Fall 2025 Registration is now open!
Attendance Policy:
Dancers are permitted a total of two unexcused absences for rehearsals and three for classes each session. Unexcused absences include travel, birthday parties, or other sports team commitments, while excused absences include illness, religious events, family emergencies, etc. Additional absences may result in withdrawal from performing.
For your absence to be excused – please email dovetailstudios@gmail.com with Alicia cced when you can. In the event of an unexcused absence, please still email us especially if you do have advanced notice.
If families go over these allotted absences, they have a couple of options; for rehearsal absences, you will have to schedule a private lesson with the teacher whose rehearsal your student has missed (privates are $75). For missed technique classes, students can make up in a similar class (for example if they miss a ballet class, they can make up in a level below or take a Jazz class that is a similar level).
Dovetail runs three sessions per year; fall ( August-December), winter (January-June), summer (July-August). At Dovetail, we think about our classes as a year long period, divided into two main sessions, preparing for our annual recital in May. Summer classes are shorter to accommodate vacations and camps.
Tiny Dancer is for ages 2.5-3 years old, Tiny Tots class is for kids ages 3-4 years old, Pre classes are for kids ages 5-6. Our Youth classes start at age 7. Youth classes include hip hop, ballet, tumbling, contemporary, jazz, musical theatre, and tap. Students are placed in classes based on age, experience and teacher recommendation.
If there are questions about what classes to enroll in, please reach out.
By the time your child turns 7 years old, they are developmentally ready to increase the number of dance classes taken in a week. For children older than 7, it becomes even more necessary to participate more than once a week.
In any physical activity, repetition is key for developing a skill more quickly. Muscle and cognitive memory improve the more an individual practices a skill. In dance, where so many small muscles are used, dancers progress efficiently and quickly the more classes they take. A dancer not only has to learn proper coordination and placement, but they are also learning musicality and memorizing patterns; it’s a lot of work! Enrolling in at least two dance classes a week will help a dancer with these skills, plus build self confidence and enjoyment for dance, as they see how much better they become.
We encourage all dancers at Dovetail who are at least 7-8 yrs and older to take more than one dance class per week. If your child is interested in ballet, it is even more important to take multiple ballet classes per week, which is why we schedule our ballet classes to occur twice a week.
Recital will take place at the end of Winter session, most likely the end of May. Exact dates, times and location will be announced closer to our Winter Session start date.
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.
