North Suburban School of Dance

Learn a style of dance at your own pace or become a performing arts expert by signing up for our Adult Dance classes. We also offer Adult Piano private lessons for those looking to learn.

The Competitive Team is an USAG Xcel Gymnastics Team that will be working on optional routines on all apparatus. Gymnasts are required to attend practice three days a week and must be NSYMCA Members. To arrange a tryout, please email Kelly Rao at [email protected]

The Pre-Team gymnastics program focuses on continuing to develop new and more difficult skills on gymnastics apparatus while fine-tuning previously learned skills in preparation for the competitive team program. Focus is on strength, flexibility, conditioning and form. Pre-Team gymnasts are required to attend practice two days per week.

The NSYMCA Competitive Gymnastics Team is a USA Gymnastics Xcel Team that competes throughout the area in USAG Sanctioned meets. Please note that additional fees are required for meets and team apparel.

For gymnasts who have completed our Beginner class, this next-level program focuses on advancing skills and progressions on vault, bars, beam, and floor. With continued emphasis on strength, form, and technique, gymnasts build confidence and consistency in a supportive environment.

Perfect for beginners, this class introduces gymnasts to vault, bars, beam, and floor while teaching essential shapes, positions, and basic skills. With a focus on strength, coordination, and confidence, students build a strong foundation in a fun, supportive environment.

Designed for current Kindergarteners, this class is a fun introduction to recreational gymnastics. Kids build strength, coordination, and confidence while learning foundational skills on the floor, beam, bars, and vault—all in a supportive, structured setting.

The Gymnastics Youth Program is designed for gymnasts in 1st-8th grade to learn skills and progress at their own rate in a supportive and encouraging environment. Classes are broken down into Beginner and Advanced levels within each time block. Gymnasts are evaluated on their first day of class and assigned to a group with similar-level athletes. These classes follow a curriculum designed to improve flexibility, build strength, and establish good form, and posture while also increasing confidence and personal responsibility.

Double the fun with Preschool Gymnastics & Swim! Kids enjoy active play in gymnastics and a swim lesson—seamlessly supervised and transitioned by our staff. One drop-off, one pick-up—two great classes in one active program!

A playful introduction to gymnastics that builds gross motor skills, confidence, and coordination. Gymnasts will explore tumbling, bars, beam, and more while learning to listen, take turns, and follow directions— all in a fun, supportive environment.

A fun and active introduction to gymnastics for toddlers and their grown-ups. This class builds coordination, balance, and motor skills through playful circuits on the floor, beam, bars, and more— all in a supportive and playful environment. A great way to bond and move together!

The Pre-K Gymnastics Program is designed to create a warm and inviting environment for children from toddlers through kindergarten. This first experience in gymnastics will cater to your Tumble Tot, Little Gymnast, or Terrific Tumbler’s overall development and set them on a path for success in and out of the gym. Each Pre-K gymnastics class follows a carefully designed curriculum that promotes gross motor development, hand-eye coordination, and body awareness - all in a fun tumbling-packed theme!

Dancers grades 8-12 seeking our highest level of performance and competitive experience in a welcoming, team environment are invited to audition for Competitive. Dancers auditioning for Competitive must have strong technique (Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary), strong performance quality and stage presence, and ready to serve as positive role models for our studio.

Dancers grades 7-12 looking for more performance and competitive experience at an elevated level in a welcoming, team environment are invited to audition for Momentum. This company builds stamina, technique, performance quality, and commitment preparing dancers for NSSOD Competitive.

Dancers grades 2-12 looking for more performance and competitive experience in a welcoming, team environment are invited to audition for and join Inspired. This company allows dancers to continue thriving in this environment, or allow it to prepare them if they are interested in joining our more advanced companies in the future.

Designed for adults, this energetic class builds rhythm, agility, coordination, and strength. Choose from two levels: beginner for newcomers or intermediate for faster-paced, stylized choreography.

This class is ideal for adults with prior tap experience who are ready to build on foundational skills. Dancers will review essential steps while progressing into more advanced rhythms, syncopation, and coordination challenges. The class moves at a steady pace, perfect for those continuing from our Adult Tap 2 or returning after previous experience.

