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Dance Center Evanston

4.6 ★★★★★ 30 Google reviews · Ballet school in Evanston, Illinois

Ballet school Adult classes Kids & teens Pre-professional

Plan your first class

  • Ages classes for ages 3–7 — check the schedule for the right level for your dancer
  • Adult classes classes for grown-ups, including absolute beginners — it's never too late to start at the barre
  • Pre-professional a serious, conservatory-style track for committed students aiming high
  • Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone +1 847-328-6683
  • Website & schedule dancecenterevanston.com — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 8:30 am–9:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am–9:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am–9:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am–9:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am–7 pm
Saturday 8:30 am–2 pm
Sunday Closed

Studio hours shift for holidays, recitals, and term schedules — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The programs they offer

Ballet programs on the schedule at Dance Center Evanston, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌸 Kids Ballet 11 mentions

“My daughter started here at 3yrs old & now at 5yrs old she still loves going here every Saturday morning for her ballet class.”

All studios with kids ballet →

How they train

The training methods and syllabi Dance Center Evanston teaches, drawn from their own info and students' reviews — the quickest way to tell how a studio approaches classical technique.

Methods are mined from the studio's own info and reviews — they tell you the approach, not a formal certification or exam board. If a specific syllabus matters to you, confirm it with the studio before enrolling.

What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 30 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 3 mentions

“I’m so impressed with their talented staff and the sense of community, but most of all the joy of dance is so contagious that you see it on each students face when they perform.”

From the reviews

I have been taking classes there for several months, and it is the best studio I have ever found. The teachers help you so much and everyone (other dancers and staff) is so nice there. The children that dance there are so talented as well. I only wish I knew and found the place sooner.

★★★★★ — Stefanie, May 2017

This is our second year of dance at DCE. The teachers are amazing. My kids are really happy here. Also, they've been wonderful with covid precautions. Love them!

★★★★★ — Joyce, Oct 2020

My daughter loves dancing at DCE. I’m so impressed with their talented staff and the sense of community, but most of all the joy of dance is so contagious that you see it on each students face when they perform.

★★★★★ — Kelli, Feb 2023

Great dance school for all ages. My daughter started here at 3yrs old & now at 5yrs old she still loves going here every Saturday morning for her ballet class. Miss Ally has taught my princess how to overcome her fears & now instead of having stage fright, she's excited to perform at recitals.

★★★★★ — Rachel, Feb 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 30 reviews →

Adult ballet at Dance Center Evanston

Dance Center Evanston runs classes for grown-ups — confirmed on their own site. If you've never taken ballet, or you're coming back to it after years away, this is for you — and a good studio genuinely welcomes a nervous first-timer. A few things worth asking before you go. First, which class to start in — look for one labeled "absolute beginner" or "adult beginner" rather than an open or "all levels" class, so you learn the fundamentals at the right pace. Second, drop-in or term — many adult programs let you pay per class to try it, then move to a term or monthly package once you're hooked. Third, what to wear — comfortable clothes you can move in, plus socks or bare feet, are plenty for a first class; you won't need a leotard or ballet shoes to walk in the door. It's never too late for first position.

See their adult schedule

Your first ballet class at Dance Center Evanston

Nervous about walking into your first class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects beginners, whether your dancer is five or you're returning at fifty. Here's what to know. What to wear: comfortable clothes you can move in, with socks or bare feet; a leotard and tights are nice if you have them, but not required, and pointe shoes are years down the road — never day one. What to expect: class usually starts at the barre with slow, simple movements to warm up, then moves to the center — follow along, copy the teacher, and don't worry about getting it "right" the first time. Arrive early: come 10–15 minutes ahead to change, find a spot, and let the teacher know it's a first class so they can keep an eye out. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Ballet is for every age and every body. If you're returning from an injury or have a health concern, mention it to the teacher before class so they can offer modifications.

Where to find Dance Center Evanston

1934 Dempster St, Evanston, IL60202

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and student reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this studio? Claim your listing — it's free.