My almost 4 year old has been taking ballet (& recently hip hop) for a few years now at Starland*,…read moreBaby Take a Bow**, etc. However, this year I wanted her to find a "real" dance studio where she could continue to dance her heart out for many years to come (if she happens to love dance as much as I did/do). There's not many local studios that offer tap for 3-4 year olds so that was one of my deciding factors for DancED. When researching I also stayed up way too late one night watching video clips of their performances (like I said...I LOVE dance) and was hooked. It reminded me so much of my dance studio from South Florida. My daughter has been in Miss Erin's Creative Dance class since September now and DancED has proven to be everything (and more) I was looking for in a dance studio. At first I worried that one teacher couldn't handle a rowdy group of 10ish pre-schoolers, but after attending this week's parent watch week was in awe with the way Erin has them all under control. I really like that Erin (and it appears most of the other teachers) have a lot of experience teaching little ones. At Baby Take a Bow my daughter mostly had really young ballerinas teaching her who had absolutely no experience dealing with 2 & 3 year olds. And it's a lot more difficult to control a group of pre-schoolers than it is to do a pirouette. The class consists of 20 minutes of tap followed by 20 minutes of ballet. They are working on all the basic tap (shuffles) and ballet (first, second position) moves. My daughter seems to really enjoy it, especially the tap portion of the class. Anything really noisy makes her happy. There are typically 3 consecutive classes going on at the same time and I think she loves checking out the "big girl classes" even more than taking class herself. We're just about to order their costumes for the June recital, which I have to admit I"m excited for. I was a bit bummed to hear that the little ones have their own 45 minute version of the recital, although my husband and I'm sure other parents were thrilled to hear that news. I may just have to go on my own to watch those big kids dance. DancED also have a very busy calendar of events going on all year long. Everything from father/daughter fun nights to princess camps to circus weeks. The owner does a great job showing off pics of their fabulous dancers throughout the studio and on facebook. Speaking of which I'm a bit surprised that the owner (I believe Nancy?) hasn't come by the class to introduce herself to her newest group of dancers, but I'm sure we'll meet her in due time since I hope my daughter will be dancing her way thru DancED for many years to come. * http://www.yelp.com/biz/starland-deerfield **http://www.yelp.com/biz/baby-take-a-bow-winnetka

Wonderful dance studio and teachers. As a super bonus- the kids get to have their dance recital at…read moreThe Skokie Performing Arts Center. Also, Miss Kate is the best!

The Adult Ballet class taught by Rita Ockrim is absolutely wonderful!…read more The class is essentially all about you, about really warming up and strengthening all of your muscles, and you will leave having worked your entire body! Since Rita generally does the class with you, she can tell which muscles have been properly warmed up for subsequent combinations, ensuring that you feel safe and comfortable as you progress through the class. Rita has an immense knowledge and passion for ballet that she would like to share with you. She will take time to explain and to help you feel how to properly execute different movements - which muscles to engage, how to position your head, where to apply pressure to the floor, etc. - all of the details that are generally left out of adult ballet classes, but that make the class much more interesting and valuable whether this information is just a refresher, or if you are hearing these insights for the first time. It shows that Rita genuinely cares about her students and strives to provide whatever it is you are looking to get out of the class. She makes the class as fun and enjoyable as possible, and definitely puts a lot of thought into her music selection. Anyone that has taken ballet knows that there is quite a plethora of cut and dry ballet music out there, or that it can become that way when it's played repeatedly. Rita makes sure to play new music essentially every class, and only recycles the best pieces that you probably wouldn't mind hearing again. If nothing else, you could come to class just for the beautiful and varied music selection! If you haven't danced in a while, don't be intimidated that the class is taught at an intermediate level. Rita will go over and do the combinations with you, so there is no stress in memorizing combinations, instead, you can really focus on what your body is doing. If need be, you can always simplify the combinations, but it is nice to have the option of a more advanced alternative, and to see how it looks when executed properly. This may seem like a lot of praise, but all of it is well deserved. I have been quite frustrated with many of the adult ballet classes I have taken, and I have finally stumbled on a gem that I believe deserves more attention!

Rita Okrim is a superb ballet instructor! Her technique at the barre is outstanding with so much…read morevariety. Her center is so creative and original. A wonderful workout. The studio is enchanting, making you feel like you are on stage dancing. Very inspiring- I highly recommend classes from Rita! - Susan Wright

My daughter started here just in a workshop to try the aerial silks... she fell in love! She went…read moreon to take jazz as well, and now is in full company dance (ie: her home away from home!) The owners are wonderful and understood or schedule and budget while also placing my daughter in appropriate classes. I also love the convenient location since I can run errands or even go home during classes. The studio is nice & clean and that take very good care of the girls!

