I came to Joel Hall having not danced for a few years. When I walked through the door, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. I was intimidated by all the wonderful dancers, but all of them smiled and introduced themselves. It is a really wonderful community at Joel Hall. I am transgendered and was nervous about being in the second company because of it. I introduced myself at the front desk and they immediately changed my name in the system. Once I met all the teachers and told them my name and that I prefer male pronouns, EVERYONE respected it. I couldn't believe it. What a wonderful community of accepting, respectful people! Even though the classes can sometimes get pretty packed (especially Joel's awesome class!), every teacher walks around and helps everyone in the class individually. I have never experienced that kind of dedication from a teacher. To have an entire staff of teachers who are like this makes for a solid school with a solid curriculum. Joel is a living legend and to have this school in Chicago is a cultural blessing. I feel honored to take classes with him and to have him work with me. I cannot say enough good things about this school and how well they have treated me. I hope this school stays open for generations to come. For it to close would be a devastating loss to the entire Chicago community.
Review from Guidestar
My daughter takes ballet here, she is 4. The teacher, Miss Julie, is wonderful, patient, kind and she actually teaches them things. I had gone to another ballet school before this and Joel Hall was heads and shoulders above the other school. I recommend them to everyone I know. (Entered by GreatNonprofits staff member on behalf of reviewer)
On September 11, 2001 I watched the news coverage of the disaster, and like everyone else was just in shock. I couldn't leave the house, I didn't know what to do. That evening, I realized the one place I wanted to be was the Joel Hall Dance Studio - I wanted to go to class, be with a community of good people supporting good things in the world. I still remember the conversation I had with my teacher, Duane Pendarvis, before class. That sense of being in a safe place - not "safe" because of guns or armies, but safe because of community and commitment, made an enormous difference to me. (Review entered by GreatNonprofits staff member on behalf of reviewer)
Twelve years ago I took dance classes here. Now, I am back and I feel like I never left. I feel good here. (Entered by GreatNonprofits staff member on behalf of reviewer)
I've taken a lot of adult ballet classes over the years, and this has been by far my best experience. Joel Hall has fantastic teachers, instruction, class times, and, above all, a great energy about the place. And there's great diversity among the dancers, which adds a lot to the class experience. Many times adult dancers (who are still learning, non-professionals) are treated as second-class citizens - but this is not the case at all at Joel Hall! (Input by GreatNonprofits staff member from paper review form)