This class is designed for adults who have had some previous tap experience. Participants will review basic steps, work on more complex rhythms, syncopation, and balance, and move at a pace comfortable for those who have taken our adult level 1, or who are joining back in from previous tap experience.

This introductory class will focus on setting the foundations for a fun tap experience by working on rhythms, syncopation, and balance. A great class for teens and adults who wish to start ‘from the top’ with a new style.

Designed for adults with some previous ballet training. Barre combinations as well as center combinations focusing on stability and balance are the foundations of this class. Studying ballet can improve posture and the overall sense of well-being.

Acro combines classic dance technique with precision acrobatic elements. Dancers will work on strength, flexibility, partnering, and transitions in addition to learning more advanced turns, jumps, and lifts.

This class is designed for teen dancers who are new to dance or returning after some time away. We’ll focus on building strong foundational technique in both ballet and jazz. Dancers will focus on alignment, flexibility, strength, and musicality while keeping the atmosphere supportive and low-pressure.

Taught by a certified Progressing Ballet Technique and mUvmethod flexibility instructor, this class helps dancers build strength, flexibility, and stamina. Dancers will focus on deep core activation, alignment, and ballet positions using tools like stability balls, therabands, and mUvbands. A supply list will be provided at the start of the session.

This class focuses on teaching rhythmic patterns, agility, coordination, and strength in an energetic and fast-paced class. The class focuses on movement development and choreography without suggestive music or movements.

Musical Theatre is a style of performance that encompasses dance and acting. Students will dance and act to songs from a variety of classic and modern Broadway musicals.

This energetic class is perfect for students who want to have fun, or may be interested in joining a poms team. High-energy dance-based routines are taught and focus on precision, flexibility, jumps, and turns.

This class will consist of both Modern and Contemporary teachings and foundations with choreography that blend both styles. Dancers can expect concentrated warm-ups focusing on placement, balance, flexibility, strength, use of parallel positions, and development of intention, emotion, and energy through expression. Ballet & Jazz are strongly recommended.

Tap promotes coordination and an acute sense of rhythmic patterns. Warm-ups, combinations, and short routines are a part of the tap curriculum. Tap encourages the retention of movement patterns and aids in the development of kinetic memory.

Jazz is a popular genre of dance that uses contemporary music, rhythmic clarity, and style in its performance. Classes focus on flexibility, strength, locomotor movement, and coordination taught through warm-ups, across-the-floor, and center combinations. Dancers can expect to work on isolations, jumps, and turns throughout the class.

Dancing en pointe requires considerable strength and skill and is a central part of a professional dancer’s training. Students must be at least 12 years old and have had several years of ballet training in order to develop the strength and support their bodies need en pointe. In order to be considered for pointe work, students must be enrolled in at least two ballet classes per week and have approval from the instructor.

Ballet is the foundation of all dance forms. Emphasis is on placement, balance, control, discipline, and clean lines. It is STRONGLY recommended when studying all other dance forms. Strength and flexibility will also be highlighted through the use of good technique. Ballet positions, barre work, center combinations, and large movements are part of the ballet syllabus. Each level is studied for at least one year, with some levels requiring two or more years.

Kindergarten students work on basic ballet skills and movements. More complex concepts in dance are introduced along with new Tap steps. Hard work is still rewarded with fun dance games and props.

Kindergarten students work on basic ballet skills and movements. More complex concepts in dance are introduced along with more challenging tumbling. Hard work is still rewarded with fun dance games and the use of props.

In this combination class, students work on basic ballet and tap steps. This class will teach the large motor skills, basic ballet positions, and steps along with beginning tap technique. A great introduction to both disciplines.

Students improve large motors skills while learning basic ballet positions and begin work on simple ballet movements. The continued use of fun stretches, creative games, and a variety of props enhance learning.

Preschoolers work on large motor skills, simple ballet steps, creative movement and limited tumbling. Fun stretches, creative games, and a variety of props are used to enhance learning.

