HBT
HBT is a high level, high commitment ballet company that reflects the professional ballet world by also encompassing a heavy emphasis on contemporary dance. HBT is a great path for dancers who want to persue ballet or contemporary professionally or simply want to be the best they can be in the classical realm by training at a high level.
HBT dancers compete at Youth America Grand Prix (1 required in Chicago, 1 optional in Chicago and a required 3rd regional in Indianapolis), ADC/IBC (1 regional in Chicago), Universal Ballet Competition (1 regional in Chicago), Starz and Leap! If the groups are passed to YAGP Finals, it will be required for all dancers to attend. Please note, this may affect your Spring Break dates as rehearsals two weeks before competitions are required to be properly prepared for the event. If the dancers are also passed to ADC/IBC Finals in St. Petersburg, Florida, we will put it to a vote as to whether or not we attend. If the groups are passed to ADC/IBC Finals and Not YAGP Finals, they will be required to attend ADC/IBC Finals. Please note, ADC/IBC Finals are typically scheduled during Spring Break. Finals events are always optional for soloists but highly encouraged to build experience, receive scholarships etc. HBT is required to perform in The Nutcracker and Recital. Winter Intensive is also required for all HBT dancers, December 21st, 22nd, January 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. HBT dancers are required to be registered students for the entire school year, August 18th-June 27th.
HBT Company Snapshot
Rehearsals for all groups will be Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and/or Sundays. All dancers are required to participate in a classical group that involves Trainee and Company together. HBT Company will also be required to perform/compete 1 contemporary group choreographed by Riccardo DeNigris. The required Back to School Workshop that dancers must attend to learn this contemporary group piece is August 11th-17th. There will also be an additional classical group that would be rehearsed on the same days. Not all dancers will qualify for this group, it is optional if selected. Classical and Contemporary solos are offered at the Director's discretion, both styles (classical and contemporary) are required for YAGP, ADC/IBC, and UBC. This will be discussed in company meetings post-audition. *New this year, some dancers may qualify to compete 2 classical solos in addition to their contemporary solo, however, one of those solos must be the same solo they competed in the 2024-2025 season.
HBT Trainee Snapshot
HBT Trainees are required to perform/compete in one classical group that involves Trainee and Company dancers together, rehearsals will be Saturday and/or Sundays for the classical group. HBT Trainees will also be required to perform/compete 1 contemporary group that is learned/rehearsed on Wednesdays. Classical and Contemporary solos are offered at the Director's discretion, both styles (classical and contemporary) are required for YAGP, ADC/IBC, and competitive level at UBC. Dancers competing at the intermediate level of UBC or only Starz/Leap may do only classical if they wish. This will be discussed in company meetings post-audition.
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, pin numbers and warm-up.
Location: Hinsdale Dance Academy- Studio H
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 8th
*Please note, all HBT contracts must be turned in by June 28th, sooner than the other companies. You will hear from HDA directly after auditions and will have scheduled meetings to discuss options July 9th-20th. This can be done over email if needed. Dancers who have to pass to II-B to be accepted will be notified of level placement immediately after their evaluation.
HBT Trainee Group 1 (Levels II-A/II-B. Level II-A dancers must pass to II-B 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 III-A 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 III-B and up, III-B dancers must move up to Level IV to qualify)
Attire: Leotard of your choice, pink tights, pointe shoes, ballet slippers and hair in a bun.
3:00-4:30pm
