From competition-level ballet to bitty baby movement classes, we’ve rounded up the best dance classes for kids in Chicago. The children's dance classes below range from baby and toddler classes all the way to pre-professional level dance courses. Dance is a great physical and creative activity for toddlers and kids. From ballet to break dancing, there’s no shortage of ways for your child to express themselves through movement. 

Whether you have a young dancer who’s ready to take on more advanced level dance courses or a toddler who loves to move and shake, this list has our top picks for ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, and more. Many of these dance classes for kids are also offered virtually. 

For more classes and activities for kids check out our Best Kids Classes and Activities in Chicago guide and our new Virtual Camps and Classes that you can book online at Mommy Poppins. 

All About Dance

Best Kids Ballet Classes in Chicago

1. All About Dance – Lincoln Park

All About Dance classes range from 18 months through pre-professional level courses. They offer recreational kids dance classes along with company classes for dancers age six and up looking to take their passion for dance to the next level. All About Dance classes include ballet, modern, lyrical, acro, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, and tap. To get started, All About Dance offers a free trial class. Register online for the Lincoln Park location. 

2. The Chicago Ballet Center – Old Irving Park

The Chicago Ballet Center offers classes for the smallest ballerinas all the way through adult-level courses. The Chicago Ballet Center offers ballet, pointe, and plenty of fun options for toddlers and young children. Register online or stop at their Old Irving Park location. 

3. Intrigue Dance & Performing Arts Center – South Loop / Online Dance Classes

Intrigue Dance Chicago offers dance classes in subjects like ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, and performing arts. Located in the South Loop, you’ll find ballet and other classes ranging from the recreational level for tiny dancers through the pre-professional level. Advanced students may also compete in the competitive company program. Register online or visit their South Loop location for in-person as well as virtual class offerings. New students can try two weeks of dance classes before signing up for a session. 

4. Joffrey Ballet School – The Loop / Online Dance Classes

The world-renowned Joffrey Ballet School offers children’s and youth ballet classes in Chicago for ages two to pre-professional level. The kids dance programs include the Children’s Ballet for ages two to seven, the Youth Ballet for ages eight to 18, and the Pre-Professional trainee program for ages 13 to 25. The Joffrey Ballet School also offers live and on-demand virtual courses. Register for online and in-person classes on their website. 

5. Ruth Page – River North 

The Ruth Page Center for the Arts offers ballet training for students ranging from ages two to 20. While Ruth Page is known for its ballet and pointe curriculum, courses are also offered in hip hop, jazz, modern, and tap. Advanced level dance classes are determined by teacher placement. Register online or visit the River North center to enroll or audition for children’s ballet classes in Chicago. 

6. Spotlight Dance Academy of Chicago – Northwest Side

Spotlight Dance Academy has dance classes for mini-ballerinas as young as 18-months up to young adults. Enjoy toddler dance classes with your tiny dancer and watch them grow through the competitive dance levels. In addition to ballet, Spotlight Dance Academy also offers ballet conditioning classes for advanced students, pointe, jazz, lyrical, and tap. Register online for all classes. 

7. Visceral Dance Chicago – Lincoln Park / Online Dance Classes

From baby and me classes to pre-professional pointe classes, Visceral Dance Chicago offers recreational dance classes in addition to company-level training. Youth ballet and dance classes are offered for children ranging from 18-months up to 18. Advanced dancers can audition into Studio Company, Youth Ensemble, or Inside Out Hip-Hop Crew. In addition to ballet and pointe, Visceral Dance Chicago also offers creative movement, modern, jazz, tap, and musical theater. Register online for in-person or virtual class offerings. 

Dance Room Chicago 

Best Hip Hop and Jazz Classes for Kids in Chicago

8. Dance Room Chicago – Portage Park

Dance Room Chicago offers hip hop classes for dancers ranging from ages two to 18. In addition to hip hop, dancers can also take creative movement, pom poms, lyrical, jazz-funk, youth Latin, and KPOP. This hip hop-centered studio is fun for all ages looking to begin or perfect their creative dance skills. Register online for all course levels and classes. 

9. Joel Hall Dancers & Center - Edison Park / Online Dance Classes

Joel Hall Dancers & Center (JHDC) offers classes for dancers ranging from age three to adult and company level. The JHDC offers youth hip hop, jazz, modern, contemporary, and ballet classes. Courses range from recreational level classes up to pre-professional. Virtual classes are also offered via Zoom. Register online for both in-person and online classes at JHDC. 