We LOVE The Dance Loft! Great environment, Professional atmosphere & family owned business! My…read moredaughter has been taking there for over 7 years and LOVES IT! Focus is on technique & personal growth of each student.

Since day 1 almost 5 years ago we have been given a super warm welcome. The studio has really grown…read morebut each teacher takes the time to make sure every student excels. Brittany has been nothing but accommodating with any change that has come up for us. I love watching my daughter dance and she always has a big smile. We will be adding more classes come fall. Great atmosphere, tasteful dances and costumes. Love seeing the progress from year to year.

Not only have I watched my niece for the past five years flourish as a dancer, I have also watched…read morethe studio flourish also!!! It has been a joy year after year watching their performances, and each year it gets better and better!! Taking a dream and turning it into reality is not always easy, but Brittany has managed this with tremendous success and it is reflected in her dancers! I am thrilled I suggested my niece sign up for her classes, the love and the passion for dance is in abundance and is glowing in my niece! Thank you and keep on dancing!!!!!

Fantastic instructors! Enjoying learning better dance form. Very positive and welcoming dance…read morecenter.

My daughter and I recently took dance lessons at the Ballroom Center to prepare for our…read moreFather-Daughter dance at my daughter's wedding. We wanted to do something a little different than the ordinary, that involved a combination of slow and fast dances (e.g., a mashup). We worked with Dasha and she was both brilliant and amazing. She choreographed the whole dance with us, all the while taking into account my very limited dance skills. She made the entire process fun and memorable for my daughter and me. And she helped put together an epic dance that my daughter and I will never forget. The wedding is now 2 weeks past and we (and others) are still talking about it. Thank you Dasha and the entire staff at Ballroom Center for helping us, and for providing such a supportive and encouraging environment. We can't begin to tell you how much we appreciate it. ~Ed

Hao Lu is a fantastic dance teacher! He is an amazing dancer…read moreand imparts what he knows to his students. His professionalism and coaching in technique, grace and dynamics is top notch. It's been really fun to learn a variety of ethnic folk dances from him. The classes are a supportive environment, with many high caliber students to inspire me to improve, and also welcoming to beginners too. This studio also offers classes in many dance styles, and many of my classmates enjoy more than one class per week (ballet, ballroom, latin, kpop, etc.) Highly recommend

HaoDance is home to many amazing and highly professional instructors. The founder, Hao Lu, is a…read moretalented, hardworking, and deeply experienced teacher. Hao is remarkably patient with every student, whether a beginner or advanced dancer. He emphasizes two key forms of precision. First, precision in teaching--he designs individualized study plans tailored to each student's personality, habits, and communication style. Second, precision in movement--he pays close attention to every action and posture, noticing even the smallest errors or unnecessary movements, almost like his eyes are a ruler. To help students better understand, Hao often uses vivid comparisons and storytelling, encouraging dancers to imagine emotions and scenes in their performance. This approach is especially valuable for beginners. His high standards for the art of dance not only shape students' technique but also inspire their attitude toward life and work. At HaoDance, you don't just learn dance--you gain confidence, discipline, and inspiration. Start your journey with HaoDance, and good fortune will follow.

My experience at Arthur Murray Lincolnshire has been wonderful. The atmosphere is very welcoming…read more All the staffs there are extremely nice and encouraging. The students are also friendly. All the instructors are passionate about dancing and teaching. They tailor the lessons to my needs and goals. While the private lessons can let me focus on my own dancing, the group classes and parties are also fun to attend. I was nervous going into my first group class and party, but the instructors and students all made me feel very welcome. I look forward to going to the studio every week!

We've been dancing at Arthur Murray Lincolnshire for almost 2 years. Since the moment we walked in…read morethe staff has been inviting and encouraging, no matter what the level. 'Lincolnshire, we're on Fire.'

We love Borne 2 Dance! My daughter started here when she was just 2 years old! She has learned so…read moremuch. Miss Jamie and her staff are kind, caring, and patient. We moved and were so sad to have to leave such a great dance studio. We tried another place and decided we would make the drive back to Palatine just to get back to Borne 2 Dance! Not only do they have a great dance program, they are involved in the community. They have a great family atmosphere and we are proud to be a part of it.

We love Borne2Dance! I have a 12 year old and a 9 year old in classes. They've learned a ton and…read moreenjoyed it immensely. This is the opposite of "Dance Mom" hyper competitive style dance classes. Instead, the teachers are kind and gentle, while still allowing the kids to learn and grow as dancers. My kids have gained confidence and maturity, as well as dance expertise. I can't imagine sending them anywhere else.