Our Pre-Professional Training Program provides high-quality training for professional/collegiate careers in ballet/modern. The faculty is led by founder, Jennifer Grapes Croughan and HBT director, Nicole Miller, and includes Kristopher Estes-Brown, Patrick Willison, and Julianne Wlodarski.  

The comprehensive HDA syllabus was created by Ms. Grapes-Croughan and Ms. Miller and is based on several different styles and methods of classical dance training. The syllabus is designed to develop technically strong, expressive ballet dancers, who ultimately can adapt to any style. The syllabus caters to the American dancer, one which must be well-versed in all styles and techniques.

All faculty members are current or former professional dancers who hail from companies such as Alabama Ballet, Albany Berkshire Ballet, Dayton Ballet, Houston Ballet, Inaside Chicago Dance, Joffrey Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Montgomery Ballet.  Many HDA students and alumna have gone on to dance in college or professionally, as well as receiving invitations to study at prestigious academies across the globe including: Paris Opera Ballet, Houston Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Princess Grace Academy, Staatsliche Ballettschule Berlin, Kaatsbaan, Cincinnati Ballet, Butler University, CCM, University of Missouri-KC, Point Park University, Indiana University, University of Utah, Albany Berkshire Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, BalletMet, Boston Ballet, English National Ballet, Finnish National Ballet,  Kentucky Ballet Theatre, Lexington Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet to name a few.

The Pre-Professional Division begins at Level IV and finishes at the Pre-Professional level. Each student is evaluated by the HDA faculty and placed into the level where she/he will benefit most from their classes. Students should expect to spend more than one year in a level.
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Pre-Professional Training Program Dress Code Requirements
All uniforms are available for purchase at Saxton Dance Shoppe located at
37B W. Quincy, Westmont, IL
630 822 2543
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Level IV
Mirella black camisole leotard, Capezio theatrical pink convertible tights with seams, Capezio pink canvas “Hanami” ballet slippers, pointe shoes, and hair in a bun. NO SKIRTS OR TUTUS.

Level V
Wear Moi “Abbie” Fuchsia camisole leotard, Capezio theatrical pink convertible tights with seams, Capezio pink canvas “Hanami” ballet slippers, pointe shoes and hair in a bun. NO SKIRTS OR TUTUS.

Pre-Professional
Nikolay "Charlotte" dark blue camisole leotard, Capezio theatrical pink convertible tights with seams, Capezio pink canvas “Hanami” ballet slippers, pointe shoes and hair in a bun. NO SKIRTS OR TUTUS.