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THE HIVE

4.9 ★★★★★ 37 Google reviews · Ballet school in Chicago, Illinois

Adult classes Kids & teens

Plan your first class

  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone +1 312-505-4706
  • Website & schedule thehive.dance — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 11 am–1 pm, 3–9 pm
Tuesday 9 am–12 pm, 3–10 pm
Wednesday 9–11 am, 3–9 pm
Thursday 9 am–1 pm, 3–9 pm
Friday 10–11 am, 5–9 pm
Saturday 11 am–2 pm
Sunday 10 am–6 pm

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 THE HIVE, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Adult Beginner Ballet 4 mentions

“The adult beginner classes are amazing and super nonjudgmental.”

All studios with adult beginner ballet →

🌸 Kids Ballet 2 mentions

“I didn’t dance as a kid but both instructors were welcoming and encouraging to total beginners.”

All studios with kids ballet →

💛 Adaptive Ballet

“Inclusive dance studio with great instructors!”

All studios with adaptive ballet →

What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 37 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🧑‍🏫 caring, skilled teachers 3 mentions

“Tiffany a wonderful instructor, with so much passion and energy that she absolutely makes each class brim with enthusiasm.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 19 mentions

“I am a decade or two older than most of the folks in class, and considerably less experienced in dance- but everyone is so encouraging and welcoming.”

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 7 mentions

“I am a decade or two older than most of the folks in class, and considerably less experienced in dance- but everyone is so encouraging and welcoming.”

💃 great for adults 3 mentions

“The adult beginner classes are amazing and super nonjudgmental.”

🗓️ well-run & communicative 3 mentions

“The teaching staff here is incredibly impressive, you can tell they are true professionals who care deeply about their craft.”

From the 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 competitively growing up, and have slowly let age and deterioration wash over me in adulthood.

★★★★★ — Jenny, Nov 2022

I could not love this place more, and cannot recommend it highly enough to any adult in Chicago who wants to be welcomed into a fantastic dance community. I am in Chicago part time, and try to drop in for a class or two whenever I am in town.

★★★★★ — Babs, Dec 2025

I’ve loved taking beginner ballet classes with The Hive so far! It’s an inclusive space and very beginner friendly. I really appreciate that Callie doesn’t dumb down any of the steps that she teaches and she has students doing challenging combos right from the start. You learn directly by just jumping in and doing it.

★★★★★ — Alex, Dec 2024

I cannot say enough good things about The Hive! The teaching staff here is incredibly impressive, you can tell they are true professionals who care deeply about their craft.

★★★★★ — Will, Dec 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 37 reviews →

Adult ballet at THE HIVE

THE HIVE 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.

Check adult classes on their site

Your first ballet class at THE HIVE

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 THE HIVE

4706 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL60640

Get directions Instagram

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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.