Dancenter North: Your Second Home for Dance in Gurnee, IL

Dancenter North Introduce

For residents of Illinois seeking a premier dance education that combines technical excellence with a nurturing, community-focused environment, Dancenter North stands out as a true gem. Located in Gurnee, this women-owned studio has been a staple in the Northern Chicago suburbs for decades, offering a rich tradition of dance instruction. Dancenter North is more than just a place to learn steps; it’s a second home where dancers can explore their passion, build confidence, and form lasting friendships.

The studio prides itself on providing a supportive, body-positive, and healthy environment for students of all ages and skill levels. Their focus on proper technique is a key element that ensures dancers not only improve their craft but also train in a way that minimizes the risk of injury. This commitment to the well-being and development of each student is a significant reason why families across the region choose Dancenter North. Whether your child is just starting out or has aspirations of a professional career in dance, the dedicated instructors and comprehensive curriculum are designed to help them reach their full potential.

A notable highlight of the Dancenter North experience is their annual production of "The Magic of the Nutcracker." This cherished tradition allows students to participate in a large-scale theatrical production, providing invaluable performance experience and creating unforgettable memories. It’s a testament to the studio’s commitment to providing not only top-tier training but also exciting opportunities for its students to shine.

Dancenter North is conveniently situated at 5410 Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL 60031, USA. Its location makes it easily accessible for families in Gurnee and the surrounding communities. Parking is made simple and convenient with a free parking lot available for students and their families.

The studio is also committed to ensuring that its facilities are accessible to everyone. This is demonstrated by the various accessibility features available, including a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking lot, wheelchair-accessible restroom, and wheelchair-accessible seating. This focus on inclusivity ensures that all members of the community can feel welcome and comfortable.

Services Offered:

A wide range of dance classes for all ages, from early childhood to adults.
Instruction in various dance styles, including ballet, jazz, hip hop, modern, lyrical, and tap.
Entry-level classes for beginners with no prior experience.
Complimentary placement classes for new students with previous dance experience to ensure they are in the correct level.
Professional Track programs for serious, career-minded high school students.
Summer camps and intensive programs to provide an immersive dance experience and expose students to new styles.
Performance opportunities in annual shows like "The Magic of the Nutcracker."

Features / Highlights:

A women-owned business that has been serving the community for decades.
An inclusive and welcoming environment that is LGBTQ+ friendly and a designated transgender safe space.
Strong emphasis on proper technique and a healthy, body-positive training environment.
Offers a free parking lot for the convenience of its customers.
Accepts credit cards and debit cards for easy and secure payments.
The studio is good for kids, with teachers who are supportive and make learning fun.
Comprehensive accessibility features including a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking, restroom, and seating.

Contact Information:

Address: 5410 Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL 60031, USA

Phone: (847) 367-7970

What is worth choosing Dancenter North?

When it comes to selecting a dance studio, Illinois residents have many options. However, Dancenter North distinguishes itself through a combination of its legacy, its educational philosophy, and its commitment to community. For decades, it has been a trusted institution, known for providing a high-quality dance education that is both rigorous and rewarding. The focus on proper technique is a major draw for discerning parents who want to ensure their children are learning in a safe and effective way. This approach not only prevents injury but also builds a strong foundation for any future dance endeavors.

Beyond the technical training, the studio's culture is a huge part of its appeal. As one student put it, Dancenter North feels like a "second home." This sense of family and belonging is cultivated by supportive teachers and a friendly environment where every dancer is encouraged to do their best. For many, finding a place that is not just a school but a community is the most important factor, and Dancenter North delivers on this promise. The fact that the studio is LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space demonstrates a deep commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. This progressive and open-minded approach is something that resonates strongly with modern families.

The studio's wide range of classes ensures that every student can find a style that speaks to them, whether it's the classical discipline of ballet or the energetic creativity of hip hop. The opportunities for performance, particularly the cherished "Nutcracker" production, provide tangible goals and a chance to shine on stage. These experiences are invaluable for building self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

Finally, the practical amenities and accessibility features of Dancenter North make it a convenient choice. Free parking and multiple wheelchair-accessible areas remove common barriers to participation, making it easier for families of all backgrounds to join the community. Choosing Dancenter North means investing in a place that not only nurtures a dancer's talent but also cares for their overall well-being and sense of belonging. It's a place where passion, proper training, and a supportive community come together to create an unparalleled dance experience in Illinois.

Dancenter North Details

From the business
Identifies as women-owned

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Crowd
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safespace

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Free parking lot

Dancenter North Photos

No photos available at the moment.

