FAQ

Getting Started

Click here to enroll in Season 74 School Classes
Click here for all Summer Programs, Camps, and Intensives
Click here for Adult Classes
Classes are one hour of pure dancing fun!
Enrollment for School Classes opens in June. Summer enrollment opens in the winter.
Yes, you can join if there is an open spot! GUS® classes fill up, so contact GUS® to ask about availability.
We do not offer trial classes. Our classes fill quickly as we have been teaching dancers from age 2 to 92 for 74 years. But we'd love to meet you! Tour the School before you enroll and see the space in person. Click here to schedule your tour.
During class, parents aren't able to stay. This helps our dancers stay focused and engaged in their learning space. Our teachers meet every child at the door and walk them into class, which promotes independence and helps dancers build confidence as they step into the studio on their own. All parents are invited to Parent Observation Week in February to watch class!
8:1, so every dancer gets plenty of attention!
You're in great hands! GUS has been family run since our inception in 1953. Our esteemed GUS faculty includes professional dancers, Broadway performers, commercial dancers and teachers with dance degrees & teaching degrees. They’ve performed all over the world, and best of all, they love teaching children.
We have 74 years of experience helping little dancers feel brave! We'll carry your dancer into class and give them individualized attention to help them settle in. If they're having an extra tough time and can't be comforted for an extended period, we'll give you a call to pick them up so we can try again next week. We want each child to love dancing and feel comfortable at GUS®.
Yes! You can enroll in as many School classes as you would like.
Yes! All School dancers take the stage in THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT in May. It's the highlight of our season!
Meet the "Godfather of Jazz Dance"! Gus Giordano devoted his life to teaching and elevating jazz dance around the world. He was a dancer, master teacher, choreographer, and author, and he performed on Broadway before bringing his talents to television, film, and stage. His TV production The Rehearsal won an Emmy Award, and his book Anthology of American Jazz Dance was the first of its kind.

Programs & Classes

So many ways to move! Ballet, Gus Giordano Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Modern, Contemporary, Commercial Jazz, Musical Theater, and Leaps & Turns.
School classes are recreational dance classes for age 2 to 19. Season 74 classes are from August to May. All School class dancers take the stage in THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT in May. It’s the highlight of our season!
We love to hear it! GUS Company welcomes dancers ages 4 to 19 who love to dance (four-year-olds must turn five by 1/1/28). Dancers train in all styles, including Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Modern, Tap, Commercial Jazz, and more, with a focus on technique, style, and performance. Company dancers perform in shows like SPOOKTACULAR (our Halloween show), JAZZCRACKER (our holiday show), and THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT, plus other special performances throughout the year.
Beyond the studio, dancers build lifelong friendships through mentorship, community outreach, and parties. They also gain time management, communication, and leadership skills, and older dancers can be selected for our GUS Leadership Program.
Season 75 Auditions:
- Pre-K to 5th grade: May 12, 2027, 4:30–6:00pm (no experience required)
- 6th to 12th grade: May 13, 2027, 5:00–7:00pm (dance experience required)
Auditions are held at GUS, 5230 N Clark Street, Chicago. See attire and details | Learn more about GUS Company
Yes! We offer open drop-in classes for adults plus summer programs and intensives.
Click here for the Open Adult Class Schedule and to book your class!
Not at all! Whether your dancer is stepping into the studio for the very first time or has been dancing for years, GUS Camp is a joyful place to learn, play, and make new friends.
Nope! Dancers can wear a diaper or pull-up to Tiny Tots.
Good news! No audition is needed for:
- School classes
- GUS Camp
- Elite Dance Intensive
- Ballet Intensive, Choreography Intensive, Contemporary Intensive, Hip Hop Intensive, Jazz Intensive, Leaps & Turns Intensive, Modern Intensive, Musical Theater Intensive, Tap Intensive, Tricks & Turns Intensive
- Tiny Tots Dance Camp
Just sign up and get ready to dance!
Three programs: the College Professional Program, the Pre-Professional Program, and JAZZMANIA.
Your launching pad for a career in dance! This three-week summer program (July 7–23, 2027) is for dancers ages 19 to 28. It prepares dancers for careers in Broadway, the commercial world, cruise ships, dance companies, teaching, and more. Dancers train in styles including Gus Giordano Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Commercial Jazz, Modern, Jazz Funk, Tap, Heels, and Partnering. Master faculty (Broadway performers, artistic directors, commercial dancers, and university professors) give individual feedback in every style. The grand finale: performing 8 pieces in GUS' JAZZMANIA on July 23! Audition required, scholarships awarded. Learn more.
Where serious young dancers level up! This summer program (July 7–23, 2027) is for dancers ages 12 to 18 and prepares them for future college programs and professional careers. Dancers train in styles like Gus Giordano Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Ballet, Modern, Jazz Funk, Musical Theater, Heels, and Commercial Jazz, with individual feedback from master faculty. They'll also perform 5+ pieces in GUS' JAZZMANIA on July 23! Audition required, scholarships awarded. Learn more.
Jazz hands, everybody! JAZZMANIA is a week of jazz (July 19–23, 2027) for dancers ages 10 to 28, where you learn from world-renowned master teachers. Classes include Gus Giordano Jazz, Gus Giordano Rep, Contemporary Jazz, Jazz Funk, Musical Theater, Commercial Jazz, and Heels. The week ends with a show-stopping performance on Friday at Nicholas Senn Theater, with 100% of ticket proceeds benefiting the Gus Legacy Foundation and Jayden Perkins Memorial Scholarships. Audition required, scholarships awarded. Learn more.

