Lakeshore school of performing arts is a fantastic local school for dance and music. The owner is…read moreextremely knowledgeable and talented instructing youth music and the dance instructors there are equally yoked! One of my daughters excelled in Hip Hop during her time there and my other daughter enhanced her skillset in the piano. I am thankful this city has a great place like this to learn and grow.

From the owner: We offer a personalized approach to learning that allows each student to learn according to their…read morespecific learning style in music, dance, and theater/acting. Acting class are provided in a fun, group setting for students of all ages. Dance includes: ballet/contemporary, hip hop, jazz, tap, preschool ballet and hip hop, and Christian hip hop and praise dance. Music classes focus ear training and improvisation, jazz and classical music while utilizing visual, auditory, and kinesthetic styles of learning. Classes are offered in music (piano, voice, ukulele, drums, violin, bass, electric, and acoustic guitar; and dance (ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, and hip hop) and theater classes. Various student showcases and recitals are also performed throughout the year..

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!

Duneland Family YMCA child care is one of the best childcare programs we've been a part of! We've…read morebeen with the Duneland YMCA for almost 6 years (since we moved to the area), with our fourth child getting ready to start soon. It's great to know my children are being loved and cared for while I'm away at work - the teachers truly treat them as their own. My 3 year old loves going to "school" and seeing all her friends! Aside from updating books and educational toys, there have been many updates to the facility in the past few years including new paint and rearranging classrooms to improve functionality. The facility is clean and the teachers really take pride in their classrooms! My daughter is offered breakfast, hot lunch (contracted with Third Coast Spice in Chesterton) , and several healthy snacks everyday. The hours are also very convenient, opening at 5:45 am until 6:30 pm. Whether I have an early morning meeting or a late evening errand, I've got flexibility with childcare. In the summer they offer several field trips, get swimming lessons at the Y, take walks, visit the library, get to play at the new splash pad across the parking lot and the highlight of each week is when the Kona Ice truck comes! All year long the kids also get to learn about being healthy when the YMCA fitness instructors come over to "play" with them - doing yoga, dance and music in motion. They also do special events throughout the year, including donuts with dad, muffins with mom, a fall harvest bash for the entire community, a thanksgiving celebration and a Christmas program! One of the best parts about the Y...several of the teachers have been there since before we started going there. It builds a strong sense of security for both myself and my children knowing they will build long lasting relationships with and grow to love their teachers.

I am so in love with this child care program. My daughters began the childcare/preschool program…read moreat 14 months old and have been there for almost 2 years. The program includes swim lessons in the summer, the Muzzy program to teach the children Spanish, organic local meals for lunch, a music program, and actually curriculum. There is a new splash pad right acrossed the street that they use in the summer and a fenced in playground that is only accessible by the children and staff of this program. This is not just a daycare- it's school. My girls love it and love their teachers. Each and every teacher has made them feel welcome, valued, and have provided them with tools to help them grow. They knew the ABCs and 18 months and at 2.5 years old they were reciting the pledge of allegiance! As a parent- I feel that they are safe, the school is locked and has a camera system to make sure to only allow the correct people in the facility. The school communicates daily with me via paper and conversation on their progress - they also help with potty training!! Highly recommended- very happy mom.