Dance Theatre of Northern Illinois

I am thankful we found such a family forward and structured environment for our daughter. My daughter is in her third year and takes tap, ballet, jazz and hip hop. Each year we have added a new class, after starting with ballet and tap. I highly recommend this school for anyone looking for a structured yet family friendly dance experience.

My daughter has been at this school for 3 years and she is now going to be 5 and she love it here. We have made family friends and learned a lot. I wish there were more class times available to put her in more. Teachers are great. And the recitals are so sweet. Uniforms are very nicely done and always ordered timely. I would and have recommended this school to many moms as dads.

My four year old daughter has been attending ballet class for the past two years with Ms. Leslie.
Ms. Leslie is a wonderful and caring teacher with the little ones in her class. My daughter loves going to dance but she especially loves her teacher!
We have had an excellent experience at Dance Theater of Northern Illinois and I would recommend it to everyone!

My daughter has been enrolled at Dance Theatre of Northern Illinois since she was 3 years old. She is now 6 years old and is currently enrolled in 4 classes: ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop. Our experience here has been wonderful! When we started, I was looking for a studio that was disciplined and professional, but kind and nurturing. I knew my daughter loved to dance but was unsure how she would do in a structured class. Ms. Leslie, the owner, let her try a class and we’ve been officially enrolled ever since! The instructors at the studio are professionally trained, with some amazing credentials (check out the bios on their website) and yet there is still such a down to earth, positive feel at the studio… everyone is very friendly and welcoming. They challenge my daughter to do her best in such an encouraging way that she doesn’t even realize she’s learning/working…she’s just having fun! She has accomplished more than I ever expected… we will definitely be at this studio for the long haul. The studio is clean, organized and professional. They have 3 large classrooms complete with floor to ceiling mirrors, barres, amazing sound systems and professional grade dance floors. Also, two way mirrors for each room so you can watch classes. And did I mention the spring recital? It is held at the theater at CLC, and is a full blown production… complete with professional lighting, sound and beautiful costumes… amazing! If you’re looking for a dance studio for your child, you will not be disappointed here.

My 5 year old joined the tap class with the owner of studio. On his second day of class he was a little frustrated that he couldn’t get the step right and said he couldn’t do it but he still was trying, she the proceeded to tell him if he doesn’t want to be there than he needs to leave and pushed him out if the class!!! Yes a 5 year old! And yes his 2 nd day of class. I am a teacher and I tactfully suggested she try to be a little encouraging and use positive reinforcement not discourage him and kick him out. She said if I am going to tell her how to run her class than the school was not a fit for him. Are you kidding ??? I just asked her to encourage a 5 year old not write him off! He was still trying even though he was frustrated! I never met a teacher like this in my life. She is horrible with young children and definitely should not be teaching them! I would never recommend this place! No wonder his class size was a size of 3, and my daughters a class of 2, other people must know what I just figured out !! There are plenty of dance schools where teachers are also professional and empathetic. Try Little Gym Of Gurnee, Gurnee Park District, or Rythymn Academy of Dance. Whatever you do not go here!