Performances

Yes! All School dancers take the stage in THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT in May. It's the highlight of our season!
Your costume is already included in your monthly payment, so there are no surprise fees.
At the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, IL.
Yes! Tickets go on sale at the end of April. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Gus Legacy Foundation and Jayden Perkins Memorial Scholarships, so you're helping a dancer follow their dreams.
No! Your dancer doesn't need a ticket.
It's a big party backstage! Dancers play games, practice their dances, and do show-and-tell with other classes.
Yes! Every dancer takes the stage on the final day, and it's the highlight of the week for dancers and parents.
Our annual holiday benefit show featuring Gus Legacy Company and GUS® Company dancers. 100% of ticket proceeds benefit the Gus Legacy Foundation and Jayden Perkins Memorial Scholarship, supporting accessible dance opportunities for young dancers. Learn more.
Our annual summer benefit show featuring performances by Gus Legacy Company, College Professional Program, Pre-Professional Program & JAZZMANIA Dancers. Learn more.

Tuition & Studio Policies

Life happens, and we've got you covered! If your dancer misses a School class, they can take a make-up class during the season. Make-up classes can be in any style offered for their age, which makes it a great chance to try something new! For make-up classes, dancers should wear the required attire for their normal class and bring any dance shoes they already own.
Everything is done by email, using the address you provided at enrollment. Questions at any point in the season? Contact GUS®. We're always happy to help!
Class rates depend on the program. Contact GUS® for all class rates.
Yes, your dancer is able to switch classes if there is an open spot in the desired class. It is $45 to switch classes before the season begins. After the season begins, it is $75 to switch classes.
Login to your GUS® Mindbody account to update your billing information anytime!
The GUS look is clean, classic, and professional! Every class has its own required attire, and when all dancers wear the same thing, everyone starts on an even playing field. That means they can focus on learning, growing, and having a blast instead of on what everyone's wearing. Plus, there's nothing like the polished look of a uniform studio! All required attire is sent to you after enrollment and is purchased through Dance Confident Shop.
Your one-stop dancewear shop for all your GUS attire needs! 🩰 Shop now
Yes! To help us reunite your dancer with their belongings, please write your dancer's name inside all shoes and on their dance bag. Everything with a name on it finds its way home much faster!
Your costume for THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT is already included in your monthly payment, so there are no surprise fees.
Please note that we have a no-refund policy.
We don't offer family discounts, but we promise lots of smiles, friendships, and memories for the whole family.
Yes! Scholarships are awarded through the summer auditions for the College Professional Program, Pre-Professional Program, and JAZZMANIA. Dancers can audition in person on January 30, 2027, or submit a reel. Video submissions open in November 2026.
Our non-profit Gus Legacy Foundation (founded in 2017) works to make dance accessible to young people. It awards the Jayden Perkins Memorial Scholarships and helps dancers with transportation, housing, attire, and training. Learn more or donate here.

Visiting GUS®

5230 N Clark Street | Chicago | IL | 60640
GUS® is located in Andersonville, a lovely family friendly neighborhood in Chicago 20 minutes from downtown Chicago, 10 minutes from historic Wrigley Field and 6 blocks from the lakefront and beach.
Parking is free on all side streets around GUS® and on Ashland Ave. There is metered parking on Clark Street.
Yes! Contact GUS® to schedule a tour.
Yes!
• CTA Bus #22 | Clark & Foster
• CTA "L" Train | Berwyn Red Line Stop
• Metra | Ravenswood UP-N | 4800 N Ravenswood Ave