Dancenter North Location

Dancenter North

Illinois Lake County Gurnee Grand Avenue

5410 Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL 60031, USA

Dancenter North Reviews

An average rating of ★4.8 from 29 user reviews.

studiostudentsballetenvironmentdancersthe nutcrackersummer campshowsclassestraining

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

We love DCN! With a focus on proper technique, I can trust that my darling dancers will learn and grow without risk of unnecessary injury. My girls have the best time in class and through summer camp have experienced even more styles they wouldn’t have known they wanted to pursue!
April 26 · Gretchen Blake
I am a dancer at Dancenter North. I’ve been dancing at this studio for a while now, and it’s honestly one of my favorite places to be. The teachers are super supportive and always push us to do our best while still making class fun. Everyone is really friendly, and it feels like a second home.The studio offers different styles like ballet, jazz, hip hop, and modern, so there’s something for everyone. The choreography is always creative and challenging, which helps me improve every time.We also get to perform in shows, like The Nutcracker, which are always exciting and a great way to grow as dancers. I’ve made so many amazing memories and friendships here.If you’re looking for a place to dance, have fun, and grow as a performer, I definitely recommend this studio!
May 19 · emilia profenna
Best place to go! Everyone is so kind. No other dance studio can top Dancenter North. I’m so glad I started dancing here! There is amazing educated teachers who provide a marvelous experience! The staff and costume moms bring joy to the studio!😀 I never wanna leave this studio! Great place!!!!
July 10 · Madalynn
Dancenter North is exactly what we were looking for when finding a dance studio for our daughters! From the earliest classes, (mommy and me at age 2) they introduce proper technique and terminology in the most engaging ways! Outside of the classroom, it truly feels like a home when we walk into Dancenter North. The staff are all incredibly helpful, kind, and trained in their respective dance types. We are so grateful to have found DCN!
April 26 · Allyson Dahms
Everything about this dance studio has been amazing for my family. EVERY interaction with EVERY staff member rates five stars (front desk staff, teachers, and owners - they've all had to deal with me at some point or another, and sometimes...I'm not always the nicest). I have two kids, a girl and a boy, who both take a variety of classes (Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Modern, and Broadway). Every single class has been spectacular. My son (6 years old) loves both Miss Jillian and Miss Tara, and my daughter (10 years old) aspires to be just like Miss Samantha. All of the teachers are kind, patient and encouraging, while making their classes a fun learning environment while also teaching discipline and respect.One example of how Miss Samantha's encouragement has made an impact on my daughter was with the Nutcracker production that Dancenter does at Genesee. We have been going to the Nutcracker show at the Genesee Theatre since before my kids were even old enough to be enrolled in dance classes. At one point, my daughter was getting bored with ballet (there is a level somewhat early on, I think it was when she was in 2nd grade, that had a lot of bar work, and was "boring" because there wasn't a lot of jumping and spinning). My daughter wanted to try other "fun" classes instead, like Broadway, or Hip Hop, and Miss Samantha was 100% encouraging my daughter to follow her interests. BUT she also talked to my daughter about how, yes, bar work can be boring, however it is an important part of ballet. During her chat with my daughter she still encouraged her to stick with it for just one more year by dangling the Nutcracker production in front of her. A student can't audition for Nutcracker if they aren't in ballet, so if she dropped her ballet class, she couldn't be in the show. Now, 2 years later, my daughter is still in ballet (and LOVING it again) and has been in two Nutcracker productions (they really are amazing!).I would also like to say that Miss Tara and Miss Jillian have been very impactful with my son, and they ensure he (and every other student) has a great time. He is one of only a few boys in his classes (he takes Tap and Hip Hop), but he always has a blast and he is always telling me how much he loves his teachers.Both of my children constantly want to put on "shows" for me where they show off their dance moves, and this is so great because I don't have to do any work other than watch them dance. They request the songs, and make up their own dances, and it keeps them off of their screens and active. Many of their moves are ones they have learned in their dance classes. The studio also offers summer camps, which are fantastic, and introduce the campers to a wide variety of dance styles. This can be good and bad. Good because they learn there is so much more to dancing than they probably realize, bad because...well, my kids want to take ALL THE CLASSES NOW.I would like to add one last part to my novel of a review, and that is that post-COVID when things were starting to get back to functioning on a social-able level again, my daughter had a birthday party at the studio. Encanto was the big movie with kids that year, so it was Encanto themed. Stacy and Geno were so attentive to all my questions and requests, and it was one of the best birthday parties ever. One of the high school students (she had actually played the part of Clara in the Nutcracker that year), taught the students a dance to We Don't Talk About Bruno, Geno was able to rig up the pinata that I brought. They ensured I had all the tables I needed as well as provided an amazingly beautiful room to have the party in.All that said, I would recommend the studio for anything dance related that you need. Nutcracker show, dance classes, summer dance camps, birthday parties...honestly, even if you just want to let your kiddo trial a class, they will let you bring the kid for a free class to see how they like it! Everything about my experience with the studio has been nothing short of amazing!
April 26 · Marissa Pastori