet

Alum Highlights:
Catherine Conley Makes US-Cuba History