I've been to 2 classes with Orlee and loved it. She's a very good instructor, helps you without…read moremaking you feel awkward. I had a great workout and was sore the next day, I will definitely be signing up for more classes.

Before there was Orlee's "Barre & Beyond," I was already actively involved in sports (running,…read morebicycling), along with individual and class work-outs at a local gym. So when a friend suggested I try this unique style of exercise, I questioned how it could be better than what I already did. It only took one or two classes to show me how different and effective this Barre method was. Fast forward to the present. I am stronger than ever before, my running has improved immeasurably, and when I take a Barre class, I leave the studio feeling happy, fulfilled, and ready to tackle the day. For those who are unsure, I would strongly suggest taking 2 or 3 classes. You will not regret it.

Our daughter has been attending UDA for a few years now and we love it so much! The staff truly…read morecares and they put so much effort into supporting these kids. It's non-competitive which we prefer and that makes it so comfortable to be there. Our daughter loves it so much that she now takes TWO classes:) The growth that she's made is incredible! Thank you so much Miss Melina and staff! We appreciate you and hope to attend for years to come!

We love UDA! My kids have been going for a couple years and all the teachers are amazing! Highly…read morerecommend.

Enrolled my daughter in the action class and she really loves it! Teaches kids discipline and…read morerespect and has a a good exercise component to the classes. Shows the kids how to how to accomplish each form and elevate to the next belt. Staff is very nice and always helpful to answer your questions. I highly recommend!

This school is phenomenal. My sons learned so much and were regularly encouraged to grow and…read moreachieve their goals. Cannot recommend it highly enough!

Can't find a better studio around here. The studio is nice and clean. Offers a variety of classes…read morefrom ballet to yoga for a variety of levels. Four teachers work/teach there and one of them is the owner. The owner is Natalie Kolosci. She is extremely experienced and great with kids. I have danced with Natalie for eleven years almost twelve. Ms. Natalie's ballet beginnings were with Elisa Stigler at Roosevelt University in Chicago. Through Miss Stigler, Natalie was introduced to Miss Ann Barzel, dance critic for the Chicago Tribune and Dance Magazine, who would later become a central figure in launching many acquaintances in the dance field during the next several years. Natalie made her ballet debut at age 8, dancing with the Bolshoi Ballet Company from Moscow, Russia. For the following six years, she continued to perform, alternating each year with the Kirov Ballet Company from Leningrad. She received a Medal of the Bolshoi Theatre from Asaf Messerer, Artistic Director of the Bolshoi, and was asked to be the assistant coach for the children's roles, while on tour in Chicago. Her professional debut was at age 15, dancing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy with the Allegro Company, Directed by Robert Lunnon and Doreen Tempest of London.  Richard Ellis (of Ellis-DuBoulay Ballet School in Chicago) was another great inspiration for Natalie, dancing roles in Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and Giselle.  For eight years she also performed in Ruth Page's production of The Nutcracker in Chicago, progressing yearly to more advanced roles. While studying on scholarship in NYC with the Joffrey Ballet, she became friends with company member Charthel Arthur, where they later both studied under the direction of Wynn Shaw in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Charthel later became Ballet Mistress of Joffrey Chicago. Besides her expanded career in ballet, she also directed the Flag Corps for the Lake Station High School Band; did special choreographic selections for the Purdue Drama Club; directed and judged the local Jr. Miss Pageant; was Indiana State Floor Ex Champion for four consecutive years, as well as the National USTA Strutting Champion for Baton Twirling, where she had the opportunity to meet astronaut Ed Mitchell. As studio owner of Natalie's School of Dance for over 20 years in Lake Station, she traveled throughout the U.S. with her dance troop, "Fabulous Feet", participating in regional and national competitions, conventions, lectures, and performances, accumulating over 500 awards.  After 20 years of marriage, raising two sons, and directing her own dance school, she decided to put her dancing and teaching on hold and pursued a career in the business world. She later became the associate director of the Indiana Ballet Theatre NW, choreographing, rehearsing, and staging full-length ballets including The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, along with several original pieces for the company. She has choreographed and staged several pieces for local dance centers, as well as worked with local park departments and South Suburban College. Natalie has now been in Portage for over 10 years and continues with expanding her technical classes, choreography, and encouraging students in the dance field, who would otherwise have chosen a different arena. Civic Dance Center's annual Nutcracker and Winter Showcase has become a holiday tradition in the community. Her challenge has been to re-stage some musical theatre pieces, which would generate audience appeal as well as produce energy and vigor from her students in every annual Summer Showcase- including scenes from West Side Story, Sweet Charity, Chicago, Grease, Cabaret, and Burlesque. Unafraid of new styles, but holding true to the classics, Ms. Natalie continues to amaze even herself sometimes with creative opportunities that enhance her students and their performances. Ms. Natalie works diligently at pulling everything she can out of her students to make them the best they can possibly be! Civic Dance Center 6341 Central Avenue - Portage, IN 46368 Peach Tree Central Plaza dancewithnataliek@gmail.com 708.417.7129

After 5:00 summer series Wednesday wine down:I recently visited this Little Black Pearl, and I have…read moreto say the energy when I walked in was great. I was surrounded by such positive, welcoming people of all ages. Throughout the night, we sang karaoke, played cards, shot pool and listened to good music. What really stood out to me was how safe, inclusive, and comfortable the environment felt. Everyone was so kind and genuine. But what truly touched my heart was how the community embraced my brother, who is special needs. There was no judgment only acceptance, laughter, and open arms. For the first time in a long time, I didn't feel like I had to be on guard, watching to make sure he was being treated with respect because everyone just welcomed. It was a relaxing night filled with connection and joy. I would absolutely come back and recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, warm, and safe space. Thank you for such an unforgettable expeience.

The organization for which I work recently held an event at Little Black Pearl (LBP). The support…read moreand service we received was beyond stellar! LBP provided the space, catered the food (via their onsite cafe, Carver 47), connected us to amazing balloon and floral vendors, and provided other accoutrements (e.g., tables and chairs, table coverings, a stage, sound and tech support, package management). LBP's one-stop shop especially helpful given that our planning team resided outside of Chicago. There is so much to applaud from the experience: the warm and inviting space exuded elegance; the feast was as beautiful as it was delicious; and the LBP team's interactions with us (from planning to completion) was the epitome of grace and hospitality. They accommodated every request and did so with an exceptional level of excellence. When we asked that the menu include a vegetarian and Halal dish, they ensured guests had multiple options. When we requested assistance erecting our banner, they took on the task of assembling the entire structure, even machine washing and drying it when they noticed a stain. Compared to other spaces we considered (and have used in the past) across the city, LBP's offerings and support stood head and shoulders above and their love was palpable in their attention to details.That they have a heart-centered mission and work in support of youth and community was tasty icing on an already amazing cake. Thank you, Little Black Pearl team, for making our event a world-class experience!