10. Supreme Dance Studio -Skokie / Online Dance Classes

Supreme Dance Studio specializes in hip hop and break-dancing courses from beginner to advanced levels. In addition, you’ll find modern, lyrical, jazz, jazz-funk, contemporary, ballet, tap, and waacking and voguing classes. Advanced dancers can also audition for competition-level dance classes and teams. Register for their virtual dance classes and new student drop-in classes online. 

 M.A.D.D. Rhythms

Top Kids Tap Classes in Chicago

11. Chicago Human Rhythm Project – The Loop / Multiple Chicago Locations

The Chicago Human Rhythm Project is a renowned rhythm center. With dance classes for children as young as two, your little tapper can try tap in addition to a wide variety of other courses. Dance classes for kids are offered through the Chicago Human Rhythm Project, A&A Ballet, South Chicago Dance Theatre, Kalapriya, and Mandala. Register online for kids dance classes. 

12. M.A.D.D. Rhythms – Hyde Park / Online Dance Classes

M.A.D.D. Rhythms is one of the top tap studios for kids in Chicago. From tiny tapping tots to their professional dance company, there are tap classes for all ages and skill levels. Their youth programs start at age two and continue through adult-level dance classes. Register for in-person and virtual courses online. 

13. Rhythm of the Street Dance Studio – Ravenswood / Online Dance Classes

Rhythm of the Street Dance Studio is a leading tap studio for kids in Chicago. With youth classes for all ages and skill levels, children can begin tapping at age two and continue through adult-level classes. Many dance classes for kids are offered both virtually and in person. Register for both in-person and virtual classes online. 

14. The Rooted Space - Lakeview / Online Dance Classes

The Rooted Space offers children’s tap and ballet combination classes as well as jazz and hip hop. Classes start as early as two years old and continue through young adult ballet and contemporary. These combo tap classes give young students a chance to explore different forms of dance and find their own creative style. Kids' dance classes are currently being offered in-person as well as online via Zoom. Register online for in-person and virtual dance classes on their website. 

A Fairy Tale Ballet 

Baby and Toddler Dance Programs for Kids in Chicago

15. A Fairy Tale Ballet – Multiple Chicago Locations / Online Dance Classes

A Fairy Tale Ballet offers adorable ballet and make-believe classes for toddlers and preschoolers ranging from age 18 months with a caregiver to age five. Toddlers get to learn ballet basics while listening to stories, playing with props, and dressing as their favorite storybook and fairytale characters. Classes are offered virtually as well as private and semi-private lessons at their Lakeview, Bucktown, and Evanston locations. Once your fairytale ballerina is ready for more advanced courses, the academy ballet program starts in kindergarten and goes up through high school. Register online for virtual or in-person classes at each location. 

16. Bubbles Academy – Bucktown / Online Dance Classes

Bubbles Academy is a great place for your aspiring dancer to get their wiggles out. Babies and tots can start with movement classes as early as 12-months. In addition to creative movement, there are also baby and toddler yoga classes, as well as ballet classes complete with storytelling, props, and costumes. Classes are offered in-person as well as virtually. Register online for both virtual and in-person programs.

17. Dance to Evolve – Multiple Chicago Locations

Dance to Evolve offers classes at several locations throughout the city. Classes are available for children ages 14 months up to pre-teen. From toddler movement classes to tap and ballet combination classes, little ones can try a wide variety of courses. Register by location on their website. 

18. Lincoln Park Dance and Move – Lincoln Park 

Lincoln Park Dance and Move offers Bitty Ballet classes for babies and toddlers from 18-months up to age five. Mommy and Me classes are offered with a caregiver from 18 months up to age three. Ballet Basics begins at age five. Advanced and company-level courses are also available for older students. You’ll also find jazz, hip hop, tumble, technique, and competition-level dance classes at Lincoln Park Dance and Move. Register online for all kids dance classes. 

19. Tutu School – West Lakeview / Online Dance Classes (Outdoor Options Also Available)

At TuTu School, classes are available as young as 18 months with caregivers. Tutu Toddlers goes up to three years old. These adorable classes are a great introduction to ballet and movement. Exploring ballet classes begins at three and primary ballet prep goes from ages five to eight. Classes are offered in-person, online, and also outdoors (weather permitting). Register for classes online. 

20. Old Town School of Folk Music – Lincoln Square (Multiple Chicago Locations) / Online Dance Classes

Old Town School of Folk Music offers their famous Wiggleworms classes starting as early as six weeks old. Infants, babies, and toddlers will explore lullabies, music, rhythm, yoga, and movement with a caregiver. For bigger kids, there are also instrument and movement classes for two-to-four-year olds. Classes are offered virtually as well as in person. Register for virtual and in-person classes online. 

Photos courtesy of the dance studios