Chicago School of Ballet

and the

Royal Academy of Dancing

The Chicago School of Ballet provides a supportive learning environment in which individual attention and a positive approach help students fulfill their potential as dancers. The school's curriculum follows the syllabus of the Royal Academy of Dancing, London, England. Founded in 1920 to improve the standard of teaching, the R.A.D. to this day continues to offer to students and teachers a carefully structured program designed to produce a high standard of technique.

Annual graded examinations are conducted in sixty-four countries worldwide. For the children's exams, an examiner visits the school and evaluates the students, up to four at a time, on their work in ballet, character, contemporary, and choreographed dances. A written evaluation is prepared for each student and their marks are determined on the basis of technique, musicality, and dance quality.

Chicago School of Ballet students are encouraged to participate in exams as this is a good way of measuring the student's progress each year based upon a world-wide standard. They also have a goal to work toward during the year and a sense of achievement upon completion.

Mary Ann Martorina, director of the Chicago School of Ballet, is a Royal Academy of Dancing certified teacher entering students in Children's and Major's exams. She studied at the academy college in London, England and received her R.A.D. teaching diploma. With over ten years of teaching experience , she is dedicated to sharing the joy of dance with her students while providing excellence in their training.