This division for preschool through kindergarten students focuses on developing independence skills, creative thinking, and a solid foundation for future technical excellence. Our curriculum for our Mini Mover’s division is based on a conceptual approach centered on age-appropriate play and exploration-based teaching techniques. These techniques are based on the latest research into child brain development and are geared towards setting our students up for success both in the dance studio and as they move through their education. Parents can expect their Mini Movers to learn foundational skills in ballet, tap, jazz, and acro that will lead them through their training as they grow. In addition, we cover concepts such as Place, Tempo, Directions, and Sequences throughout our lesson plans. Through these lessons, our Mini Movers develop their gross motor movement and special awareness while also learning the importance of taking turns and hard work.

The North Suburban YMCA Special Olympics Swim Team is well known on the North Shore for offering our swimmers the best combination of the team sport of swimming and individual challenge in a social environment.

Enjoy a weekly yoga practice designed for those with special needs. Improve strength, balance, and flexibility while reducing stress. Practice guided meditation and breathing techniques to calm the mind and body.

Add on a class such as dance, swim, yoga, or art (regular program fees apply)

Swim club is a non-competitive developmental program focused on building endurance and improving stroke mechanics. The goal is to bridge the gap between swim lessons and competitive swim teams, offering swimmers a team-like environment to refine their strokes. Current swim lesson participants at the Fish level or higher may join the swim club. To join the swim club or participate in tryouts, swimmers should be able to swim full lengths (25-50 yards) of all strokes with proper breathing.

Zumba philosophy with traditional aquatic fitness disciplines, Aqua Zumba classes blends it all into a workout that’s cardio-conditioning, body-toning, and most of all, exhilarating beyond belief.

This gentle combination of shallow water and deep water aerobics is perfect for those who want a great all-around workout. This class promotes strength, relaxation, improved circulation, and increased mobility and flexibility. This class is designed for anyone with any joint or mobility problems, recovering from surgery, or simply needing a slow, gentle exercise program.

An invigorating water workout that is a mid-intensity level class for all ages, skills, and fitness levels.  The workout is designed for shallow water where more resistance occurs so challenge your body and core through water resistance exercises.

This in-person Instructor recertification course is the required course for all Lifeguarding Instructors to re-certify. During this course Lifeguarding Instructors and Instructor Trainers will participate in an in-water practice and polish skills session in addition to a classroom-based review of Red Cross administrative policies and procedures.

The Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Course provides training for becoming a certified Lifeguard Instructor. Candidates must have prior experience as a Red Cross Lifeguard with a current lifeguard certification. This program is designed to teach candidates how to present the information using Red Cross guidelines and all course information so, candidates must ha ve a good working knowledge of the Lifeguard Program to successfully complete this course.

Adults and teen lessons are taught in a smaller group setting, concentrating on the needs of individual swimmers as their skills progress. Beginner and Intermediate levels will emphasize water propulsion, back crawl, and breaststroke. Stroke refinement students will continue to improve their strokes while also building swim endurance.

This advanced level is for those who have mastered the competitive strokes. Swimmers will continue to refine all strokes and increase endurance and speed. Children will be introduced to inverted breaststroke, and life-saving skills. They will also perform the 200 yard individual medley.

At this advanced level, students should be able to swim 200 yards continuously. Children will refine all strokes while increasing their endurance. Students should be able to swim 100 yards of all strokes in good form, except butterfly, which is a minimum of a 25-yard swim with fins and 15 ft. without.

In Level 6, students refine their technique in all the major competitive strokes, learn about competitive swimming, and discover how to incorporate swimming into a healthy lifestyle.

Students in Level 5 work on stroke technique and learn all the major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues through treading water and the sidestroke.

In Level 3, students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous levels. This level also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action. Introduces basic stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and reinforces water safety through treading water and the elementary backstroke. Students in Level 4 develop stroke technique in the front and back crawl and learn the breaststroke kick and butterfly kick. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and the elementary backstroke.

In Level 1, students develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to swim to safety in an emergency. This level lays the foundation for future progress in swimming. In Level 2, students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement, with continuing practice in safely exiting the water in an emergency.

