JOIN IYDT


Does your child love to dance or perform? Are they looking for another avenue to express their love for dance. Then, Illinois Youth Dance Theatre is for them. IYDT is a non-profit organization that offers performance opportunities for dancers training at Illinois Dance Conservatory (IDC) or other studios in the Chicagoland area. We perform 2 productions each year; The Nutcracker in the winter and one in the Spring, which varies by year. These productions provide professional instruction, a chance to work with guest artists, and use of professional sets and costuming to experience the joy of intense and focused dance in a quality performance setting.


Membership is open to ALL ballet students, regardless of studio affiliation. All non-IDC students who wish to join may continue to dance at their home studio, providing there are no conflicts with scheduled rehearsals.



TECHNIQUE REQUIREMENTS


In order to uphold IYDT’s high standards of training and professional atmosphere, all cast members must be currently enrolled in ballet technique and pointe classes when applicable during the entire production season. If a dancer is not currently enrolled with IYDT’s home studio, IDC, then IYDT has permission to occasionally check on the dancer’s enrollment and attendance at his/her home studio to ensure all class requirements are being met. If a dancer is not currently enrolled in a full program it may affect casting eligibility.

  • Senior Level: Weekly study must include at least IDC four (4) ballet technique classes with pointe and a contemporary class plus have a minimum of two (2) current years of pointe work.
  • Ballet Levels 4 & 5: Weekly study must include at least three (3) ballet technique classes and a contemporary class.
  • Pre-Ballet – Level 3: Weekly study must include at least one (1) ballet class.



Membership Requirements


All prospective IYDT Member Applicants are responsible for IYDT’s Annual Membership Fee  and the associated Production Fee(s).


Annual Membership Fee

  • Covers one production season (September 2022 – August 2023) (2 productions).
  • Includes a DVD and Cast T-Shirt for each dancer from each production.


Production Fees

  • Includes fees for rehearsals and most costume needs.
  • Cost varies based on level of dancer.
  • Family discounts apply for families with more than one dancer.  


All IYDT Member Applicants are required to submit all forms, associated fees, and a volunteer deposit at the time of auditions.



Rehearsal Schedule


Production rehearsals are held on Saturdays for all levels and additionally on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings for the higher level dancers. Not all roles will rehearse each day. Schedules are sent out in advance and may vary by week. 


All members are required to attend scheduled rehearsals, performances, and Tech Week. 



More Information


If you are interested in joining IYDT or if you have any other questions please contact 847.438.4500 x3 or email info@iydt.org.