This youth theater production company puts on full adult versions of iconic plays, both dramas and…read moremusicals (all performed with live orchestrations). Limited runs typically include at least 4 performances, so cast, crew and musicians evolve over the run to adapt to experiences. Excellent production values (direction, staging, lighting, sound and music) and some surprisingly talented young performers from all over Chicago. Most of the troupe are committed to performing arts as a lifestyle, and participate in other performing arts situations as well (many existing and former members attend Chicago High School for the Arts, or ChiArts). SBYR is a great experience for young performers who want a solid immersion in theater. Private lessons available on the side. Parent-supported organization, which - given the high production values - should give way to improved public support and ticket sales. Bottom line: SBYR is a superb evolutionary theater experience for young performers who will learn all aspects associated with producing live theater productions.

I've spent lots of cash on programs with big marketing dollars and less money on the program…read moreportion, often leaving with the feeling my kid was shorted on an experience. Studio Be is not this way. Their price point is affordable; the experience for each kid is inclusive and a full experience. Your child is going to be expected to work. This is not a drop off camp where kids can hang out on their phones. My child started in high school and went all the way through. She's in a BFA acting program now at a University which would not have happened without the nurturing, teaching, and discipline of Tamara Drew and Mr. West. This is a unique community where your kid is embraced and held accountable. Non-talkers will talk and talkers will talk more. I can't thank these folks enough for what they did for my kid. Highly recommended.

What a gem of a ballet school!…read more The three reasons we have loved this school for our daughter: (1) The faculty has some serious ballet expertise and passion (numerous alumni have become professional ballet dancers) but they're also incredibly good with teaching kids. Our daughter is always excited to go and see her teachers & classmates. (2) All students from 3yos in Creative Movement to the pre-professional dancers in the studio company are cast in their annual Nutcracker performances. Not only is it a cool experience for her perform on stage in real performing arts venues like the Harris Theater, but it's taught her a lot that goes beyond dance. Performing on stage in front of over a thousand people without stage fright, showing up for her classmates for multiple shows each season are good life skills. (3) While ballet isn't the most historically diverse place, Ballet Chicago's school directors make a conscious effort to be inclusive (different backgrounds, body types, etc.) You can tell they're committed to making ballet a positive experience for their dancers and it extends across the school. There's a real community feel. Oh! and I should mention that the studio and classes are also well-equipped: live piano accompaniment during classes, Marley sprung floors, nice natural light.

This is a ballet school that will prepare young dancers with technical skill and performance…read moreexperience and foster a love of dance. Both my son and daughter enjoyed performing in the annual nutcracker performance and it was great as a parent to watch the esprit de corp develop among the young dancers of all ages.

I came here tonight for The Hiplet Experience 2024. I had the opportunity along with many others to…read moreget a sneak peek inside The Hiplets Dance Rehearsal. Mr. Homer's unique techniques shows just how dedicated and passionate he is about his training. The confidence these young girls and women have shows through their passion of dancing. Each has their own different and creative dance styles. Hiplet dancing is more than hiphop it consists of many other unique dances. The dance classes are affordable and you have a place to come and yourself. A dance school that builds your confidence and have a safe place to enjoy the passion of dancing. I will be signing up my 8 year old niece for class.

A great dance studio in Chicago. Affordable and provides all levels. As a parent, I do wish there…read morewere more opportunities to see my child practice. We're parents wait is on another floor.

I have taken my children to dance classes through Design Dance since the beginning and we have…read morenothing but good to say. The teachers are exciting and excited about dance but also nurturing. My children sing their little dance songs and I see them practice "their moves" all of the time. My son (6) and daughter (5) have found something for each! We especially like the location (Chase Park) because it's easy to get to, park at and there's a delish coffee joint for the chauffeur (mom) nearby. The boy-friendly Hip Hop class is the only one my son will go to!

