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North Shore School of Dance

4.7 ★★★★★ 20 Google reviews · Ballet school in Highland Park, Illinois

Free trial Adult classes Kids & teens Private lessons

Plan your first class

  • Free trial / first class new students can usually try a class free or at a discount — call ahead or check their schedule to book your first one
  • Adult classes classes for grown-ups, including absolute beginners — it's never too late to start at the barre
  • 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
  • Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — ask about rates and availability
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone (847) 432-2060
  • Website & schedule northshoredance.com — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 9 AM–9 PM
Tuesday 9 AM–9 PM
Wednesday 9 AM–9 PM
Thursday 9 AM–9 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 9 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 North Shore School of Dance, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

💃 Adult Ballet 8 mentions

“I used to feel very nervous about my poor flexibility since I started ballet as an adult, but the teachers here have always supported me right where I am.”

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🌱 Adult Beginner Ballet

“I used to feel very nervous about my poor flexibility since I started ballet as an adult, but the teachers here have always supported me right where I am.”

All studios with adult beginner ballet →

🌸 Kids Ballet 9 mentions

“My daughter isn't a dancer, but we've been coming to your performances as one of our favorite holiday traditions since she was 5 and she's now 11.”

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☀️ Summer Intensives

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What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 20 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🩰 strong technique & training 6 mentions

“They teach us beautiful, correct ballet technique and help us truly understand alignment and how to engage the right muscles.”

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 5 mentions

“North Shore School of Dance offers an incredible staff and nurturing environment that creates well rounded and impeccably trained dancers.”

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 4 mentions

“I just wanted to take a moment to congratulate and thank you all for another beautiful performance yesterday.”

💃 great for adults 6 mentions

“I used to feel very nervous about my poor flexibility since I started ballet as an adult, but the teachers here have always supported me right where I am.”

🗓️ well-run & communicative 4 mentions

“) have always found a way to support and challenge me and my fellow adult dancers with professionalism, diplomacy, and a genuine interest in us both as dancers and as people.”

💪 builds confidence & discipline 2 mentions

“She has learned discipline, camaraderie, teamwork and self confidence.”

From the reviews

What an amazing week it has been with the adult intermediate-advanced intensive series at Northshore School of Dance. We learned romantic, classical, neoclassical and modern ballet techniques. Significantly learned you could utilize all different forms in choreography. Soren is such a talented dancer and teacher.

★★★★★ — Jenny, Jun 2025

I started taking classes here randomly at the beginning, but the more classes I took, the more I learned. All the teachers are wonderful and highly professional. From their profiles, it’s clear they are accomplished ballerinas with impressive careers as both dancers and instructors.

★★★★★ — Amy, Nov 2025

Such a warm and loving dance studio while maintaining a very strong focus on technique.

★★★★★ — Taylor, Mar 2026

I just wanted to take a moment to congratulate and thank you all for another beautiful performance yesterday. My daughter isn't a dancer, but we've been coming to your performances as one of our favorite holiday traditions since she was 5 and she's now 11.

★★★★★ — Catherine, Dec 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 20 reviews →

Adult ballet at North Shore School of Dance

North Shore School of Dance 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 North Shore School of Dance

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 North Shore School of Dance

Across the street from the HP Library, 505 Laurel Ave Ste 102, Highland Park, IL60035

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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.