About North Shore Dance Center |
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For more than 16 years, North Shore Dance Center has been North Shore Chicago's premier dance center. We feature a full-service fine arts academy, offering training in dance, theater and the related arts to students from preschool through adult. Embracing a philosophy of both perfunctory classroom techniques and professional success, NSDC's staff includes advance-degreed instructors who complement their teaching careers with professional work in the dance and dramatic arts industries. North Shore Dance Center is a family-run business, with students and their parents embraced as extended family. Many households have multiple family members enrolled in classes, including combinations of mother and daughter, brother and sister, and cousins. Located in the near-north Chicago suburb of Skokie, the fine arts academy is owned by the mother-daughter tandem of Arla Faye and Ali Fran-Potter. A Family Affair“This is a family, from the students to the teachers,” says Faye. “We help each other however we can. That’s the big reason for our Family Plan tuition program, to help parents economically and to allow everyone in the family to share a common bond through dance." “Our goal is to offer classes that really benefit people, where they can learn and have fun at the same time,” explains Faye.Family plays a key role in North Shore Dance Center’s annual recital. A highlight at the pinnacle of the recital’s finale is the “Family Number”—the dance that spotlights groups of family members doing their own original choreography in 20-second segments. And as both parents and professionals, we are aware of the trend to exploit young dancers with skimpy costumes and suggestive choreography. We never allow our dance family to use inappropriate costumes, music or choreography. Instead, we strive to reinforce positive values and self respect. Dedicated StaffThe family-friendly North Shore Dance Center has gained recognition as one of the Chicago-area’s top dance studios by embracing a philosophy of actively recruiting a full staff of acclaimed International professionals from the performing arts world. Staff includes performing alumni of Chicago Opera Ballet, Joel Hall Dancers, Giordano Jazz Company, Butler Ballet, Dance Chicago, CG Jung Institute, American College Dance Festival, Coyote Arts Festival, Junior League of Chicago, Culture Shock, Washington Dance Theatre, Jump Rhythm Jazz Project, national musical theater tours, and international dance tours.Our accomplished group of instructors include certified Illinois teachers and graduates of Northwestern University, North Eastern Illinois University, Butler University, Columbia College, National-Louis University, Northern Illinois University, Roosevelt University, Illinois State University, Coe College, and Wright State University. Our teachers also include students/alumni of Cleveland Ballet School, Chamber School of Ballet (Dallas), and Second City as well as students of legendary individual instructors Martha Graham, Gus Giordano, Ruth Page, Homer Bryant, and Joel Hall. Bridging the full spectrum of performing arts, the staff also includes accomplished theatrical directors and choreographers. “The entire staff is dedicated to creating a constructive educational atmosphere that fosters learning, fun and personal growth,” says Fran-Potter. The investment in a dedicated and renowned staff has created a dedicated and far-reaching following including participants from Arlington Heights, Chicago, Des Plaines, Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Libertyville, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Norridge, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Skokie and Wilmette. Located at the intersection of Crawford and Main in Skokie, North Shore Dance Studio has classes throughout the year for all abilities and ages. New students are invited to stop by the studio at 8401 Crawford Avenue, or call (847) 674-2216. |
Register Online!Click here for our Class Schedule! Children & Adults, Beginners & Advanced Phone:847-674-2216 North Shore Dance Center 4:00pm to 8:00pm Saturday: 9:00am to 5:00pm Other hours by appointment Summer hours differ Questions? For more information, contact us at nsdcskokie@aol.com.  |