About us

Youngsters become enchanted with dance class and barely realize they are learning skills. Often times children from other schools transfer to Chicago Dance and their level of dance development is markedly lower than our students - a testament to our teaching.

As children become older, Chicago Dance challenges them more and more. Only at the age when they actively want to learn the steps as steps, do we change the method of teaching.

Our mission includes the belief that children should be encouraged to dance, and our role is to help them develop a love of dance. This allows children to experience the joy of movement and be able to carry this into their adult life even without having a desire or focus for a professional dance career. This, however, does not mean Chicago Dance has overly permissive classes - children are expected to be functioning members of a group. If it becomes clear that a child is not able to engage on a regular basis, instructors and parents strategize together to encourage participation.

Chicago Dance is a full service dance facility for adults and kids with two locations in Chicago, offering traditional and contemporary latin, salsa, swing, tango, ballroom and other social dances as well as training in other types of dance such as jazz, ballet and hip hop or dance fitness.

The energetic, friendly atmosphere makes for a pleasant learning experience, and students are taught by highly-trained professionals ensuring that each student gains knowledge to feel comfortable and confident on the dance floor. Chicago Dance instructors are certified and have membership in professional dance organizations such as the National Dance Council of America. Many teachers have experience as competing or performing professionals in addition to Bachelors and Masters in dance and theater.

Chicago Dance Latin & Ballroom school founded in 1976, attracts people from all cultures, ages, and backgrounds. Currently we have over 1000 active students in the greater Chicago dance community.

All of us at Chicago Dance have a commitment to quality service that is reflected in the continuing education of our staff, a constant offering of new and updated classes, programs and activities, and a great school environment.

Gregory Day and Tommye Giacchino are proud to own Chicago Dance. They are two time United States Champions and captured the 'World Invitational Exhibition title at the British Open (Blackpool). They have been featured on PBS' "Championship Ballroom Dancing" as well as being part of shows for major networks in the US and abroad, including BBC, ESPN and Eurosport, and are featured in a popular children's video. They also judge and coach extensively around the United States.

In addition to our focus on social dancing, Chicago Dance is also the training ground for several United States National Amateur and Pro/Am Champions and Finalist in Latin, Rhythm, Cabaret and Theatre Arts.