Photos by Michelle Reid
Claire Bataille Legacy Scholarship
The Claire Bataille Legacy Scholarship is a training program that offers an opportunity for advanced pre-professional or early career dancers to train in a variety of dance dialects with some of the most qualified teachers in Chicago at a fraction of the cost. Applicants are accepted through audition only. Our training model is to bring equity to as many dance styles as possible, so we offer Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, and Commercial tracks within our overall studies. Accepted dancers take a minimum of 8 technique classes a week while receiving personalized mentoring from current and former performing professionals. Each dancer creates an personalized schedule to help reach their personal goals, in addition to nourishing their choreographic voice and expanding their professional network by working with current, established choreographers.
Interested applicants should email ChicagoMovementCollective@gmail.com with:
-A letter of intent for joining the program and long term goals afterwards
-A video or a link to a video performing their favorite or most comfortable style of movement
ALL genres are applicable. The next stage of auditioning is attending a CMC class in a technique that is different than the one presented in the video. Accepted CBLS dancers work with Founder Ethan R. Kirschbaum to curate their individualized schedule aimed to enhance their specific capabilities and grow toward their goals.
Our alumni have gone on to dance with Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, Aerial Dance Chicago, CLI Conservatory, Hiplet Ballerinas, New Dances, Dance For Life, 3rd Coast Contemporary, Hedwig Dances, Darvin Dances, Simantikos Dance Chicago, and more!
Hear from CBLS Alumni
Ashton Craven
“This program creates a sense of normalcy in that period between college and everything that comes next. Getting to have a cohort of dancers to connect with, consistent teachers and classes, and opportunities to both choreograph and perform really makes the transition from structured education to freelance dancing a bit easier. Ethan and the CMC community have been incredibly supportive and encouraging of us CBLS dancers. Having someone in your corner to share audition and performance opportunities, connect dancers with amazing guest choreographers and instructors, and simply be there to give advice was truly so valuable.”
All photos by Michelle Reid
Caitlyn Cargnoni
“When I joined the program, I was looking for a way to regularly attend professional level classes at an affordable rate, while maintaining enough flexibility in my schedule to work a few jobs and to continue exploring Chicago’s dance scene. I ended up finding all of that and more: quality classes with instructors who value what they are teaching, connections with other CMC dancers and instructors that have extended beyond the program, as well as the chance to choreograph and multiple opportunities to perform!”
All photos by Michelle Reid
Rae Beck
“CMC was my first dance home when coming back to Chicago. I am so grateful for the community at CMC and know the relationships I made there will last a lifetime. The program is top notch, with incredible dance training for a very affordable price. CMC gave me the ability to continue my dance training while navigating my career. During my time as a CBLS student, I was able to explore the professional dance scene in Chicago, received expert guidance from Ethan on pursuing a career in dance while continuing to train at a professional level. I gained so much confidence as a dancer and performer, and highly recommend the program to everyone I meet!”
All photos by Michelle Reid
Jayme Braverman
“When I joined the Claire Bataille Legacy Program, I was looking for a place that focused truly on training dancers in a broader sense, rather than being tied to a single, specific, dance company. What I found was so much more! A true community built on accountability, encouragement, and guidance, led by exceptional teachers who genuinely care about each dancer’s growth and trajectory. My time at CMC was truly transformative. The program gave me not only exceptional training, but also a community that challenged, supported, and inspired me every day. I left feeling stronger as both a dancer and a person, with a deeper sense of confidence, resilience, and clarity about my artistic path.”
All photos by Michelle Reid