Professional Tap Dance Instruction in the Chicago Area

Tap dancing has begun to attract more attention these days. In fact many people are teaching it and advertising its benefits to health and weight-loss. Tap has roots in the African and in the Irish cultures but it was developed and popularized at the beginning of the twentieth Century. This Broadway art form made popular by the likes of Fred Astaire and much later, Gregory Hines, has started to show up as a class choice in many studios and groups. It's obvious there's a demand for instruction in tap. The Chicago area has such wonderful cultural events and opportunities-especially when it comes to dance and performance art. There are naturally some excellent studios where children and even adults can take classes in tap.

Columbia College of Chicago is offering beginning tap dance classes. Students must bring their own tap shoes, however. The beginning classes teach basic techniques and rhythms, etc. Check with the school periodically to see if these classes are being held the sessions that you want to take lessons.
600 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605

The Chicago Human Rhythm Project is a not-for-Profit Foundation based on expanding the repertoire, promoting appreciation for and developing talent into performance of the dance called tap. One of the schools it promotes is the Joel Hall Dancers and Center. This company teaches all kinds of modern dance forms that embody modern urban life, and tap is one of the classes they offer. They teach beginning, Level I and Advanced tap to adults. People can pay for lessons per class or they can obtain a Center Membership for reduced class fees. Their web site quotes a fee of $126 per quarter for one lesson a week and more for each additional lesson. I would go to the school and definitely contact them, however, since many times web-based information is incorrect or not updated.
1511 W. Berwyn Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640-2109
773-293-0900
Toll Free Number: 1-877-737-0900

The Lou Conte Dance Studio has some of the most qualified professionals teaching in the Chicago vicinity. Like other good studios, they offer instruction in all forms of modern dance and ballroom too. They give instruction in tap at their studio in Chicago. Lane Alexander, the tap instructor, is the director of Chicago's Human Rhythm Project, "the oldest and largest American institution dedicated to the presentation of concert tap art," and this man has danced in theater and at festivals all over the world. You couldn't ask for a more competent and dedicated teacher. Classes are arranged through class card purchases, but prices and times should definitely be queried by contacting the school directly.
Lou Conte Dance Studio
1147 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60607
312-850-9766