Youth swim levels will introduce water propulsion, floating, body awareness, and independence, all while introducing the basic swim strokes of front crawl and back crawl. Advanced levels will learn competitive stokes and work on building swim endurance. Youth levels are: Polliwog, Guppy, Minnow, Fish, Flying Fish, and Shark. See class descriptions below.

This is the advanced level for children who are comfortable in the water and can swim 25 yards with an IFD and 20 feet without. Emphasis is placed on endurance, front and back crawl, modified breaststroke and butterfly, and personal, safety, and rescue skills.

This is an advanced preschool class offering refinement of the front and back crawl, advanced body control skills, and endurance work through swimming and treading water. Entrance requires successful completion of EEL.

Designed to provide students with success with fundamental skills, independent swimming, and beginner stroke techniques. Entrance requires successful completion of Pike. Children are taught to perform glides, float, and basic boating safety, as well as the use of PFDs.

This level is for the beginner. Emphasis remains on fun; beginner stroke techniques, individual swimming skills, and underwater exploration are also taught. Previous lesson experience is not required, providing that the child experiences no fear in the water or doesn't require the aid of a parent.

Our preschool swim lessons introduce water propulsion, floating, body awareness, and independence, all while focusing on water safety. We introduce the basic swim strokes, including front crawl and back crawl. Swimmers will learn swim skills designed for preschoolers based on their body development. Preschool levels are Pike, Eel, Ray, and Starfish.

Parents accompany their children in the water, which allows infants and toddlers to gently discover the aquatic environment and encourages them to enjoy the water while learning. Children will explore body positions, floating, blowing bubbles, and fundamental safety and aquatic skills. Children must wear swim diapers (with snug-fitting elastic around the legs) under a swimsuit.

This exciting introductory class is perfect for young cheerleaders ready to jump, cheer, and dance their way into the basics of cheerleading! Participants will learn fundamental motions, jumps, chants, basic stunts, and simple routines—all in a fun and energetic environment. This exciting introductory class is perfect for young cheerleaders ready to jump, cheer, and dance their way into the basics of cheerleading! Participants will learn fundamental motions, jumps, chants, basic stunts, and simple routines—all in a fun and energetic environment.This exciting introductory class is perfect for young cheerleaders ready to jump, cheer, and dance their way into the basics of cheerleading! Participants will learn fundamental motions, jumps, chants, basic stunts, and simple routines—all in a fun and energetic environment.This exciting introductory class is perfect for young cheerleaders ready to jump, cheer, and dance their way into the basics of cheerleading! Participants will learn fundamental motions, jumps, chants, basic stunts, and simple routines—all in a fun and energetic environment.

Double the fun with Preschool Sports & Swim! Kids enjoy active play in sports and a swim lesson, seamlessly supervised and transitioned by our staff. One drop-off, one pick-up—two great classes in one active program!

Join Preschool Sports for weekly fun with soccer, basketball, T-ball, and more! This energetic class builds coordination, teamwork, and a love for movement through age-appropriate activities—perfect for all skill levels.

Punch Dance Move is a small group personal training class incorporating evidence-based programming to give attendees opportunities to reach high-intensity aerobic exercise levels to positively impact their brain function in addition to their heart, lungs, muscles, and joints.

Through group exercise classes and aquatic programs that concentrate on mobility and flexibility, dance classes, and volunteer activities, the YMCA is bringing Active Adults together for camaraderie, fellowship, and fun!

Zumba, and HIIT are some of many other Group Ex offerings at the Y.

For mobility within the competitive program, such as Pre-Team Bronze or the Competitive Team, gymnasts must try out each year. Tryouts are held in the spring and during summer gymnastics camp.

The Competitive Gymnastics Program at the NSYMCA focuses on developing the foundation for strong communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

The Gymnastics Youth Program is designed for gymnasts in 1st-8th grade to learn skills and progress at their own rate in a supportive and encouraging environment.

The Pre-K Gymnastics Program is designed to create a warm and inviting environment for children from toddlers through kindergarten. This first experience in gymnastics will cater to your child's overall development and set them on a path for success in and out of the gym.

1 on 1 Dance training.

NSSOD Inspired, Momentum, and Competitive are student dance companies here at the North Suburban School of Dance designed to provide additional performance opportunities to students enrolled in our programs.

