best dance programs in Evanston, IL

Swift Nature Camp is the perfect place for your child to spend their summer! Our overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 is located in beautiful Wisconsin. We offer a unique blend of traditional summer camp activities and environmental education to help kids increase their appreciation for nature, science, and the environment. We’ve got it all – fun, friendships, adventure trips, and nature! Spend your summer with us – you’ll never forget it!

At Jamberry Music, we recognize the importance of fostering a love of music in our little ones. We believe that music should be experienced and interacted with, regardless of talent or experience. To help children develop a natural inclination to music, we offer classes that introduce them to the language of music. In our classes, we nurture and encourage the natural musical tendencies and instincts of the children. Our goal is to help them grow into adults who are able to enjoy the beauty and intricacies of music, whether it be through clapping along to a beat, singing along with a simple song, or understanding the nuances of a live concert. At Jamberry Music, we strive to provide a positive and encouraging environment for children to explore their musical passions. We want to ensure that all little ones have the opportunity to develop their musical skills and find joy in music. Our classes provide the perfect platform for this to happen.

Founded in 2016, Stages Chicago is dedicated to providing the highest quality, developmentally appropriate performing arts experiences. Our curriculum is designed by a team of professional actors and early childhood development professionals, who have decades of experience both onstage and in the classroom. At Stages Chicago, we are proud to offer a wide range of inclusive programming for all ages and abilities. For infants, we offer developmentally appropriate music classes that are both entertaining and educational. We also offer after school programs, which provide a great training ground for the next generation of performers. We are committed to making quality performing arts education experiences accessible to all children and families. That’s why we transitioned to a not-for-profit organization in 2021, so we can expand our reach and better support our mission of providing access to the performing arts.

In addition to our commitment to quality music education, we are proud to be an active member of the Evanston community. We support local schools and partner with organizations that have similar goals of making music more accessible to all. In 2007, we were honored to receive the Evanston Mayor’s Award for the Arts, recognizing our dedication to music education and our history as an arts incubator. We look forward to continuing to create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to explore and learn music.

At Mudlark Theater, we believe in the power of theater to unlock the potential of every child. Our not-for-profit organization provides children with the opportunity to learn theater arts in a meaningful way. Through our residencies, classes, and camps, our students learn more than just theater skills; they develop life skills such as empathy, listening, public speaking, critical thinking, and collaboration. Our productions provide entertainment for audiences of all ages, while also helping to build confidence in our students. At Mudlark, we take pride in creating an environment where every young person's story and identity is embraced and celebrated. We want our students to feel welcome and safe, so they can explore their own potential and develop skills that will help them succeed in any field they choose. Our program is designed to be an enriching experience that helps students grow academically and personally, preparing them to make a difference in the world. Mudlark Theater is dedicated to equipping the next generation with the tools they need to succeed. Our unique approach to theater education combines life skills with theater arts, while also emphasizing the importance of honoring and celebrating all young people. We strive to create a space where students can learn, explore, practice, and grow, so they can make their mark on the world.

At the Piven Theatre Workshop, children and adults alike have the opportunity to explore the joys of theatre within a safe and playful atmosphere. Through a wide variety of games and techniques, students can open their imaginations, act on impulse, and focus on their fellow actors instead of self-critiquing. With this, the Workshop builds a community and an ensemble in which students can take risks and find their individual voices. It also provides them with the necessary skills to communicate truthfully and with conviction on stage or screen.

The Actors Gymnasium is a unique training center dedicated to the art of circus and performing arts. Founded in 1995, this center has grown to become one of the nation’s premiere training centers for aspiring performers. Here, people learn to fly - both physically and emotionally. It’s a place where performers can develop their physical abilities and explore a variety of theatrical styles. The Actors Gymnasium is a one-of-a-kind facility that focuses on the art of circus and performing arts. Since its foundation in 1995, the center has grown to become a renowned training center in the nation. In this inviting space, people can hone their skills and push their boundaries in both the physical and emotional realms. It’s a place where they can explore their creativity and discover new ways to express themselves through theatre. The Actors Gymnasium is a unique training center that offers aspiring performers an opportunity to explore their potential. Established in 1995, this center has become one of the nation’s top-rated circus and performing arts facilities. Here, people can learn to fly - both literally and figuratively - as they develop their physical performance skills and break new ground in theatrical exploration. With its encouraging atmosphere, the Actors Gymnasium is a place where creativity and imagination can soar.