Salt Creek Ballet

- 98 E Chicago Ave, Westmont, IL 60559

For families and aspiring dancers in Westmont and the greater Chicagoland area, Salt Creek Ballet stands as a distinguished institution and a true gem in the arts community. Established in 1985, this leading 501(c)(3) non-profit organization has a dual mission: to provide high-level dance education rooted in the discipline and artistry of classical ballet, and to offer pre-professional performance opportunities that are a cut above the rest. More than just a school, it's a place where passion, work ethic, and community are nurtured, creating a legacy of movement and artistry that spans generations.

Salt Creek Ballet believes that every student, regardless of their ultimate career path, deserves a professional dance education. Their commitment to this philosophy is evident in the quality of their instruction and the comprehensive nature of their programs. They have become a destination for young dancers from all over the Chicagoland area, and even beyond, who are serious about their training. While the training is rigorous, especially for older, pre-professional dancers, the instructors are known for their deep passion and care for their students. This balance of high standards and a nurturing environment is what sets Salt Creek Ballet apart and makes it a cherished part of the lives of so many dancers. The school also serves as a performance company, bringing high-level artistic productions to the community and providing students with invaluable stage experience.

Salt Creek Ballet is located in a spacious 10,000-square-foot facility at 98 E Chicago Ave in Westmont, Illinois. The location is easily accessible for residents of the Western Suburbs and beyond, making it a convenient choice for families in the region. The school is committed to accessibility, a key consideration for any community-oriented organization. To that end, the facility offers a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot. This ensures that all members of the community, whether students or audience members, can easily navigate the space and participate in the studio's offerings without logistical barriers. With its multiple studios and ample space, the facility is well-equipped to host a variety of classes and performances, making it a comprehensive hub for dance education.

Salt Creek Ballet offers a diverse array of dance education and performance programming designed to serve students of all ages and skill levels.

• Comprehensive Dance Instruction: The studio provides a full curriculum of classes, from Beginner's and Intermediate to Advanced classes. They also offer Private Lessons for more personalized training.
• Youth and Children's Programs: A strong emphasis is placed on young dancers, with specialized offerings like the "Children's Program," "Pre-Ballet," and "Youth classes."
• Varied Dance Styles: While classical ballet is their foundation, the school also offers classes in other disciplines, including Jazz and Character Class, which enriches a dancer's capabilities. They also have "Contemporary Programs" and "Character Dance."
• Repertoire and Performance Opportunities: As both a school and a performance company, they provide students with a variety of performance opportunities, including "Dance Performances" of major classical productions like "The Nutcracker," "Sleeping Beauty," and "Don Quixote."
• Flexible Enrollment: Students can choose from a "Single Class" option or enroll in a full "Dance Program" or "Training Program," providing flexibility to fit different schedules and commitment levels.
• Adult Classes: The studio is not just for kids; they offer "Adult lessons" and "Teen Classes," making high-quality dance training accessible to a broader age range.
• The school also offers classes in modern, tap, pas de deux, ballet acting, and other classes to enrich a dancer's capabilities.

Salt Creek Ballet has a number of features and highlights that make it a standout choice for dance education in the Illinois area.

• Pre-Professional Focus: The school is a leading "pre-professional" company, which means it offers a level of training and performance opportunities usually associated with professional companies. This is a significant advantage for serious dancers with professional aspirations.
• Non-Profit Status: As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Salt Creek Ballet is driven by its mission of dance education and artistry, not solely by profit. This commitment is often reflected in its pricing and focus on community and student well-being.
• Distinguished Productions: The school is renowned for its large-scale ballet productions, such as "The Nutcracker," which are performed with live accompaniment and feature internationally known guest artists. These performances provide invaluable experience for the students.
• Holistic Training: The studio's philosophy extends beyond just technique. It focuses on instilling values like work ethic, discipline, and community, which are just as important as the dance skills themselves.
• Experienced Faculty: The instructors are described as "absolute professionals who love what they do and care deeply about the young minds and hearts of their students," which speaks to the high level of mentorship and instruction students receive.

For inquiries, class registration, or ticket information for performances, you can contact Salt Creek Ballet directly.

Address: 98 E Chicago Ave, Westmont, IL 60559, USA

Phone: (630) 769-1199

When it comes to choosing a dance school, especially for serious young dancers, the decision is one that can profoundly shape a child's future. For families in Westmont and the Chicago suburbs, Salt Creek Ballet is a choice well worth making. The most compelling reason is its unique blend of professional-level training and a nurturing community environment. While some may perceive the school's high standards as strict, those who appreciate the true value of classical ballet understand that this discipline is what creates a professional. As one parent noted, the "teachers here are absolute professionals who love what they do and care deeply about the young minds and hearts of their students." This level of instruction provides a foundation that can set a dancer up for a professional career or simply for a lifetime of appreciating the arts and the discipline it takes to pursue them.

The other crucial factor is its standing as a non-profit performance company. This gives students access to a world of performance opportunities that are typically reserved for professional dancers. The experience of rehearsing and performing in major classical ballets with live music and guest artists is a rare and invaluable part of the curriculum. While there may be some negative feedback regarding the business side of the organization, the positive experiences shared by numerous alumni and families about the quality of instruction, the life lessons learned, and the lifelong friendships made are powerful testimonials to the school's success in its core mission. If you are seeking a place where your child can receive a top-tier ballet education that prepares them for a potential career while also instilling in them a strong work ethic and a love for a truly beautiful art form, Salt Creek Ballet is the premier choice.

Salt Creek Ballet

98 E Chicago Ave, Westmont, IL 60559, USA