Dance Schools in Chicago

Whether you’re an experienced dancer or you want to attend a dance class for the first time, there’s a dance school in Chicago for you. These schools can help you explore different dance styles, refine your techniques, and fall in love with the art of dance. If you’re interested in exploring a dance class or program, use this guide to learn more about five dance schools in Chicago.

Joffrey Academy of Dance

As the official school of the Joffrey Ballet, a world-renowned premier dance company, the Joffrey Academy of Dance offers training and education for dancers of all ages and abilities. Founded in 2010, the academy provides full-time professional training programs for those interested in pursuing a career in dance. These programs take place during the academic year and require students to audition for placement.

Along with professional training programs, the Joffrey Academy of Dance offers a wide variety of programs for children, youth, and adults. Take one of the academy’s adult classes for a fun, educational experience, whether you have years of dance training or want to learn to dance for the first time. You can pay for individual classes or purchase a 10-class package each semester. The academy also offers ballet, jazz, modern, and hip-hop classes for youth and adaptive programs for children with diverse movement abilities.

Academy programs take place at the Joffrey Ballet at 10 E. Randolph St., or South Loop Studio at 1920 S. Wabash Ave. For more information about the academy and available programs, call 312-784-4600 or visit the Joffrey Ballet website.

Hyde Park School of Dance

Founded in 1993, the Hyde Park School of Dance provides classical and contemporary dance education to people of all ages, abilities, and body types. A 32-member staff provides over 80 hours of instruction each week with classes from September to June, along with summer workshops and master classes. The school has nearly 500 students ranging in age from toddlers to adults.

The dance school offers classes in various dance styles, including tap, jazz, modern, creative movement, and belly dancing. If you’ve never danced before, the school offers eight-week fundamentals courses for adults in various styles, including ballet, tap, belly dancing, and Pilates. Adult dancers with previous experience can attend single drop-in classes or purchase an eight-class package, which never expires. The dance school also offers classes for children from 18 months to 18 years old.

The Hyde Park School of Dance is located at 5650 S. Woodlawn Ave. For more information about programming, call 773-493-8498 or visit the school’s website.

Gus Giordano Dance School

The Gus Giordano Dance School continues the legacy of its founder, Gus Giordano, who is known as the “Godfather of Jazz Dance.” Giordano believed dancers should have a foundation in different forms of dance, including ballet, tap, jazz, and modern. The school, now operating under the direction of Giordano’s daughter, Amy Giordano, strives to provide this well-rounded instruction to dancers of all ages and levels.

The school offers a range of classes for early childhood, elementary, junior high, high school, and adult dancers. Youth classes run from September through May, culminating in a performance at the end of the year. Intensive workshops are available for intermediate and advanced dancers, including a three-week pre-professional intensive workshop for students preparing for college programs or professional jobs. Adults can take in-person or virtual classes in various styles, including ballet, jazz, tap, and progressive ballet technique. Anyone is welcome to join adult classes, whether you’re new to a style or you have many years of experience.

The Gus Giordano Dance School is located at 5230 N. Clark St. For more information, call 773-275-5230 or visit the school’s website.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, a professional contemporary dance company, strives to help others learn to enjoy the art of dance. The organization offers various workshops, public programs, and online resources to study and explore dance in new ways. Company dancers regularly lead online dance classes, which anyone can join for free. Past classes have included ballet, progressive tap, and multi-rhythmic movement language.

Youth and pre-professional dancers can apply to one of Hubbard Street’s summer intensives. These rigorous programs help participants learn more about contemporary dance and strengthen their techniques. Hubbard Street offers four different intensive programs each summer in Chicago. The entry requirements and time commitment vary for each program.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is located on the fourth floor of Water Tower Place at 1658 Milwaukee Ave. For more information about programs and summer intensives, visit the company’s website or call 312-850-9744.

Visceral Dance Center

With professional faculty and a state-of-the-art facility, Visceral Dance Center is one of the top dance schools in the Chicago area. The center offers accessible education to dancers of all levels, from beginner to professional. The Visceral Dance Center provides a range of classes for children and adults in various styles, including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, contemporary, and musical theater. Work-study opportunities and scholarships are available for students.

Youth classes for students ages 18 months to 18 years old focus on teaching children different forms of dance in an inspiring, positive environment. Training programs are available for dancers ages 7 and up to learn fundamentals and refine their techniques. A pre-professional program aims to help elite dancers prepare for post-secondary education or a position with a professional dance company. Adults can take classes based on their interests and skill levels, such as beginner ballet or advanced contemporary jazz. Many adult classes are held in-person at the dance center, while others take place virtually.

Visceral Dance Center is located at 3121 N. Rockwell St. Call 773-772-1771 or visit the center’s website to learn more about programming and classes.

Now you know more about five dance schools in Chicago. As a dancer, you know it’s important to take care of your body so you can perform at your highest level. Dr. Lisa Schoene with Gurnee Podiatry & Sports Medicine Associates has extensive experience practicing dance medicine in Chicago and the surrounding area. With her dance medicine expertise, Dr. Schoene can develop effective treatment plans for dance-related issues and offer valuable insight to help prevent future injuries. Contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Schoene today.