Rena Butler to Lead 2026 Pro-Up Intensive at The Ballet Hispánico School

The Ballet Hispánico School, celebrating its 55th anniversary, has announced its 2026 Pro-Up Intensive, a two-week immersive program designed for dancers ages 18–23. Taking place June 16–27, 2026, the intensive offers a rigorous and collaborative environment focused on choreography, performance, and professional development.

At the heart of the Pro-Up Intensive is a dynamic space where dancers immerse themselves in the art of choreography and dance-making. Through guided improvisation, composition tools, and collaborative processes, participants develop original works while strengthening their technical foundation in daily ballet and contemporary classes. The program encourages experimentation with form, style, and storytelling, culminating in informal showings that highlight both creative process and performance.

Participants also engage in a comprehensive daily curriculum that includes ballet, contemporary, improvisation, and movement invention, as well as the creation of individual dance-on-film studies. Dancers will learn and rehearse Ballet Hispánico repertory under the guidance of the company’s artistic team, culminating in a final showcase featuring both established works and newly created pieces.

Each year, the program welcomes a distinguished guest choreographer. In 2026, acclaimed artist Rena Butler will lead students in the creation of new work. A Chicago native and alumna of The Chicago Academy for the Arts, Butler is the recipient of the 2019 Princess Grace Award for Choreography, the 2024 Isadora Duncan Dance Award for Outstanding Achievement in Choreography, and the 2025 Ferradini Grander Award from Danza in Arte a Pietrasanta and Italy’s Ministry of Culture.

Deeply committed to mentorship, Butler has taught at institutions including L’École Nationale Supérieure de Danse de Marseille, The Juilliard School, The School at Jacob’s Pillow, and The Macau Cultural Center. She co-created and directed DanceLab, a free choreographic course for Chicago youth, and has served with Chicago Dancemakers Forum and Black Girls Dance.

Beyond studio practice, Pro-Up participants receive mentorship and direct feedback from industry leaders while engaging in professional development forums focused on career longevity. Topics include injury prevention, financial literacy, networking, and personal branding—equipping dancers with the tools to sustain a thriving career.

Register here by March 26 for an audition slot. Scholarships are available.

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