We are dedicated to fostering a non-judgmental and inclusive environment, where the emphasis is on promoting wellness, self-expression, and personal growth through dance.

This division is centered around a solid technical dance education that moves students through a progressive level system designed to continually challenge a dancer to be their very best.

This division for preschool through kindergarten students focuses on developing independence skills, creative thinking, and a solid foundation for future technical excellence.

SN Art Expression, a creative class designed for high school and transition-age individuals of all abilities. Participants will explore art as a form of self-expression in a fun and supportive environment.

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) Class provides an opportunity for fun and engaged learning. Participants work together to create and problem-solve. The class primarily focuses on Science, Engineering and Art.

Enjoy a weekly yoga practice designed for those with special needs. Improve strength, balance, and flexibility while reducing stress. Practice guided meditation along with breathing techniques designed to calm the mind and body.

Exercises are geared to increase the participant's movement and help set fitness goals while enhancing social skills. This program is designed for individuals with special needs and aims to promote a healthy and active lifestyle.

Feel confident, capable, and strong in the gym. Strength Start-Up is a supportive small group class designed to teach the fundamentals of strength training using a variety of equipment— machines, free weights, kettlebells, resistance bands, and more. This multi-session experience helps you practice proper form, build consistency, and learn how to structure workouts you can do on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure or intimidated on the gym floor, this is your place to start. With guidance from a knowledgeable trainer and encouragement from a small group, you’ll build strength, skills, and gym-floor confidence.

Game Ready helps young athletes build a strong foundation for sports—and life. Through bodyweight exercises and fun challenges, youth develop strength, speed, coordination, and flexibility. This class also emphasizes teamwork, goal setting, and perseverance, helping participants gain the confidence and character they need both on and off the field.

PowerPlay is all about movement, fun, and friendship! This high-energy class introduces kids to exciting circuit-style games and challenges that build strength, coordination, and teamwork. While staying active, participants also build self-confidence and meaningful peer connections—supporting their social and emotional growth in a playful, inclusive environment.

Neurographic Art uses simple lines and colors to reduce stress, calm the mind, and inspire creativity.

A sound bath uses soothing vibrations from bowls, gongs, and chimes to calm the mind, release tension, and promote deep relaxation.

Open Gym is on Saturdays. Check out schedule for times. Come and practice skills and routines under the supervision of coaches.

This program is for Special Olympics swimmers with at least one year on the team, offering a fun way to build friendships, communication skills, and team spirit through games and movement.

Learn the skills and knowledge required to become an American Red Cross lifeguard, including how to recognize, prevent and respond quickly to aquatic emergencies. Learn CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, and First Aid. This course incorporates in-person, in-water, and online components. The Lifeguard Blended Learning courses are approximately 22 hours in-person and 6 hours of blended learning online content that must be done prior to class.

Review the skills and knowledge including how to recognize, prevent and respond quickly to aquatic emergencies. Including CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, and First Aid. This course incorporates in-person, in-water, and online components. The Lifeguard Recertification courses are approximately 10 hours of in-person plus blended learning online content will be required.

It is designed for adults with some previous ballet training. Barre combinations and center combinations focusing on stability and balance are the foundations of this workshop with an extra perk- It's BYOB! Enjoy a beverage at the barre with other community members who value the benefits of movement in a fun environment.

Whether you're new to dance or a seasoned mover, this modern dance workshop offers a welcoming space to explore movement, connect with your body, and express yourself freely. Designed for adults of all levels, this low-pressure class explores guided combinations in the Horton technique and is great for all movers. No judgment, no expectations—just movement, music, and community. Come as you are and dance your way into presence and self-expression.

Join us for a spine-tingling Thriller dance workshop where you’ll learn some of the original choreography to the iconic Michael Jackson hit! Grab your friends, bring your favorite drink (BYOB- 21+), and get ready for a night of dancing, laughter, and creepy-good vibes. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just in it for the fun, this adult-only event is all about letting loose and having a killer time. Costumes optional, but highly encouraged. No dance experience necessary—just bring your energy!