Community Affiliates

From its inception, CU Ballet has reached out to area youth groups, musicians, theaters, and other community organizations to partner on events and programs. A few of the organizations involved in these collaborative efforts are:

40 North Sinfonia da Camera Central Illinois Children's Chorus Champaign Park District Urbana Park Districts Champaign Ballet Academy East Central Illinois Youth Orchestra Prairie Ensemble Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Champaign County Cultural Consortium Illinois Arts Council

Working with the community to serve common interests will remain a hallmark of the Champaign Urbana Ballet's mission.

Inspiring the Young

Whether delivering hands-on programs in the schools or inviting 1,500 school children for a special matinee performance, the CU Ballet endeavors to enhance the arts education of area students to include classical dance.

Aspiring dancers have the opportunity to audition for apprenticeships and memberships in the ballet company and receive free training and performance opportunities. Their hard work is repaid with pre-professional experience that is otherwise unavailable in our community.

CU Ballet understands the importance of opportunity for children without financial resources. In addition to free performances, CU Ballet has adopted a Tickets for Kids program that "saves a seat" for those children and their families to attend a ballet performance free of charge. CU Ballet also offers scholarships, as funded by individuals and corporations, for talented, aspiring dancers who are in financial need of assistance.

Delighting the Young at Heart

CU Ballet's reach extends beyond youth-oriented education. Dance lovers of all ages are able to enjoy our performances at area festivals and through outreach programs.