Columbia College-Dance Center

- 1306 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

Located in the heart of Chicago, The Dance Center at Columbia College Chicago is a prominent and respected institution that serves as a cornerstone of the city's vibrant dance community. More than just a school, it is a dynamic hub for dance education, performance, and artistic exploration. The center provides students with a superior contemporary dance education while also presenting a world-class, nationally recognized dance performance season. For anyone in the Chicago area with a passion for dance, whether as a participant or an audience member, this is a destination worth knowing.

The core mission of The Dance Center is to deepen the appreciation and understanding of contemporary dance. This is achieved through a combination of rigorous academic programs, world-class faculty, and a performance season that brings renowned artists from around the globe to the city. For students, this means a unique opportunity to not only train but also to engage with the professional dance world through master classes and discussions. The center also provides educational programs and opportunities for children, as noted by a parent who praised "teacher Keely's class for children's tumble and twirl now ballet," and is a great option for kids who love to move and explore their creativity.

The Dance Center at Columbia College is situated at a very convenient and central location: 1306 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA. Its prime spot in the city makes it easily accessible via public transportation and is a manageable commute for residents throughout the Chicagoland area. The center is also committed to physical accessibility, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, ensuring that all visitors can navigate the space with ease and safety. The staff and security are also known for being "very friendly and helpful," creating a welcoming environment for everyone who attends a class or a performance.

The facilities themselves are state-of-the-art, a 33,000-square-foot, four-story building that includes a 268-seat performance space and six dance studios with sprung wood floors, dressing rooms, and locker rooms with showers. This high-quality environment is perfect for both training and performance, giving students access to the technical aspects of dance from working with a lighting designer to producing their own events. The center is often lauded as "arguably the best venue to see dance in Chicago," which is a significant testament to its quality and contribution to the local arts scene.

The Dance Center at Columbia College offers a variety of services and programs that cater to the needs of its diverse audience.

• Freestyle Dance: Classes that focus on hip-hop and urban dance styles, helping students develop rhythm, coordination, and flexibility.

• Live Performances: The center hosts a nationally recognized season of contemporary dance, bringing a variety of professional companies and choreographers to Chicago.

• Virtual Events: Offering digital content and online events to make dance accessible to a wider audience.

• Children's Classes: Programs like "tumble and twirl" are a great way to introduce young children to dance and movement.

• Student Choreographed Works: The center provides a platform for students to present their own original works, which are often offered at a minimal expense or even for free to the public.

The studio’s notable features and highlights contribute to its outstanding reputation in the Chicago community.

• Wheelchair accessible entrance & parking lot: A strong commitment to physical accessibility for all students and visitors.

• Accepts credit cards: Provides flexible and convenient payment options for tickets and other fees.

• Good for kids: The programs and environment are specifically designed to be safe, fun, and educational for children.

• High-Quality Performances: The center is a premier presenter of contemporary dance, bringing world-renowned artists to Chicago.

• Student-Led Opportunities: Provides a platform for students to showcase their talents and creative works to the public.

• Welcoming Environment: The staff and security are known for being friendly and helpful, contributing to a positive experience for all visitors.

To learn more about The Dance Center at Columbia College Chicago, including performance schedules and class registration, you can contact them directly.

Address: 1306 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

Phone: (312) 369-8300

Mobile Phone: +1 312-369-8300

When it comes to choosing a dance institution in Chicago, The Dance Center at Columbia College offers a truly unique and multifaceted experience. What is truly worth choosing about this place is its ability to seamlessly blend a high-level academic program with a vibrant public-facing performance venue. For families and dance enthusiasts, this means you don't have to choose between a quality educational experience and the opportunity to see world-class dance. The center provides both, often with the added bonus of free or minimally-priced student-choreographed performances, which are a fantastic way to see the emerging talent of the next generation.

The reviews highlight the center's commitment to creating a welcoming and safe environment, with a "wonderful" and supportive staff. For parents, this is invaluable, as it ensures that their child is in a positive and nurturing space where they can thrive. The accessibility features, including a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking, also demonstrate a commitment to serving the entire community. In a city with so many options, The Dance Center at Columbia College stands out as a true gem—a place where you can learn, create, and experience the transformative power of dance.

Columbia College-Dance Center

1306 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA