The Professional Dance Program at EDGE in Los Angeles is for students dancing at an intermediate level in ballet and jazz. Randy Allaire and Bill Prudich founded the program in 1988, and it has specialized in training dancers for a career in commercial and concert dance ever since. In order to qualify for the program, you must be at least 18 years old, have either U.S. citizenship or dual citizenship and pass an audition.
The program lasts one year and runs from September through August. Tuition costs $13,000 (as of May 2010). The 20 students accepted into the program receive a scholarship for $12,000 and will be in charge of paying the remaining $1,000 over the course of the year. Tuition includes headshots, parking, and study and administration fees. Students will combine study, training and work apprenticeships for at least 38 hours per week, and are not allowed to study or accept any work outside of the program during the school year. Alumni include some of the top choreographers and dancers in the United States. Adult classes outside this program are open to the public. Students may pay per class to study in areas such as classic, modern, jazz, hip hop and salsa dancing.
EDGE Performing Arts Center
1020 Cole Ave., 4th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90038
323-962-7000
edgepac.com
Joffrey Ballet in Chicago offers adult classes for students 15 years of age and older. Classes range from beginner to professional levels in genres such as ballet, pilates, jazz and tap. There are two semesters per year and a summer course. Tuition costs $15 per class (as of May 2010), $140 for a 10-class card or $270 for a 20-class card. Cheaper rates are available for students and professional dancers upon presentation of proper identification. There is no required attire. However, they do recommend reviewing their guidelines before entering a class studio. For example, students should tightly fasten their hair back and take off all watches and jewelry before attending class.
Joffrey Ballet also has a dance school in New York City. Their adult program is ongoing, and is "open to anyone and is designed for the adult student who has no formal ballet training or who has studied ballet in the past and wishes to resume training," according to its website. Fees are $15 per class (as of May 2010), $135 for a 10-class card, $600 for a 50-class card or $1,000 for a 100-class card.
Joffrey Ballet
Joffrey Tower
10 East Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601
312-784-4600
joffrey.com
Joffrey Ballet School
434 Avenue of the Americas, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10011
212-254-8520
joffreyballetschool.com
Arthur Murray Dance Studio has been around since 1912 and offers classes for students of any age. There are studios in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Europe, the Middle East, Japan, Africa and Australia. Tuition varies depending on the location, type of dance, how often you take classes and what level of expertise you wish to achieve. The first class with Arthur Murray is always free. There are six programs: Introductory, Basic, Associate, Full Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each of these programs can be broken up into private lessons, practice sessions and class lessons. Types of dance include any of the popular styles, such as swing, samba, meringue, cha-cha and salsa.
Arthur Murray International, Inc.
Franchise Office
1077 Ponce De Leon Blvd.
Coral Gables, FL 33134
305-445-9645
arthurmurray.com