Dovetail Studios Children’s & Youth Dance Programs

Dovetail Studios Children’s & Youth Dance Programs offers classes in ballet, hip-hop, musical theatre, contemporary, and jazz, along with Itty Bitty, pre musical theater, and pre ballet classes. The program also includes Hip Hop classes, a musical theater class, dance-influenced group fitness classes, kids’ camps, competitive dance companies, and works & performance.

• Ages: 2–18 years old
• Schedule: Winter Session runs January 17–May 16, with no classes March 22–28 for spring break, a recital on May 10 at 10am, and a dress rehearsal on May 9 from 3–7:30pm
• Price: 45 min class = $25/class; 60 min class = $28/class; 75 min class = $31/class; Adult 60 min class = $18/class

Dovetail Studios was established in September 2015 and has since evolved into a vibrant arts community hub on Chicago’s North Side. The children’s program culminates in a studio-wide recital performance held off-site during the Winter session, and some dancers participate in competition dance companies for additional performances in and out of the studio. The studio also offers daily morning classes for professional dancers, as well as studio rentals.

Owner and Education Director Joanna Read has over two decades of experience in dance education, with training in classical ballet, contemporary, jazz, and choreography. Each instructor brings years of professional experience and has diverse backgrounds in ballet, contemporary, jazz, and other styles. The studio’s stated goal is to provide outstanding dance training in an inclusive, supportive, and inspiring setting, with a focus on building relationships between dancers, teachers, and families and offering programs that go beyond technique to build confidence, discipline, and self-expression.

Parent and student reviewers describe experiences with pre musical theater, pre ballet, Hip Hop classes, musical theater, and competition groups, and mention specific teachers such as Ms. Mollyanne, Ms. Alicia, Gerry, and Mr. Marcus. Reviews include both positive feedback about instructors, choreography, and atmosphere, and critical feedback about past issues with teacher attendance and communication for a competition group, which the reviewer notes later transitioned to a more dependable teacher.

Last updated April 18, 2026.