Discover the Power of Dance at Design Dance in Chicago, IL

Design Dance Introduce

Design Dance is a dynamic and innovative organization at the forefront of dance education in Chicago, Illinois. It stands out not just as a dance school, but as a full-fledged arts education program that leverages the power of movement to nurture the holistic development of young people. The core philosophy of Design Dance is to use dance as a tool to activate social-emotional learning, helping students build confidence, communication skills, and empathy. The organization has built a strong reputation for providing high-quality artistic experiences that embrace the individuality of each student. As one parent noted, the studio helped their child find "something that has structure and discipline, but is also an outlet for exuberant expression," and that "our daughter won't take classes from anyone else!" This highlights the studio's ability to create a supportive and engaging environment where children can thrive both creatively and personally. Design Dance believes that every student deserves the opportunity to enhance their development through a well-rounded approach to arts education, and their programming is a testament to this belief. It's a place where dance is not just about technique, but about fostering joy, building community, and empowering the next generation of artists and compassionate individuals.

While Design Dance has a physical address at 220 E Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA, much of its work is done through a unique community-based model. The organization is a well-established presence in Chicago, primarily serving students through partnerships with schools and community centers across the city. This means that instead of relying on a single, centralized location for all of its offerings, Design Dance brings its high-quality programs directly to the communities it serves. This approach significantly increases the accessibility of dance education for families throughout the Chicago area, from Lakeview to Albany Park and beyond. For those interested in their services, it is important to note that they have a variety of offerings in different locations, and their physical address is more of a central hub rather than the sole location for all classes. This unique model makes dance education more convenient for families, eliminating the need for long commutes and ensuring that children can participate in high-quality arts programs right in their own neighborhoods. By focusing on these partnerships, Design Dance has made a conscious effort to break down barriers to participation, making dance a part of the everyday lives of thousands of students annually.

Design Dance offers an expansive menu of services and programs that cater to a wide range of ages, interests, and learning styles. The organization is committed to providing a comprehensive and versatile dance education. Their services include both in-person and virtual options to accommodate diverse needs. Here is a closer look at the programs they offer:

African Dance and Cultural Dance: Programs that celebrate the cultures and traditions behind various dance forms, allowing students to explore diverse movements and their historical context.
After School Programs: A wide array of classes offered at partner schools, including ballet, hip hop, modern, tap, jazz, Latin, and folk dance, making it easy for students to continue their learning after the school day ends.
Arts Education and Performing Arts: A core part of their mission, these programs integrate dance with other academic subjects like science, literacy, and social studies, enhancing core curriculum learning objectives.
Creative Movement Dance and Dance Activities: Play-based learning for young children, helping them develop fundamental motor skills, coordination, and creative confidence through engaging games and exercises.
Latin Dance and Partner Dancing: Classes that introduce students to the rhythms and steps of various Latin American dance genres, fostering social skills and rhythm.
Musical Theatre: Programs that blend dance with drama and singing, allowing students to explore the storytelling aspects of performance.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): All classes are designed to teach SEL, helping students build communication skills, empathy, and self-expression through dance.
Training Program and Learning Plan: Structured programs for serious students who wish to develop their skills over time, with a focus on technique, choreography, and performance.
Virtual Classes, Video Lessons, and Remote Learning: A robust offering of online classes and lessons that provide a flexible and convenient option for students to continue their dance training from home.
Youth Dance and Child's School Programs: Specifically tailored for younger learners, these programs ensure that children receive age-appropriate and engaging instruction that supports their growth.

This wide array of services demonstrates the organization's commitment to providing accessible, high-quality dance education in various forms.

Design Dance is distinguished by several key features and highlights that set it apart as a leading provider of dance education in Illinois. A major highlight is its focus on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). The organization uses dance as a powerful vehicle to help students improve academic performance, foster empathy, build communication skills, and increase confidence. This holistic approach to education goes beyond teaching dance steps and aims to develop well-rounded individuals. The studio is also noted as being "good for kids," a testament to its nurturing and supportive environment where children feel comfortable and encouraged to express themselves. The company's unique partnership model allows it to serve thousands of students annually, bringing dance education to schools and community centers throughout Chicago. This extensive community reach is a core part of its mission and a significant highlight of its work. By collaborating with classroom teachers, Design Dance provides standards-aligned curriculum that uses dance to enhance learning in other subjects, making the programs both fun and academically enriching. The organization also offers a variety of learning formats, including in-person and virtual options. The availability of video and virtual lessons makes dance accessible to students who may face geographic or scheduling constraints. This flexibility ensures that the joy and benefits of dance can be shared with an even wider audience. Finally, the company's commitment to racial equity and a student-driven program design ensures that every child is given the tools to express themselves and hone their identity through dance, making it an incredibly inclusive and empowering place to learn.

For more information or to inquire about bringing Design Dance programs to your school or community, you can easily get in touch with the organization. The phone number is (312) 361-0864. The organization is based in Chicago at 220 E Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA, which serves as a central hub for their operations. However, for specific program inquiries or to schedule a call with their Partnerships Manager, it is often best to visit their website or contact them directly via email. The team is dedicated to providing tailored solutions and can offer all the details you need about their after-school programs, in-school residencies, or other offerings. Whether you are a school administrator, a parent, or simply interested in their work, reaching out to Design Dance is the first step toward connecting with an organization that is making a real difference in the lives of children across Chicago.

What makes Design Dance a truly worthwhile choice for families and schools in Illinois is its dual commitment to artistic excellence and social impact. The organization stands out for its unique and effective approach to arts education, where dance is not just an activity but a catalyst for personal growth. The fact that their programs are designed to activate social-emotional learning sets them apart from traditional dance studios. This means that students not only learn African dance, ballet, or hip hop, but they also learn empathy, self-confidence, and communication skills in a supportive environment that is "good for kids." The community-based model ensures that high-quality dance education is not limited to a single location, but is made accessible to a wide range of communities across Chicago. By partnering with schools, Design Dance makes it easy for children to participate in enriching arts programs without the added burden of travel. The availability of virtual classes and video lessons further enhances their accessibility and flexibility. The testimonials from school partners and parents highlight the profound impact the programs have on students' confidence and sense of self. By choosing Design Dance, you are choosing an organization that is committed to empowering every young person to realize their potential through the transformative power of dance. It is an investment in your child's creative and emotional development, providing a foundation that will benefit them for years to come.