Dancing with Class

- 5941 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646

As an innovative arts organization deeply rooted in the Illinois community, Dancing with Class stands out as a unique and influential provider of dance education. While sharing a location and operational ties with the beloved 'May I Have This Dance' studio, Dancing with Class focuses primarily on bringing the transformative power of social dance directly into schools and community centers throughout Chicago and its suburbs. Their mission extends far beyond teaching steps; it is dedicated to energizing communities by fostering inclusion, respect, and social awareness through the inherent joy of movement. The organization envisions a world where respect for self and others is second nature, and expressing joy through dance is a natural part of life.

For K-12 schools and educational institutions across Illinois, Dancing with Class has become a vital partner in integrating culturally responsive arts programming with essential Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum. The program has quickly gained popularity, often serving an average of over 120 different schools per year. This broad reach underscores its impact on thousands of Illinois students, offering a diverse array of dance styles from Latin and Ballroom to Chicago Steppin' and Hip-Hop. Students are not only taught choreography but are actively engaged in community-building exercises, using dance to develop social awareness and relationship skills.

The teaching staff comprises a highly-motivated team of talented and kind professional teaching artists with diverse dance backgrounds, including experts in ballroom, Latin, swing, modern, ballet, and hip-hop. Several instructors also hold degrees in Education, ensuring that the curriculum is delivered with pedagogical excellence and a deep understanding of student development.

Dancing with Class is headquartered in a professional studio space that also serves as a vibrant community hub for social dance. Its convenient North Chicago address makes it an accessible central point for coordinating programs across the broader Chicagoland area and Illinois suburbs.

Address: 5941 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646, USA

As a key location for the organization's administration and core programming, the facility is easily reachable via major Illinois thoroughfares and is a well-known spot within the local community, often operating in tandem with the 'May I Have This Dance' social dance studio. This connection means the organization benefits from a spacious, established, and welcoming environment for both in-house training and community events.

Dancing with Class offers specialized programs tailored for educational and community institutions, designed to meet the academic and developmental needs of K-12 students.

• Core School Programs (K-12): A curriculum focused on community building through social dance forms, including Ballroom, Latin, Hip-Hop, Line Dance, and Chicago Steppin'.
• Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Integration: Explicit SEL themes, particularly social awareness and relationship skills, are layered into every dance lesson, making the program a tool for behavioral and emotional development.
• Dance Around The World Curriculum: A multicultural dance program that builds global knowledge and cultural understanding through dance styles from over 20 different countries.
• Activating Global Citizens Through Dance: A deeper cultural learning program for Middle and High School students, encouraging them to create choreography that expresses their views on global topics like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Custom Programs and Residencies: Tailored services including traditional dance and etiquette programs for Junior High students, cultural awareness assemblies, and all-day, week-long, or semester-long residencies.
• Virtual and Hybrid Programs: Development and delivery of remote and hybrid dance instruction to ensure accessibility for various school settings, regardless of location within Illinois.

The unique approach and successful implementation of its programs distinguish Dancing with Class as a premier arts organization in Illinois.

• Focus on Social Emotional Learning: A pioneering focus on incorporating SEL themes directly into dance education, recognizing dance as a powerful medium for developing critical life skills like respect, inclusion, and communication.
• Extensive Reach in Illinois Schools: Serves a vast network of K-12 schools across Chicago and its suburbs, demonstrating a proven model for effective, scalable arts integration.
• Culturally Responsive and Equitable Programs: Commitment to delivering programs that are culturally relevant, making dance accessible and meaningful to all learners from diverse backgrounds throughout the state.
• High-Quality Teaching Artists: Instructors are not just professional dancers but are also trained, kind, and serve as role models, ensuring a supportive and educational environment.
• Diverse Dance Styles: Offers a wide variety of social dance forms, ensuring students explore new genres and become comfortable performing with peers.
• Community-Building Mission: Driven by a clear mission to foster inclusion and respect, aligning with the values and developmental goals of Illinois educational institutions.

Institutions, community leaders, and parents in Illinois interested in partnering with or learning more about the programs offered by this prominent arts organization can reach out using the following details:

• Address: 5941 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646, USA
• Phone: (773) 635-3000
• Mobile Phone: +1 773-635-3000

For Illinois schools and communities looking for a robust, impactful, and proven arts curriculum, Dancing with Class is the definitive choice. Their work is a transformative investment that links artistic development with essential humanistic values. Unlike traditional dance studios, this organization specializes in institutional partnership, delivering fully developed, standards-based programs that fit seamlessly into the K-12 educational structure. Choosing Dancing with Class means choosing a program that is committed to activating global citizens by teaching them to explore complex social themes through movement.

The organization’s experience working with over a hundred schools annually demonstrates its reliability and effectiveness. Parents and educators can trust that students are learning in an environment cultivated by professional, caring teaching artists, some with formal education degrees, who are dedicated to fostering self-expression, confidence, and positive peer interaction. For the greater Chicago area and Illinois, Dancing with Class is more than just an arts provider; it is a key contributor to the social and emotional well-being of the next generation, making it an invaluable partner for any institution seeking to enrich its students' lives.

Their commitment to equitable and culturally responsive delivery ensures that the joy and developmental benefits of dance are accessible and relevant to all learners, regardless of their background or location within the state of Illinois. This dedication to inclusion and depth of curriculum makes Dancing with Class the premier option for integrating dance and Social Emotional Learning.

Dancing with Class

5941 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646, USA