Learn styles like ballet, hip-hop, musical theatre, join a dance community, and find gear. Perfect for all levels—dance your way to fitness and fun!
Welcome to Dovetail Studios, where every dance step, pirouette, and leap is infused with passion and dedication. If you’re searching for a place that offers top-notch dance education with a heartwarming community feel, look no further. Here’s why you should consider making Dovetail Studios your dance home:
At Dovetail Chicago, everyone is welcome. We believe dance should be accessible and inviting to all, regardless of age, experience, or background. Our studio fosters a sense of belonging where students feel safe to express themselves freely and authentically. We celebrate diversity and create a warm community that supports each dancer’s unique journey. Join us and experience a place where inclusivity is not just a promise but a core value that guides everything we do.
At Dovetail Chicago, we believe that strong relationships are the foundation of an exceptional dance experience. Our team is dedicated to fostering genuine connections with every student, creating an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect. We encourage collaboration, open communication, and shared goals, ensuring that dancers, teachers, and families feel truly supported. Join our community and discover the difference that meaningful relationships can make in your dance journey.
At Dovetail Studios, you don’t just learn about dance, you gain access to a supportive community. Starting from the basics, our instructors will hone your technique but also instill the joy of dance. For our tiniest students, we have Itty Bitty where parents and kids alike will enjoy the creativity of movement. Our more advanced students can join our competitive dance companies for more opportunities to perform in and out of the dance studio. For our professional dancers, we offer daily morning classes where they can perfect their technique and improve their performance quality. Dovetail Studios is the place to be!
Ballet, Hip-Hop, Contemporary & more
Move, groove, and,
stay fit!
Join us and discover the joy of dancing, no matter your skill level!
Ballet, hip-hop, Contemporary & more
Move, groove, and,
Stay fit!
“The instructors here are absolutely fantastic! They really take the time to correct your technique and make learning fun. The studio has a great atmosphere, and I’ve learned so much in just a few weeks. Highly recommend it!”
Position, Company name
“The instructors here are absolutely fantastic! They really take the time to correct your technique and make learning fun. The studio has a great atmosphere, and I’ve learned so much in just a few weeks. Highly recommend it!”
Position, Company name
“The instructors here are absolutely fantastic! They really take the time to correct your technique and make learning fun. The studio has a great atmosphere, and I’ve learned so much in just a few weeks. Highly recommend it!”
Position, Company name
“The instructors here are absolutely fantastic! They really take the time to correct your technique and make learning fun. The studio has a great atmosphere, and I’ve learned so much in just a few weeks. Highly recommend it!”
Position, Company name
Bryan Quinlan2025-04-28Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Literally the only part of my kids' childhoods I wanted to fast forward through was their time at Dovetail over the last year, previously in classes there it was better tho! The teacher had the kids sign a contract about commitment, teamwork etc (cool!) my daughter took it super seriously bc she's like that. The teacher himself then proceeded to come late or not show up at class at all (no notice or group txt would even come from dovetail after the fact- we just show up and it would empty the majority of times. After months of this they gave us a $100 credit and 1 email about it. They transitioned it to a new teacher who was really dependable. They told my daughter they "thought we would place in top 10, like 6 or Better” My daughter is type of person who latches onto that so when they didn't place, she felt it more Than needed. It was clear her time at park district (McFeteridge) brought out waaaaay more talent and she grew waaaay more there and the routine was better. Great artistry from Dovetail tho. Teachers were nice. They txtd us during paid sessions they wanted to walk the kids to 7-11 instead of class time. The other families were nice and we vibed with them- not competitive etc. did pizza with them couple times over year. my wife took a class at dovetail for adults and loved it. My daughter had classes (not completion) that went well and she really loved all the teachers. Jinny Gerhardt2025-01-26Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My daughter started at Dovetail this year and absolutely LOVES all her teachers, classes, and friends. What a wonderful studio and a hidden gem in the neighborhood! Rose Razal2024-07-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My 12 yo is loving the instructors and fellow students. In the last 2 1/2 years her technique and skills and confidence have increased tenfold. The instructors are skilled, positive and so very dedicated. Also, she just finished her first year with the competition group and is looking forward to another year! Andrew Freeland2024-07-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dovetail Dance has not only provided a wonderful outlet to continue my training post undergrad, but also is a place that I believe the instructors truly love what they are doing. There are multiple classes with varying styles, and each one of them has the best teacher attached to the class to guide and lead the curriculum. Thank you Dovetail Dance! Ben