North Shore School of Dance (NSSD) is a professional school with 6 studios in one location. We offer graded classes in ballet, pointe, Lyrical,  jazz, tap, modern and hip-hop. We also offer open classes in Adult Ballet. NSSD boasts a highly qualified professional faculty, along with guest artists from major well-respected dance companies. These faculty members make it possible for the school to offer an extensive program from pre-school to professional.

The North Shore School of Dance is recognized for our positive educational environment and our contribution to exposing students and their families to the arts. We have continued the tradition of the finest professional dance education in the community for over 40 years.

Our History

1971

Carol Walker Studio Founded.

1983

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

1989

North Shore School of Dance is named and owned by Lisa Gold. NSSD enrolled 90 students for its 1st year. Greg Begley begins teaching at NSSD; the longest running teacher to date.

North Shore Dance Company formed.

1st Nutcracker performed. Performance held in-studio and titled “Crackers”.

1996

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

2002

NSSD expanded to Highwood East at 43 Highwood Ave.

2005

NSSD celebrated its final Spring Concert and Nutcracker at the Drake Theatre of Barat College. In Fall, NSSD moved into its new location at 505 Laurel Ave. in Highland Park with 4 new state of the art studios.

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

2007

NSSD built Studio 5 and a new upstairs dressing room and office. During Summer, NSSD expanded Studio 2, Studio 1 and remodeled the lobby of Highwood. In Fall, NSSD enrolled 1000+ students & offered over 200 classes throughout the school year.

North Shore Repertory Dance Ensemble made its debut.

2008

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

2010

NSSD closes its Highwood studio, the original location of NSSD. Studio 6 is built upstairs in Highland Park.

North Shore Repertory Junior Ensemble makes its debut.

2012

North Shore Repertory Apprentice Dance Ensemble makes its debut.

2013

North Shore School of Dance celebrates its 25th year. 25 years of the school, North Shore Dance Company, and the Nutcracker.

2017

North Shore School of Dance performs its Spring Concert of Dance at the Geenesee Theatre in Waukegan.

​

​

​

2018

North Shore School of Dance celebrates the 30th Anniversary of The Nutcracker & premieres Pre-Dance Division "Peanut Cracker"

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

2019

North Shore School of Dance celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Spring Concerts of Dance.

​