Ballet Classes for Kids in Chicago
30 studios in Chicago, Illinois teach children — from baby ballet and creative movement for toddlers (often from ages 2–3) to graded classes for school-age kids and teens. A great first studio is nurturing and non-competitive, with patient teachers who keep the first term joyful; many put on an annual recital your child will remember for years. Studios are ranked below by local reputation (rating weighted by review count), and with 30 options in town it's worth calling ahead to ask what age they start, which class fits your child, and whether there's a trial.
1. The Joffrey Ballet
4.4 ★★★★☆ 267 reviews
“Absolutely! From communicating via email and phone, the representatives Beth and Ashley are amazing! They were very knowledgeable and helpful with all of our questions and had…” — Vonnie
2. Ballet Folklorico de Chicago
5 ★★★★★ 190 reviews
“My toddler had been dancing with the studio for over a year and she loves the instructors she's had as do I. They're patient, kind and present age appropriate instructions and…” — Nina
3. Dovetail Studios
4.9 ★★★★★ 192 reviews
“My family has danced at Dovetail for the past 8 years and I couldn't be happier with the expertise, creativity and supportive environment created by the team there. My daughter…” — Meagan
4. Gus Giordano Dance School
5 ★★★★★ 148 reviews
“Gus Giordano Dance School isn't just a top-notch training facility for dancers spanning all ages- it is a family, and a legacy. I had the incredible opportunity of attending the…” — Elyse
5. Forevermore Dance & Theatre Arts
5 ★★★★★ 133 reviews
“Ms. Rylie, you're spunky, cool, strong and we adore your leadership with the young girls. You make going to class such a no brainer, our kiddo never wants to miss a session with…” — Laura
7. A&A Ballet
4.8 ★★★★★ 68 reviews
“I trained with Anna and Alexei for 5 years and will always return when I come home. Amazing teachers that provide personalized ballet training. They have given me many performance…” — Grace
8. Extensions Dance
5 ★★★★★ 52 reviews
“Lizzie, Jackie, and the staff here do an amazing job! My daughter has been training at extensions dance for almost two years now and it's been a life changing experience for her.…” — Brent
9. Intrigue Dance and Performing Arts Center
4.5 ★★★★★ 45 reviews
“I have been going to Intrigue for over three years now, and I would give the studio my highest recommendation! The studio is of high quality, the instructors are professional and…” — Andrea
10. THE HIVE
4.9 ★★★★★ 37 reviews
“The Hive is no less than a dance miracle we are all blessed with. Sign up for any class, and live your full life, no regrets, I guarantee it more than Men’s Warehouse. I danced…” — Jenny
11. Mayfair Arts Center, a program of the Chicago Human Rhythm Project
4.7 ★★★★★ 37 reviews
“Memories of my childhood. Mr. Sutton 's legacy lived on . His daughter Miss Peggy oh wow! Beautiful , and can dance! I admired her so!Dance is vital to child/human development,…” — Allison
12. Black Girls Dance
5 ★★★★★ 31 reviews
“My daughter absolutely loves this place and always tells me how nice everyone is. She wishes she could go everyday!” — Koasia
13. Kenwood School of Ballet
4.9 ★★★★★ 28 reviews
“Kristi, the owner and director of this studio, is nothing short of amazing! She worked with my daughter, via Skype to perfect her solo this past season! Without these lessons my…” — Jessica
14. Rhythm of the Street Dance Studio
5 ★★★★★ 26 reviews
“Great feedback and individualized attention. An excellent coach and instructor for children, adults, and seniors.” — Jeff
15. All About Dance
4.6 ★★★★★ 27 reviews
“All About Dance is a great studio with classes for all ages. As a budding dancer, I feel that the teachers have supported me, and the owner, Jessica Goldman, is very involed with…” — Connor
16. LBP School of Dance
4.4 ★★★★☆ 27 reviews
“Es exelente todo lo que enseñan, son muy profecionales a demas an ganado varios trofeos en competencias y es muy económico el precio .” — Jose
17. Dance On Broadway
4.7 ★★★★★ 24 reviews
“Adult drop-in classes at Dance on Broadway have been a wonderful opportunity to get back into beginner classes after a long time away from dance. It is easy to sign up for only…” — Sydney
