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Gus Giordano Dance School
5 ★★★★★ 148 Google reviews · Ballet school in Chicago, Illinois
Plan your first class
- 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
- Summer intensive holiday and summer intensive programs — these fill early, so ask about dates and auditions
- Today see hours ·
- Phone (773) 275-5230
- Website & schedule guslegacy.org — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The programs they offer
“The quality of the dance and instructing is obvious, but the growth and development of a young kid and her confidence was just amazing to see.”
“I love that they are one of the few summer intensives that are for adults and incorporate all styles of dance into their classes and rep.”
What families & students say
“The instructors teach all their students about proper technique, core strength, discipline, and how to be a good person in your everyday life.”
“I was originally drawn to Gus because it reminded me of my studio when I was young - family run, welcoming, and committed to the development of their students beyond just dance.”
“My son absolutely loves to dance and his teachers have inspired him take all sorts of different classes.”
“I was originally drawn to Gus because it reminded me of my studio when I was young - family run, welcoming, and committed to the development of their students beyond just dance.”
“I have been most impressed with the Gus crew and their flexibility and creativity with respect to running classes and recitals during the time of COVID quarantines.”
“I attended GUS’s Jazz Intensive last summer and had the best time- I immediately knew I wanted to come back for their College/Pro Intensive this year.”
From the reviews
Studying at GUS for their college/pro intensive was one of the best experiences of my life! Not only did I learn so much, but I made friends for life! Getting to dance all day with incredible faculty and incredible dancers is such a rewarding learning experience.
I attended the College Pro Intensive July 2023, it absolutely changed my life! I have learned so much in the past three weeks training with so many new instructors and getting to know Lauren and Nicole! I’ve made new friendships with dancers all over the country.
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 College/Pro Intensive in 2017 on scholarship, and had one of the most wonderful training and performing experiences of any summer (and I have…
Gus Giordano has an amazing summer program for all ages that brings amazing opportunities. This is my first summer at Gus, and I highly recommend it. Not only are you getting a wonderful education while training here but you get an experience that is truly like no other.
Adult ballet at Gus Giordano Dance School
Gus Giordano Dance School 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.
Your first ballet class at Gus Giordano Dance School
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.
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