A group of diverse women practicing dance in a studio with a mirrored wall, black ceiling, and large windows, stretching with arms extended forward.
People participating in a yoga class doing a side stretching pose on a black mat in a studio with white walls and ceiling lights.
A man in a gray shirt and glasses is doing a yoga pose in a gym with a woman lying on the mat in a blue shirt and black shorts. The man appears to be supporting the woman who is on the floor in a backbend position with her head and arms on the mat.

Studio Photos: jam-tik Marketing

train

joel hall dancers

with the

trainee program

26-27 PROGRAM AUDITIONS: AUGUST 30
Dancers perform on stage, smiling and extending their arms in dance poses, with a logo for Joel Hall Dancers & Center trainee program in the bottom left corner.

Photo: Marc Monaghan

The Joel Hall Dancers & Center (JHDC) “awakens the dancer in everyone’s soul” by highlighting and spotlighting the Black and Brown and LGBTQIA+ experience through dance. Our Trainee Program achieves this goal by developing Chicago’s dance talent in a welcoming environment that celebrates multiculturalism.

Over the course of 10 months, we immerse our trainees in weekly Ballet, Modern, and Jazz classes that strengthen their technique, endurance, and overall awareness of a career in dance. We also provide them with rehearsal and performance opportunities that allow them to put what they learn into practice, and professional networking opportunities to learn from professionals within the Chicago arts community.

The program is designed to be a 10-month experience. However, based on interest and inquiries, students may be invited to join midway through the program.

26-27 PROGRAM AUDITIONS: AUGUST 30

The Trainee Program is a part-time program. It has been designed as a bridge opportunity for dancers fresh out of high school and considering more advanced training, recent college graduates, and working performing artists who wish to improve their technique through regular training.

JHDC endeavors to balance flexibility with rigorous instruction and a commitment to a professional arts organization. Building a relationship within a dance company–its artists, staff, and community–is essential to building a healthy career in the arts. The Trainee Program supports this while giving trainees space for outside study and/or employment.

JHDC commits to maintaining a training program that reflects its mission, vision, and values to “awaken the dancer in everyone’s soul.” Through this program, we aim to meet the needs of Chicago’s performing arts community, individual artists, and the long-term health of one of Chicago’s historic and most progressive cultural organizations.

Monthly Tuition: $550 per month. Work-study (financial aid) and limited scholarship opportunities are available.

2025-2026 trainees

Marcel Byrd, Madeline Denman, Maud Grauer, Sekani Jaimevadi, Maggie MacGoen, Isadora Rascon, TJ Wang