18. Hyde Park School of Dance
5 ★★★★★ 22 reviews
“Hyde Park School of Dance is a wonderful school. If you are looking for a multi-cultural school with great teaching and reasonably priced, check out HPSD. The school thrives on…” — Lawanda
19. Ballet Chicago
4.3 ★★★★☆ 24 reviews
“We have been thrilled with the quality of ballet education our children have been receiving. They have been performing in the Nutcracker since the age of 5 and it's become an…” — Mahima
20. Dance- Chicago Multicultural Dance
5 ★★★★★ 19 reviews
“I was looking between two schools for dance classes for my daughter. CMDC was more reasonably priced and they teach HIPLET so well worth the extra distance. It is a pleasure to be…” — Donita
21. The Chicago Ballet Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 18 reviews
“My daughter has been dancing here since 2019. She's learned more than just dance--there's discipline, responsibility and courage all built into the teaching. With her training…” — Deanna
22. VOLTA Performing Arts
4.4 ★★★★☆ 19 reviews
“If you are looking for a welcoming and fun environment for your kid to learn dance, Volta is a great fit. Miss Dee, the owner, has the most wonderful enthusiasm and always makes…” — The
23. A Fairytale Ballet
4.8 ★★★★★ 15 reviews
“All I have to say is great !!! We had my 5 year olds party this past weekend and it went super well ! Much smaller studio then expected but my daughter and her friends had a blast…” — Haylee
24. Dance To EvOLvE in West Loop at Chicago Children's Theatre
5 ★★★★★ 14 reviews
“My 4 year old has always love to dance and she absolutely loves this place besides the amazing staff that are child friendly. In a few months we will be also putting her in ballet…” — Jen
25. Christine Belpedio's School of Dance Est.1978
4.9 ★★★★★ 14 reviews
“We’ve been part of the CBSD family for over 15 years, and we are beyond blessed to have found a place where my children can truly thrive. It’s more than just a studio—it’s a…” — Rosamaria
26. Boitsov Classical Ballet
5 ★★★★★ 12 reviews
“My daughter enjoyed every minute of ballet during her time here. This is definitely a gem of a program in the Southwest side and am thankful to everyone who poured into my…” — Karina
27. DanceWorks by T
5 ★★★★★ 10 reviews
“We love DanceWorks! My girls are always excited to go, make sure they’re on time, and come home smiling every time. They even practice their steps during the week because they…” — Dana
28. A Fairytale Ballet
4.6 ★★★★★ 10 reviews
“My daughter loves this class. They incorporate dress up and fairy tales into the ballet and tap technical skills lessons. Super fun and cute.” — Choosey
29. Russell Talbert Dance Studio
5 ★★★★★ 4 reviews
“I love it! I have always wanted to take dance classes again, the teachers are experienced the classes are fun and challenging. I learn something new every time.” — C
30. Ballet Academy Lincoln Park
5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews
“I’ve been going to adult ballet classes at Ballet Academy Lincoln Park for 6-7 months now. I’m not a parent so I can’t speak to the kids experiences but there’s a class right…” — Ha
Enrolling your child in Chicago: practical notes
- Call with your child's age. Ask which class fits — baby ballet, creative movement, or a graded level — and whether they offer a trial class so your child can try before you commit to a term.
- Ask about the recital. Most studios stage a year-end performance; check the schedule and any costume or ticket costs up front so the year holds no surprises.
- Sort the dress code, don't over-buy. A leotard, tights, and ballet slippers with hair in a bun is typical, but many studios keep the first class relaxed. Confirm what's required before shopping.
- Look for nurturing, not pushy. The best early teachers keep it fun and non-competitive; confidence and a love of moving come first, technique follows.
- Use a free trial. Some studios offer a free or discounted first class — the easiest way to see if your child clicks with the teacher. See studios with a free trial class.
Kids' ballet near Chicago
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