Training Weekends at
The Dance Artist Prep
2026-2027 Dates Announced!
Make the trip that transforms dancers.
TDA Prep Training Weekends are immersive three-day experiences just outside Chicago for dancers ready to transform their craft and how they see themselves.
The travel, hotel, and packed dance bag may feel familiar. The purpose is different.
Here, professional dancers train alongside middle, high school, and college students from the best institutions across the country. We are proud to host one of the most unique and dedicated clientele of dancers, making every weekend rooted in focused training, direct feedback, thoughtful mentorship, and the space to strengthen both their physical ability and artistic voice.
Come for one weekend and discover why this generation is quietly making Chicago a regular part of their training routine.
To apply, dancers should be technique-driven dancers aged 13 and up.
2026 - 2027 Dates
Fall 2026
September 4th – 6th
September 18th – 20th
October 9th – 11th
October 23rd – 25th
November 6th – 8th
November 20th – 22nd
December 4th – 6th
Spring 2027
February 19th - 21st
March 12th - 14th
April 9th – 11th
May 14th – 16th
To apply, dancers should be technique-driven dancers aged 13 and up.
Workshop Guide
Comprehensive breakdown of TDA Prep Training Weekends
As dancers mature through their craft, some begin looking for experiences that create a different kind of growth.
Training Weekends are built for serious dancers who want to:
- Strengthen their technique and physical capacity
- Become more responsive to detailed corrections
- Develop greater artistry, imagination, and individuality
- Train with dedicated student and professional artists
- Develop a high-end professional standard for daily training
- Receive honest feedback about what will help them grow
- Prepare for college, conservatory, and professional opportunities
How the Weekend Works
Friday: Arrive and Get to Work
The weekend begins with an evening Contemporary class designed to bring everyone into the space, introduce the tone of the weekend, and prepare dancers for the work ahead.
Saturday: Build the Dancer
Saturday is our most physically demanding day. Dancers complete approximately five hours of training focused on athleticism, technical development, movement quality, stamina, and versatility. Dancers will train in Classical Ballet, Horton, Graham, and Jazz.
Sunday: Develop the Artist
Sunday begins with an improv class that warms up the technical machine while challenging the imagination. The remaining artistry games and choreography challenge dancers to make choices, use their imagination, communicate more clearly, and understand what makes their dancing personal to the audience.
This is where the physical work of the weekend begins to become artistic growth!
Why Families Attend More Than Once
Each Training Weekend can stand on its own, but the greatest value comes through consistency.
When dancers return, we are able to see how they have applied previous corrections, introduce new challenges, and develop a more complete understanding of who they are becoming. The dancers also become more comfortable taking risks because they know the culture, the expectations, and the people in the room.
For many families, Chicago becomes part of the training plan... not simply a one-time experience.
To apply, dancers should be technique-driven dancers aged 13 and up.
Tuition
Training Weekend tuition is $600 per dancer, per weekend or $1,000 for two weekends.
Travel, accommodations, and meals are not included.
Training Weekends are included for dancers enrolled in TDA Prep’s Full-Time, College Candidate, and Graduate Programs.
Planning Your Trip
The Shed is located in Carol Stream, Illinois, in Chicago’s western suburbs. We have several hotel partners that provide special rates for families traveling in to train with us. A rental car or other vehicle transportation is required when traveling to The Shed.
O’Hare International Airport is approximately 35–45 minutes from the studio. Midway International Airport is approximately 55 minutes away. Chicago traffic can significantly affect travel times, so families should leave additional room in their itinerary.
Registered families will receive the final training schedule and additional weekend information before arrival.
Families should plan to arrive in time for Friday evening training and depart after the conclusion of Sunday’s schedule.
To apply, dancers should be technique-driven dancers aged 13 and up.