New studio combines dance, fitness and the theater arts
In opening a dance studio, Susan Ross wanted someplace with a downtown, artsy look instead of a sterile strip mall location.
Earlier this fall, Ross opened Midwest Dance Arts at 11 N. Bothwell St. with just the atmosphere she was looking for. The business incorporates dance into theater. The business owner is the director and founder of Northwest Repertoire Dance Ensemble based in Rolling Meadows.
The new business offers ballet and theater instruction to children through adults. She offers classical ballet, pointe, lyrical ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, yoga and Pilates.
The studio features a Marlee dance floor, which is state-of-the art in the industry, the owner said.
She also offers Kid Fit classes through a program Claire Termanaf operates at the studio. The classes are offered for children and a parent.
In offering theater for children, Ross believes it's important that all kids are permitted to participate so they don't feel rejected.
Ross, who grew up in Barrington, holds a lifelong love of dance. Her training began with Loretta Rozak and she enrolled in the Ruth Page School of Ballet. She also studied with Walter Camryn and Bentley Stone. Her jazz training was under the direction of Gus Giordano and Judi Missett Sheppard, founder of Jazzercize.
She has worked as a professional choreographer with Walt Disney World and Liz Claiborne Productions.
She now attempts to offer dance classes at reasonable prices. Preschool classes are priced at $35 for the month. This includes four our five 45-minute classes.
She also offers a punch card, or a set number of classes, instead of monthly tuition for busy teens or adults who are not able to make every class is a session.
Ross decided to launch the business when her daughter, Brittany Rawske, who danced professionally with the Denver Ballet, returned to this area. Jennifer Buscemi also teaches at the new studio.
In January, Ross will begin carrying dancewear and dance shoes. She will also soon carry Orthoebb fitness shoes.
On Nov. 30, dancers from the studio will perform at 7 p.m. in Cutting Hall on Wood Street in Palatine. And on Dec. 19, the theater group performs "Christmas in Central Park" in Huntley.
For more information, call (847) 991-8600.
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