My son has been taking breakdancing classes with Design Dance at Chase Park for the past year. He…read moreabsolutely loves it! He has had most classes with Maya. She is a fantastic teacher. She brings so much positive energy to her classes. Maya is always focused on the good while encouraging her class to try new moves. My son is in awe of her breakdancing moves! We have also had one class with Tiffany. She was great. My son's age group class did not run so he was offered a spot in a younger class. I was a bit apprehensive about him being older than the other dancers. But Tiffany did a wonderful job working with him at his level. She had positive interactions with her class. I have found nothing negative about classes with Design Dance! You can't beat the convenient locations or the price. I also appreciate the way Liz handles things. She is very quick to respond to a phone call or email. Above all it is plain to see that everyone at Design Dance loves dance and is excited to share that love with children. It is something my 8 year old looks forward to each week and I am very thankful that Design Dance offers such a great experience for him! :)

I find that Director Paul Abrahamson is an individual who cares for his dancers, hires excellent…read morestaff and understands parents. The Chicago Ballet Center (4041 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60641, USA) is where you and your children go to learn the art of dance and the joy of music! I visited CBC during the Open House Chicago event and had a chance to talk to several staff, kids and parents...they all were very enthusiastic about this program. Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/92160342@N07/albums/72157674126776050 URL: http://www.chicagoballetcenter.org/

Nestled up on the 4th floor of 4041 N Milwaukee Ave is the Chicago Ballet Center. We are thrilled…read moreto have found this unassuming, yet serious dance school and community of dancers. My daughter had no problem switching over for tap and ballet. The education is based on the Cuban/Alonso Method and really focuses on dancers using their bodies athletically with balance and minimum harm. The parents have been welcoming, unlike our last school where no one spoke or smiled. Finally, there are two programs a year, and the costuming is included in the fees. Judith, who runs the front desk, does a darling job with the costumes. Also, if you are looking for it there is an ongoing adult ballet class (drop-in) as well.

Absolutely amazing dance school. the director, Miss Kristi, is so passionate and kind. She takes…read moreher craft very seriously, but still manages to make it fun and accessible for children. There's a love of dance felt all throughout this program that is infectious. The programs they put together are just breathtaking. The most recent one was an Alice in Wonderland themed one and I just could not believe that it was children performing! This is not just a school, not just a community, but a family. If you're looking to get your children into dance in this area, no need to look any farther, you've found the best.

My daughter has been in two recitals already and absolutely loves this program! The classes are…read morewell ran and she really connects with the kids. As soon as my other daughter is ready, she will be attending too.

My second daughter goes here every Saturday for Fairy Ballet Dance. She love love loves it. We have…read moreMiss Molly as a teacher and she is just a dream. She is very patient with the kids, she's always on time, and super fun! Especially when she puts on Baby Shark my little one goes crazy! She is a keeper. Sign your little on to these dance classes. It's very good for their cognitive thinking. They learn to follow instructions and gain a sense of discipline and learn ways to move and control their bodies! In addition, there is always a positive vibe when you walk into Kaleidoscope Dance! Great Job Kaleidoscope!

I like the facility and the teachers; really dislike the end of the year extravaganza: your kid…read morewill be on stage for 3 minutes and it will cost the family 200-300 in Ticketmaster tickets, costume, flowers, stuffy bears, etc. I guess some parents live for that so it won't change. Hoping to change studios soon.

I found this community dance program by word of mouth about a year ago. My kid is in the Creative…read moreMovement/Pre-Dance I class for 3 and 4 year olds, which is not called pre-ballet but is essentially pre-ballet. I never studied ballet, and I didn't want a ballerina; I wanted a Flamencista! But I couldn't find a Flamenco class for three year olds, and so this was meant to be a just a placeholder for the Flamenco lessons. Fast forward a year: my kid is now old enough for Flamenco (also at NEIU), but this is now her favorite of all the ridiculous kid-classes I have put her in. Plus, the class is super affordable - about $10/class. So, I can't really pull her out. Other details you might want to know: Rachel Burton is the director and may teach some of the older classes. She also seems to choreograph the recital. She does not teach the youngest class that I know of; that has been taught by graduate students in NEIU's dance program and, at one point, by a dancer from Ensemble Español. There are about 10 kids in the two youngest classes, and there are two, sometimes three, teachers present for each. You have to stay on site during the class, but you're outside the studio (and can spend that time kvetching with other parents, if that's your jam....it is my jam, and I've met at least three other parents I consider "keepers"). They have a recital once a year, and, though I anticipated hating the whole recital thing, it actually was a highlight of our summer last year. Tickets were cheap (I think $5/each), and so my whole family came. My kid was adorably clad in a costume that (1) I didn't have to finance with early withdrawals from my 401K and (2) I tricked her into wearing a second time for Halloween. Rachel hires a photographer and a videographer, so you can buy the DVD and pictures, if you want to - and, at least on the pictures, YOU DO.