Levin2024-07-03Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My daughter loves her pre musical theater and pre ballet classes at Dovetail. Their teachers are amazing - special shout out to Ms. Mollyanne and Ms. Alicia! Thanks for making our Sundays and Mondays so special 🤗 Rachel Gubbins2024-07-02Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jazz hands for Dovetail! My 3 children are so happy here. The teachers are FANTASTIC - dynamic, caring, professional and full of positive energy. My oldest daughter has enjoyed 2 seasons on the competition team and my middle daughter will start competition this fall. The competition program at Dovetail is truly special. Each year the teachers provide fabulous choreography and a respectful learning environment in which the kids thrive! It's been a joy to watch my kids dance at Dovetail. Erin Ruffolo2024-06-28Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We love Hip Hop classes with Gerry at Dovetail! Cecilia Siciliano2024-06-28Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My daughter has been taking musical theater (amongst other classes) for a number of years and absolutely loves it. The teachers are caring, fun, and focused on building good habits and skills in a fun environment. They pick fun music and costumes for the recital which my daughter is drawn to. I highly recommend! Jennifer Rhoades2024-06-28Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My kids love this class and their instructor, Mr. Marcus is wonderful with the kids - it's just the right amount of structure, fun, and expertise that will inspire the most talented as well as motivate the apprehensive student. Meagan Grant2024-06-28Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My family has danced at Dovetail for the past 8 years and I couldn't be happier with the expertise, creativity and supportive environment created by the team there. My daughter will be starting her third year on the competition team which has been a wonderful experience for her. Her growth- both in technique and love of dance- has been beautiful to watch. The directors and instructors strike the right balance between hard work, fun and positivity. I was hesitant to step into the competition world and have been pleased with the tasteful and artistic choreography, costumes and teamwork fostered at Dovetail.
Start your journey today. Let us show you what your body is truly capable of achieving.
With over two decades of experience in dance education, Joanna Read is the passionate force behind our studio’s vision. As Owner and Education Director, Joanna brings a unique blend of artistry, discipline, and leadership to everything she does. Her training spans classical ballet, contemporary, jazz, and choreography, with a strong emphasis on building not only skilled dancers, but confident individuals.
Joanna’s approach to teaching focuses on nurturing each student’s potential through structured technique, creative exploration, and a deep respect for the art of movement. She is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where dancers of all ages can grow, perform, and thrive.
Check out our FAQs for answers to common queries about our dance studio and let your dance journey begin on a note of excitement!
Class dates: August 24 – December 21
No class dates: August 30-September 1, November 24-30
Our general protocol for level placement is that a dancer must complete one full year (Fall & Winter session) of Level 1 to move up to Level 2, etc.Â
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Please note, you must still follow our age guidelines for each class:Â
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To join Tiny Tots, dancer must turn 3 by or before January 12th
To join Tiny Dancer, dancer must turn 2 by the start of the session (January or March)
To join Pre classes, dancer must turn 5 by or before February 1stÂ
To join Youth classes, dancer must turn 7 by or before February 15th
To join Youth Level 3 classes, dancer must take at least 2 – 3 classes per week.
You have two options of payment for this session:Â
paid in full or paying a deposit of 50% at registration and the second portion two months later.Â
We stand by our incredibly talented instructors and firmly believe in providing a living wage for each, even in times of crisis. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, artists have been the hardest hit with very little support from local and national agencies. Our pricing reflects our belief in supporting the hard work of these instructors and the extra energy that goes into providing safety measures for everyone connected to Dovetail.Â
45 min class = $25/classÂ
60 min class = $28/classÂ
75 min class = $31/classÂ
Adult 60 min class = $18/classÂ
Adult 75 min class = $20/classÂ
Yes. To schedule a makeup class, please email dovetailstudios@gmail.com. All makeups must be completed by Thanksgiving Break. There are only 4 make ups allowed per session. And dancers must makeup in a class of a similar level or age group. Make ups do not roll over to the next session.
For all classes, a strict dress code is required.Â
Start your journey today. Let us show you what your body is truly capable of achieving.
We have dance parties for girls and boys and movement and music parties for kids of all ages! If you want to rent a room for a gathering, please let us know. We can help with that too!
If you’d like pricing for a birthday party, please email us at dovetailstudios@gmail.com.
Start your journey today. Let us show you what your body is truly capable of achieving.
Start your journey today. Let us show you what your body is truly capable of achieving.
Established in September 2015, Dovetail Studios has evolved into a vibrant arts community hub located on Chicago’s North Side.