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About Us

North Shore School of Dance (NSSD) is a professional Dance School with 5 studios conveniently located in Highland Park, IL. We are recognized for our positive and nurturing educational environment and ongoing contributions to students' and families' exposure to the arts. 

 

We have continued the tradition of the finest professional dance education in the community for over 50 years. NSSD is the preferred choice for many students just starting out or who are training at an advanced level. With a highly qualified professional faculty, along with guest artists from well-respected companies, NSSD offers extensive programming for pre-schoolers through professionals. 

 

Wherever you are in your dance journey, North Shore School of Dance is ready to help foster your passion for dance!

 

We offer classes in Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Hip-Hop and more. We also offer open level Adult Dance classes, Pre-Dance classes, Boys Dance classes, Seasonal Workshops and Summer Camps/Intensives for ages Pre-School through High School. 

Our History

1971 - Present

Carol Walker Studios

1971

Carol Walker Studio Founded.

Carol Walker Studios

1983

The Rory Foster Dance Studio is named and owned by Rory Foster.

Lisa Gold

1989

North Shore of Dance is named and owned by Lisa Gold.

 

NSSD enrolled 90 students for its first year. Greg Begley began teaching at NSSD, the longest running faculty member to date.

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North Shore Dance Company was formed.

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The first Nutcracker was performed. The performance was held in-studio and titled "Crackers".

667 central ave

1996

NSSD expanded to 667 Central Ave. in downtown Highland Park.

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2002

NSSD expanded to Highwood East at 43 Highwood Ave.

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2005

In the Fall of 2005, NSSD moved into its new location at 505 Laurel Ave. in Highland  Park with 5 state of the art studios. 

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NSSD celebrated its final Spring Concert and Nutcracker at the Drake Theatre of Barat College.

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C is for Chicago (CIC) Hip Hop Company is formed.

nutcracker dolls

2008

NSSD celebrated its 20th Anniversary of both the school and the annual Nutcracker.

NSRDE logo

2010

North Shore Repertory Junior Ensemble makes its debut. 

 

NSSD closes its Highwood studio, the original location of NSSD.

 

Studio 6 is built upstairs in Highland Park.

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2012

North Shore Repertory Apprentice Dance Ensemble makes its debut.

Colorful Balloons

2013

NSSD celebrates its 25th year.

Genesee Theatre

2017

NSSD performs its Spring Concert of Dance at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan.

2018 Peanut Cracker

2018

NSSD celebrates the 30th Anniversary of The Nutcracker & premiers the Peanut Cracker.

Confetti Burst

2019

NSSD celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Spring Concerts of Dance.

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