Hinsdale Ballet Theatre (HBT)
Hinsdale Ballet Theatre (HBT) is a high-level, high-commitment ballet company designed to reflect the demands and versatility of the professional dance world. While classical ballet remains at the core of HBT's training, the program places a strong emphasis on contemporary dance, providing dancers with a well-rounded foundation and exposure to the diverse movement styles expected of today's professional artists.
HBT is an ideal pathway for dancers who aspire to pursue a professional career in ballet or contemporary dance, as well as those who are committed to reaching their highest potential through advanced classical ballet training.
HBT dancers participate in some of the most prominent dance competitions in the country, including Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), ADC/IBC, Universal Ballet Competition (UBC), Ballet Championships of America (BCA), and Starz. HBT dancers consistently earn placements, scholarships, awards, and other distinctions at these events. Dancers may also qualify for and participate in prestigious Finals events, including YAGP Finals and ADC/IBC Finals. HBT has proudly attended YAGP Finals every year since 2015.
In addition to competition and training opportunities, HBT dancers are an integral part of HDA's performance season. Company members perform in The Nutcracker, the annual Spring Dance Concert, and HDA's full-length production presented every other March. These performance opportunities allow dancers to develop their artistry, stage presence, professionalism, and ability to work within a large-scale production environment.
Winter Intensive is a required component of the HBT program. This intensive training period is designed to maintain continuity in dancers' technical development during the winter break and prepare them for the start of the competition season in January.
Because HBT is a year-round, high-commitment program, all company dancers are required to maintain enrollment at Hinsdale Dance Academy for the entire school year. Consistent training and attendance are essential to maintaining the technical, artistic, and physical development necessary to meet the expectations of the company.
HBT is more than an additional dance program, it is a comprehensive training experience designed for dancers who are ready to make a significant commitment to their development and who want to challenge themselves within a rigorous, professional-minded environment.
2026-2027 Season
The Nutcracker November 20th, 21st & 22nd
ADC/IBC Chicago January 8th-10th
YAGP Kansas City January 14th-17th
YAGP Chicago February 4th-7th
Coppelia March 6th & 7th
Ballet Championships of America March 19th-21st
ADC/IBC Finals March 27th-April 2nd
UBC Chicago April 16th-18th
YAGP Finals April 26th-May 2nd
Starz May 7th-9th
Spring Dance Concert (Recital) June 5th & 6th
HBT Rehearsals & Competition Requirements
Rehearsals for HBT groups, ensembles, and productions are scheduled on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and/or Sundays, depending on the specific group and production.
In years when HDA does not present a full-length production in March, the HBT Company will perform and compete one contemporary ensemble choreographed by Riccardo DeNigris. All HBT dancers are required to participate in the Back-to-School Workshop, held during the week prior to the start of the regular season in August, where they will learn and begin rehearsing this contemporary company piece.
Additional ensembles may also be offered throughout the season. These ensembles rehearse on the same designated rehearsal days. Participation in non-mandatory ensembles is by selection and is considered optional for dancers who are selected. Not all dancers will qualify for or be selected for every ensemble.
Classical and contemporary solos may be offered at the discretion of the HBT Director. Dancers participating in YAGP, ADC/IBC, and UBC are required to prepare both classical and contemporary solos.
At the Director's discretion, select dancers may be approved to compete two classical solos in addition to a contemporary solo. When a dancer is approved for two classical solos, one of the classical variations must be the same variation performed during the previous competition season. This requirement allows dancers to continue developing and refining their existing repertoire while also taking on new material.
HBT Trainee Rehearsal & Competition Requirements
HBT Trainees are required to participate in one classical ensemble, which rehearses on Saturdays and/or Sundays, and one contemporary ensemble, which rehearses on Wednesdays.
Classical and contemporary solos may be offered at the discretion of the HBT Director. Soloists competing at YAGP, ADC/IBC, or the Competitive Level at UBC are required to compete with both a classical solo and a contemporary solo.
Dancers competing at the Intermediate Level at UBC, BCA, or Starz only may compete with a classical solo only. A contemporary solo is not required at these competition levels, but is encouraged.
Weekly Class Requirements By Level
Level 3
2 Ballet Classes
Pre-Pointe
Contemporary
Stretch/Strengthen strongly recommended
Level 4
3 Ballet Classes
2 Pointe Classes
Contemporary
Stretch/Strengthen strongly recommended
Level 5
3 Ballet Classes
2 Pointe Classes
Contemporary
Stretch/Strengthen strongly recommended
Level 6
4 ballet classes (5 classes encouraged, 3 of which are en pointe)
Pointe/Variations
2 Contemporary Classes
Stretch/Strengthen
Level 7/8
5 ballet classes (3 of which are en pointe)
Pointe/Variations
2 Contemporary Classes
Stretch/Strengthen
This is a simplified snapshot of HBT, for more information on Hinsdale Ballet Theatre, or to schedule a private audition, please email Nicole@hinsdaledanceacademy.com
Auditions:
All dancers must audition for company every year, this allows us to see current members next to prospective members and choose solos, duets, trios, small groups, etc. for the following year.
Fee: $20.00 per dancer (cash, check, or charge)
Please arrive 15-20 minutes before your audition time to fill out the form and warm-up.
Location: Hinsdale Dance Academy- Studio C
Please note, it is our goal to provide as many opportunities as possible, however, if we do not feel like your dancer is ready for a company experience, they may not be accepted. In these instances, we will communicate what your dancer needs to do to prepare for these opportunities in the future.
Sunday, June 13th, 2027
*Please note, all HBT contracts must be turned in by June 26th. You will hear from HDA directly after auditions and will have scheduled meetings to discuss options July 14th-25th. This can be done over email if needed. Dancers who have to pass to Level 3 to be accepted will be notified of level placement immediately after their evaluation.
HBT Trainee Group 1 (Levels 2 & 3. Level 2 dancers must pass to Level 3 to qualify)
Attire: Leotard of your choice, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, hair in a bun.
12:00-1:30pm
HBT Trainee Group 2 (Level 4 dancers)
Attire: Leotard of your choice, pink tights, pointe shoes, ballet slippers and hair in a bun.
1:30-3:00pm
HBT Company Group 3 (Levels 5-8, Level 5 dancers must move up to Level 6 to qualify)
Attire: Leotard of your choice, pink tights, pointe shoes, ballet slippers and hair in a bun.
3:00-4:30pm
