Scroll to learn about the School, Classes, and Performances

About Our School:

What is our Mission?

It is our belief that everyone should have the opportunity to dance and be recognized individually. At NSSD, we foster a passion for dance in a positive and nurturing environment. Here, students can feel safe and be themselves, allowing them to reach their fullest potential.

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What ages do we teach?

2 1/2 through Adults ​

 

What hours are we open?

We are always available by email. Contact us at nssdance@gmail.com.

Fall through Spring our office is usually open Monday-Thursday @ 9 am-9 pm, & Saturdays @ 9 am-4 pm, Closed Fridays & Sundays.

Summer the office is usually open Monday-Friday @ 9 am-4 pm

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We use school district 112 for cancellations and breaks.

The office is also closed on these dates.

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Where can you park?

Our school has a parking lot in the front. To ensure you don't get towed, make sure to only park places with a sign that says NSSD or NSD or Parking for Dancers Only. For additional parking directions view our Parent, Information Page.

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Do we host Birthday Parties?

Yes. NSSD offers an incredible venue for a Birthday Dance Party with plenty of space for dance activities and room for birthday treats. Each Birthday Party is 90 minutes and includes rental with 45 minutes of dance-themed activities from one of our fabulous professional NSSD instructors.

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Please contact us for available dates and rates!

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What makes us different from other studios?

We don't teach our students just a dance, we teach them HOW to dance. We are grateful to have skilled professional teachers and a detailed syllabus that caters to the physical, social, and cognitive growth of the individual and class. All of our classes incorporate age-appropriate dance techniques intertwined with creativity in a positive and nurturing atmosphere. We educate the dancer as a whole to be a well-balanced student and individual in all aspects of life. NSSD dancers develop a love and appreciation of dance as an art form along with life long skills like self-discipline, self-expression, motivation, respect, creativity, self-esteem, interaction with others, confidence, and teamwork.

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 Pre-Dance Division (2 1/2-6 yrs) have the opportunity to showcase all they've learned from their enthusiastic teachers in a professional theatre alongside our Ballet Theatre Performance Group to help tell a classic fairytale.

 

Student Division (1st grade-high school) classes are graded to offer individualized attention to encourage each dancer to reach their fullest potential. Our instructors are dance professionals, highly qualified to teach relevant material, and expose our dancers to current concepts and repertoire. 

 

NSSD's Adult class curriculum is well researched and developed in order to cater to all ages and abilities to build strength, balance, and coordination in a rewarding environment.

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NSSD's Performance Groups are a unique opportunity to gain performance experience while giving back to the community and learning lifelong skills in organization, commitment, teamwork,  adaptability, & synergy of a group atmosphere.

About Our Classes:

What dance styles do we provide?

Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz,

Musical Theatre, Tap, Hip Hop.

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For details, class descriptions, and to see what styles are provided for your dancer's age group click below:

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How do you know what level to sign up for?

We suggest all new students come visit the studio for a tour and talk to one of our directors. Preschool-Kindergarten classes are determined by their age by the start of classes. Elementary-High School students are encouraged to call to schedule a trial class for proper placement.

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What do you wear to class?

Our Dance Class Attire varies depending on ages and styles of dance. You may view our Dress Code & recommended Dance Wear Stores on our Parent Information Page.

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Can you try a class?

Definitely! Call or email us today to schedule a trial. It is $25 to try a class, and payment will be applied to Tuition once the dancer enrolls.

 

How much are classes?

To view class pricing click the button below. Payment Plans are available in office by contacting our manager: Barb Wowk

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How long do the classes run?

Pre-Dance Division Classes (ages 2 1/2-6 years) have 2 Sessions (September-December & January-May) 

Student Division Classes (1st grade- high school) classes run from the end of August-May

View our Important Dates Page for a Detailed breakdown of upcoming dates for each year:

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What are the class size limits?

Pre-Dance: Usually our pre-school classes are 7-10 dancers per teacher. In occasional circumstances, if a class exceeds ten, we offer a strict policy that the class is required an additional assistant in the class. However, the class will never exceed 14. If a class is full at registration you can register for the Waitlist and we will contact you in order of when you registered if we open up more spots.

 

Student Division: NSSD has 6 studios of varying sizes, which determine our class limit. Usually, classes are between 6-12 students. If a class is full at registration you can register for the Waitlist and we will contact you in order of when you registered if we open up more spots.

Performing Opportunities:

Do the dancers perform?

Our classes have the opportunity to perform in a professional theater setting at the end of their session. Dancers interested in additional performance opportunities may audition for our Performing Companies, which perform around the community throughout the year.

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What to do if you're interested in participating in the Nutcracker?

NSSD's Annual Nutcracker Production is a favorite tradition for our dancers and the community!

Ages 6-professional (student division) attend auditions in late August if they are interested in participating in the show. Audition Details & Requirements to participate can be found on our Nutcracker page! 

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Pre-Dance Division-

Session 1 classes will have the opportunity to participate in their own mini-Nutcracker at the end of Session 1 in December alongside sections from our Ballet Theatre Nutcracker Production. 

Session 2  Classes with be participating in the spring Ballet In May alongside our Ballet theatre Dances who will bring the main characters to life.

Click the button below to see what's happening now!

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Do we participate in competitions?

Our Performing Companies are concert dance based groups, who perform at festivals, fundraisers, and out-reach venues to give back to their community. They do not compete, but rather share their passion with audiences all over chicagoland. 

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What are the Performance Groups?

Our Performance Groups are an incredible way for our dedicated dancers to learn more choreography, perform more, and build lifelong friendships in these nurturing and exciting group atmospheres. We offer 3 Programs within our Performance Division, click below to learn more about each group.

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Do the dancers audition for the Performance Groups & when?

All Performing groups hold auditions at the beginning of June for the following Fall Season. Dancers interested in Ballet Theatre may also audition during the Nutcracker Audition in August.

If a dancer misses the audition contact us to schedule an audition during Summer Camps/Intensives!

North Shore School of Dance

505 Laurel Ave. Highland Park, IL 60035, United States

(847) 432-2060

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