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 is a not-for-profit 501c(3) company in its 22nd season. Forum is led by Artistic Director, Catie Deitz-Griffith, and Lindsey Beebe is the Director of Forum 2. The Training Company is led by Sinead Gildea and the company Ballet Master is Julianne Deitz. Season highlights include performances at Dance Chicago, Duke It Out, Winter Festival, World of Dance, DanceScapes and June’s recital, to name a few. They toured Austria in 2015 & 2019 as part of the Stars of Tomorrow with seven performances in four cities. They have received the National Choreography Recognition Award in 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, & 2020.
Through the years, they have been honored to receive Leo’s Silver and Gold Shoe Choreography Award. They hosted an international collaboration with a world renowned Russian company. Auditions for the three levels of participation for 6th graders and up are held in May.
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.