Studio Companies
Footprints Tap Ensemble
Footprints is a not-for-profit 501c(3) production and performance company of area youth who actively choreograph, teach, perform and participate in all aspects of dance show production. This is made possible thanks to Director Danielle Brooks and historian Mark Yonally. Special venues have included the Nutcracker on Broadway, Walt Disney World and a commercial video. Their performances include Dance Chicago and the Chicago Human Rhythm Project. The Republic of China sponsored members of Footprints for 3 collaborative performances in Beijing in 2007. Members have trained with many of the old masters, as well as modern masters. Footprints’ won the First Place trophy in the 2016 Libertyville Days Parade, and Lake County’s 2013 Dance-A-Fair and the Next Generation of Tap Award from Chicago Tap Theatre in 2019.
Footprints own annual production, Tap Jam, is held in November. Annually, in April or May they hold auditions. Offering levels for intermediate & advanced tap dancers, ages 10 to 18.
Forum Dance Theatre
Forum Dance Theatre, celebrating its 28th season, continues to push the bar of excellence in the pre-professional youth dance company arena. Forum is led by Artistic Director, Catie Deitz-Griffith, along with Lindsey Beebe as the director of Forum 2 and Forum Training Companies. Also on artistic staff are Ballet Mistress, Julianne Deitz and Assistant Rehearsal Director, Sinead Gildea. Season highlights include performances in Dance Chicago, Duke It Out, Winter Festival, Regional Dance America, DanceScapes, and June’s Recital. Forum has toured through Austria with the Stars of Tomorrow in 2015, 2019, and 2023, performing in various cities.
"Dance Forum", held annually, is hosted by Forum Dance Theatre. This production features all levels of the company members and is a testament to the artistic expression and dedication developed through this marvelous program.
Through the years, Forum has been honored to receive various awards including the Leo’s Silver and Gold shoe award, RDA’s Emerging Choreographer Award, and National Choreography Recognition Award. Auditions for Forum Dance Theatre are held in late May/early June.
Forum Starz
Forum Starz is for all ages and levels. It is a way to get more performance opportunities, as well as competing in front of judges for awards & trophies. It brings more stage time and a flashier, hot jazz and lyrical style to a dancer’s repertoire.
The focus is on providing excellent training and positive, fun choreography. Technique, solid training and performance skills is a perfect addition to any students’ dance program. Last season’s Forum Starz opportunities included: opening act for Talent Forum’s Annual June Recital, Tap Jam, Lambs Farm, Libertyville Days & other performance opportunities.
Forum Squad
Forum Squad just finished its 10th season! This hard hitting, performance focused, hip hop company is led by Artistic Director Wesley “Wesside” Owens and Assistant Director Amanda Anderson. Forum Squad performs annually in Tap Jam, DanceScapes, June Recital, Monsters (all hip hop) Dance Convention and Competition, Libertyville Days and local senior homes. They have also performed in the pregame and halftime shows for the Chicago Sky, local school assemblies, and Lambs Farm.
Their training emphasizes authentic hip hop movement, freestyle, and hip hop history. They have the opportunity to learn from working professionals in the industry and other masters throughout the season.
Forum Squad has grown to include four levels: Elite Squad, Forum Squad, Jr. Forum Squad Red, and Jr. Forum Squad Black. Two auditions are held annually, the first in May and the second in August. Auditions are open to intermediate-advanced level dancers age 8 and up.