Chicago Ballet Arts

Avengers, assemblé! Bringing together fabulous dance superheroes from across the Chicagoland area is one of our favorite parts of our Pre-Professional Intensive! Don’t miss the chance to work with these talented guest artists.

🗓️ August 3-8
🎯 Intermediate & advanced dancers, ages 10+
👍 No audition required but space is limited
🚨Registration closes July 14

www.chicagoballetarts.org/pre-professional-intensive

✨ Faculty Friday Spotlight: Arden Lapin ✨

Arden’s CBA story is a really beautiful one. She began her own dance training right here before going on to earn her BFA in Dance (with a minor in Gender and Women’s Studies) from Western Michigan University, graduating magna cm laude. While at WMU, she performed choreography by acclaimed artists including Kyle Abraham and Aszure Barton, and originated roles in works by Christian Denice and Joshua Manculich.

Arden is also a choreographer in her own right. Her self-made solo “Forget Me Not” was selected for performance at WMU’s Winter Gala Dance Concert, the American College Dance Association East-Central Conference, Chicago’s Dance in the Parks, and the Detroit Dance City Festival. While dancing with COMMON conservatory, she choreographed two original works for the company and performed pieces by celebrated choreographers including Alice Klock, Anna Long, and Terence Marling.

In her classes you’ll find creativity, connection, and meaningful care not only for the art form, but also for her students. We love that Arden’s journey has come full circle, from CBA student to CBA faculty!

✨ Faculty Friday Spotlight: Patti Eylar ✨

Three cheers for our Co-Director Emeritus, turn out titan, and resident math wiz, Ms. Patti!

Patti’s dance journey began in California and led her to New York, where she trained on scholarship at the American Ballet Theatre School. In 1977, she moved to Chicago to join the Lyric Opera Ballet. Patti became a founding member of the Chicago City Ballet under the direction of Maria Tallchief and Paul Mejia and later went on to dance with Ballet Chicago. She has performed celebrated works by Balanchine and other renowned choreographers.

Patti joined CBA in 2002 and became Co-Director in 2005, a role she served in for 15 years, shaping generations of dancers along the way. Her contributions to Chicago’s dance community run deep. Patti has received numerous awards including the 2024 Distinguished Service to the Dance Field Award from See Chicago Dance, and, this past May, the Champion’s Award at Hubbard Street’s Spotlight Ball. She has served on Chicago area boards including the Joffrey Ballet Women’s Board, Chicago Dancers United, Audience Architects, and CBA.

Patti’s decades of artistry, leadership, and devotion to supporting dancers across the globe have left an indelible mark on the community. We are grateful for everything she brings to our school!

✨ Faculty Friday Spotlight: Melanie Cortier ✨

Meet Melanie, who not only inspires students in our Pre-Professional Division, but also serves as our Adult Ensemble Director and has brought many of the programs in our Adult Division to life!

Melanie has danced professionally with companies and choreographers across the U.S. and abroad, including Michael Mao Dance, Dances Patrelle, Lydia Johnson, and Gen Horiuchi, for whom she served as dance captain at the Opening Ceremonies of the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. She graduated cm laude from Marymount Manhattan College with a BFA in Dance.

Beyond her vast performance experience, Melanie is the Artistic Director of Eidolon Ballet, and has created over 20 original ballets as resident choreographer. Her work has been presented at iconic venues including Lincoln Center, The Joyce SoHo, New York City Center, and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, and yes, even right here with CBA!

We’re so grateful for the artistry and deep commitment to students that Melanie brings to our school.

📷: Lois Greenfield

Happy Father’s Day to every dad and father figure! Today we’re celebrating love and all the twirls you’ve done alongside us. Cheers to those who have lifted us higher and supported us through every step.