Highland Park's dance scene reflects its community: affluent, education-focused, and quietly competitive. For parents researching ballet training—or adult dancers returning to the barre after years away—this North Shore suburb offers everything from recreational preschool creative movement to pre-professional programs with ties to major conservatories.
This guide examines five distinct dance institutions based on curriculum philosophy, faculty credentials, and student outcomes. Whether you're seeking a nurturing first exposure to ballet or rigorous training for a college dance program, understanding what sets each studio apart will help you make an informed choice.
Quick Comparison: Finding Your Fit
| If you want... | Consider... |
|---|---|
| Classical Vaganova training with annual Nutcracker | The Dance Center of Highland Park |
| Competition team experience with convention travel | North Shore School of Dance |
| Pre-professional track feeding into conservatory programs | The Academy of Dance Arts |
| Multi-genre training for well-rounded performers | Highland Park Dance Academy |
| Contemporary ballet fusion for modern dance careers | The Dance Project |
The Dance Center of Highland Park
Location: 1930 1st Street, Highland Park, IL 60035
Contact: (847) 432-2060 | dancecenterhp.com
Ages/Levels: Ages 3–adult; beginner through pre-professional
Tuition range: $65–$380/month depending on class load
What distinguishes it: Operating since 1978, this studio anchors Highland Park's dance community with a pure Vaganova-method curriculum. The 6,000-square-foot facility features sprung Marley floors, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and live piano accompaniment for all intermediate and advanced ballet classes—an increasingly rare commitment that develops musicality alongside technique.
Artistic Director [Name] trained at the Kirov Academy and maintains relationships with professional companies that facilitate student auditions. The school's annual Nutcracker production casts over 200 dancers and brings in guest artists from major companies for lead roles.
Best for: Students seeking traditional Russian ballet training with clear progression toward pointe work and performance opportunities. Particularly strong for elementary through high school dancers with serious intent.
North Shore School of Dance
Location: 505 Laurel Avenue, Highland Park, IL 60035
Contact: (847) 266-5666 | northshoredance.com
Ages/Levels: Ages 2–18; recreational through competitive
Tuition range: $75–$450/month; competition team additional fees
What distinguishes it: NSSD balances technical training with robust performance and competition opportunities. Their ballet curriculum incorporates both RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) and Vaganova influences, but the studio's identity centers on its award-winning competition teams that travel to regional and national events.
The faculty includes former professional dancers from Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Joffrey Ballet. Notable: their "Ballet for Athletes" program, developed with local sports medicine physicians, cross-trains figure skaters and gymnasts in ballet fundamentals.
Best for: Dancers who thrive in high-energy, performance-focused environments. Ideal for families wanting competition experience alongside technical training, or students considering commercial dance and musical theater careers.
The Academy of Dance Arts
Location: 1840 Green Bay Road, Highland Park, IL 60035
Contact: (847) 433-2060 | academyofdancearts.com
Ages/Levels: Ages 5–18; audition-based levels IV–VII
Tuition range: $280–$520/month; scholarships available for levels VI–VII
What distinguishes it: The most selective program on this list, ADA requires auditions for upper levels and maintains a 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio in advanced classes. Their syllabus follows the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum, with annual assessments by ABT-certified examiners.
Graduates have matriculated to Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music, University of Michigan, and trainee positions with professional companies. The studio's sparse website and minimal marketing reflect its reputation-driven admissions—most families learn of ADA through instructor recommendations.
Best for: Serious pre-professional students with demonstrated facility and family commitment to 15+ weekly training hours. Less suitable for recreational dancers or those seeking diverse dance genres.
Highland Park Dance Academy
Location: 1020 Green Bay Road, Highland Park, IL 60035
Contact: (847) 433-0056 | hpdanceacademy.com
Ages/Levels: Ages 18 months–adult; all levels
Tuition range: $55–$320
