Dianne

Brenda

Stefan

I’ve been taking group classes and private lessons for almost a year and have found this combination to work really well. I’m learning new dance steps in classes and then work on subtle things in private lessons. That makes a big difference. The teachers really help the students get better, they make dance fun and keep me challenged all the time. Dancing has had beneficial effects in the other sports I do, and it will be an ongoing learning experience for me for many years to come.

Amy & John

As soon as you start up the stairs – you hear the beat of the music, and you start getting excited! My husband and I started to take lessons a little over a year ago with Katie Burk. We had no formal dance experience, however, Katie made us feel so comfortable during our private lessons it didn’t matter. We also took group lessons to get a taste of all the different dance styles that helped us meet more “wanna-be” dancers. It was a great experience. The instructors are all very nice and patient. We always have a lot of laughs when we are dancing which makes the “learning to dance” a lot easier because a lot of the time we are laughing at ourselves.

I can’t say enough about the entire staff at Chicago Dance. They have always been very kind, helpful and accommodating. We enjoy every minute we are here and highly recommend you come here to learn to dance. It’s something I always wanted to do – just wish I had done it sooner. Slow-Slow-Quick-Quick

Richard

John

Donna-Ann

I would like to express my warmest thanks to you and your wonderful staff for welcoming me and accepting my request for private lessons at your studio. I've had an interest in partner dancing for many years and have attempted to take lessons at several studios. Unfortunately, I've found that I was paying to watch the instructors "show off" and dance with each other instead of learning how to dance.

My experience at YOUR studio, however, was both rewarding and enjoyable. Even though I only had a short amount of time, I left with a broader knowledge of dance and I feel so inspired! The teaching method is such that you made me feel so comfortable and encouraged. The teachers are very patient and kind, which really put me at ease. My teacher answered all of my (very many) questions with great explanations and fun analogies.

My teacher spoke highly of the studio and the other instructors; it is obvious that he has great respect and admiration for everyone there. His love for dance and his confidence radiate from him, yet he remains open-minded and humble enough to consult with the other instructors. Kelly was very thoughtful, willing and friendly giving us some great 'swing' advice in the process. I didn't get to spend all that much time with her, but she also seems like a joy to know. It was apparent that they enjoy sharing their knowledge; as a student, that makes the learning experience very rewarding.

Kari & Adam

When we signed up at Chicago Dance for our wedding first dance, we were a bit anxious about how instruction would go and if we’d catch onto a routine. We were happy to be proven wrong after leaving our first lesson. Our teacher's patience, encouragement, and sense of humor allowed us to relax and have fun as we glided around the dance floor. When our wedding arrived, we confidently stepped onto the dance floor and had a blast showcasing our practiced & polished moves. All of our family and friends we truly impressed and noted our first dance as one of the highlights of the wedding. Thank you for making us feel comfortable, not only during our lessons, but dancing in front of other people as well!

Thank You so much for putting together such a great routine for our wedding. It was a BIG hit! When we talk to people they still say, "your first dance was so good!"

Tim

I'm so glad I found Chicago Dance (via a Yahoo search, as I recall, search terms: "chicago swing dance") back in late 2001. I'll never forget, my girlfriend of 2 years had just broken up with me, and I was an emotional basket case. CD lessons gave me something fun to do, met lots of new girls, and created lots of memorable moments in my life.

Julia was at the Gala this year. She was in my first DFEO class. We were reminiscing about it at Gala.

Sherrill

Nettie

I first learned about Chicago Dance at Summerdance in Chicago. Tommye and Gregory were teaching East Coast Swing to a group of over 80 people. It was so much fun. Tommye announced that they had brought schedules from their dance studio and invited us to pick up a copy. I read through the schedule and noticed a class called “Style and Technique,” and just had to sign up for it. I knew a little about dancing, but I had no style and zero technique. That first class impressed me so much that 8 years later, I’m still at Chicago Dance.

I have participated in their annual show every year. It allows you to put on really heavy makeup, crazy costumes and actually perform on a real stage in a real theater and test your skills as a showperson. My ski club has attended each and every show and has enjoyed them all. The performances are wonderful.

What have I noticed about myself since I’ve been at Chicago Dance? My posture is so much better! I feel taller and walk with more confidence. I feel better physically and mentally. If I have a hard day at work, nothing makes me feel better than a dance class. If you are getting tired of your typical aerobics, come and try the class “Latin Craze.” You come in stiff and tight; and leave loose, limber and smiling.

I’ve met so many wonderful people through Chicago Dance. Everyone is so nice. The teachers are professional and knowledgeable. Dancing can be hard work, but the teachers at Chicago Dance work hard to make your dancing dreams come true. Do I need to watch “Dancing with the Stars?” Nope. I turn off the TV and drive to Chicago Dance where I can be a star!

Antoinette

LaVonne

Thank you for all the hard work and creativity that went into creating Dance Expo. That was the first time I have attended and participated in this event. I was amazed at all the wonderful choreography on display that allowed even us beginners to feel like we had our “Dancing with the Stars” moment. Personally, I feel I have discovered my true self since I have started taking lessons. It gives me such joy and pleasure! I so look forward to my lessons each week with the grand “energizer bunny” (i.e.Jacob)! But I have equally touched and impressed with the encouragement I get from ALL of the instructors - it’s like having a second family. You’re not only teaching dance steps - you’re changing lives and I am hooked!

Daniel

Just wanted to thank everyone again for helping me get the courage to really start dancing! Going to Chicago Dance has helped me start to settle back into the wonderful city of Chicago after many years absence. The bright, happy and welcoming environment at both studios and at the parties and events like the christmas gala at Palmer House have really brightened the winter months and given me a great reason to dig out the car and go get moving!
Everyone at Chicago Dance from the highly talented and infinitely patient instructors, to the gracious, efficient staff and, of course, all the wonderful fellow students, from the most experienced to the very beginners, have helped me find a new way to learn about life, movement and fun,
keep up the great work!

Laurie

I am 56 years old with a husband, a 20 year old son, 3 dogs and a cat. I have a full time job and consider myself a workaholic. My days are typically spent working, taking care of my home and family, going to bed and starting the same routine all over again the next day. I am sure many of you can relate.

Until my husband turned me on to Chicago Dance. We started with group lessons, then private lessons, dancing at summerdance and then, my own personal dance performance at Dance Expo. Dancing has become a passion for me now not just because I love it but Chicago Dance has become a second family.

The instructors are kind, patient, exhilarating to watch and extremely experienced. I do have a special place in my heart for Katie my dance partner who gave me the confidence and encouragement to perform. That was a goal I never thought I would ever achieve. For me now, this is only just the beginning.

Brenda

Chicago Dance has provided me with knowledgeable teachers, access to professional coaches from all over the world, and a wonderful, diverse community of new friends. I’m healthier and happier than I’ve been in years.

Tom

I just got back from my trip to Ireland for my friend's wedding and with much credit to you I was able to dance my tail off! It turns out they hired a band so it was mostly swing and rumba. For the swing, I generally stuck to the single-step but occasionally got bold and busted out the triple-step. The dancing went on until 2 in the morning and was a ton of fun. You'll also be happy to know that I always ended a song by spinning my lady and then putting her back where I found her. As a bonus, I went to Italy after Ireland and used some of the things you taught me in a piazza in Venice and then again in Rome so I've been able to get alot of use out of the lessons so far.

Natalie

I want to thank you for the efforts you made toward helping me achieve my goal of being at Crystal Ball last weekend - despite some of the setbacks that occurred a couple of weeks prior. You went out of your way to pool resources, reschedule and advise me to ensure I'd make it there last weekend. I'm happy to have found a place to gain more training from a group with a positive attitude that truly wishes to teach.

No doubt Chicago Dance's reputation is held high based on you & Gregory's reputation throughout the dance community. Last weekend, however; confirmed the true reason for its sustainability is because of the dedication toward your students.

Kathleen

A year ago, my daughter, Veronica, reluctantly attended her first ballroom dance class

Now I couldn't keep her away if I tried! She loves her teachers, has made great new friends and has learned her basics in an amazingly short amount of time. Furthermore, I can't describe what ballroom dancing has done for her confidence and self-esteem. Private Lessons are definitely on the horizon!

I'm so glad that you've accepted Veronica into your Chicago Dance family. Your staff is so caring aand professional, I recommend you to everyone I know! And you know what else? Some of my new best friends are fellow parents of Chicago Dance kids. Thanks for providing such a warm and wonderful place for students of all ages to learn the joy of dance. We plan to be part of the fun for a long time.

Lily

Thanks for all the fun dancing CLASSES! All of you clearly love what you do because you put out so much warmth and love in every dance class. My daughter, Sydney, and I are forever hooked on dancing! Your patience and fun approach truly helps your students grasp and remember the steps. It's such a pleasure to participate in your classes because your students also get a fun workout.