FIRST TIMER
Do I need experience to join a dance class?
Nope! No previous dance knowledge is required to join any of our beginner level classes. If you are looking for a little more fundamental information before jumping into beginner classes, check out any of our Intro classes or Absolute Beginner Series.
Are there special offers for first timers?
Yes, there are! Your first class at THE HIVE is only $10! If you love your first class and want more, we also offer a 5 Class Pack at a discounted rate.
Any recommendations for my first class?
If you've never been to THE HIVE for class before, we encourage you to come 10-15 minutes early. Our work studies can show you the space and make sure you're comfortable. Check out the clothing and footwear recommendations on your confirmation email, or right here! We are excited to welcome you to the HIVE community 🐝
GETTING TO THE STUDIO
Is there parking available at THE HIVE?
Yes, there is ample street parking in front of and surrounding the studio.
Are you close to a Metra or "L" stop?
Luckily, both! We are located right by the Ravenswood Station Metra stop and we are a six minute walk from the Damen Brown lone stop.
STYLES & DRESS CODE
What styles are offered at THE HIVE?
THE HIVE offers a variety of styles and we continue to expand our offerings? Don't see a description for a new style on the schedule? Contact us for more information!
Ballet - Ballet is a technical and structured dance form. Ballet has a codified vocabulary. The structure of the class will be very similar from class to class. This form focuses on repetition to improve technique and understanding. Dancers will begin with barre work, and progress to across the floor sequences.
Contemporary - Contemporary can be tricky to define because it is a mash-up of many styles, including modern, jazz, ballet, and lyrical. It is a versatile dance genre, and it emphasizes freedom and mind-body connection over the rigid rules of any specific technique. Contemporary serves as a big umbrella term. The style, musicality, approach, and feel vary from teacher to teacher. In this class, you can expect a warm-up, followed by learning a combo.
Modern - Modern is another umbrella term. Here at THE HIVE we offer a modern class, and a more floor work specific class. These classes are great for those looking to connect to grounded movements that emphasize spinal and pelvic mobility, as well as across the floor movement sequences.
Jazz - Jazz is a high-energy, expressive performance style, deeply rooted in African American vernacular dance and music. It blends elements of ballet, modern, and street dance, featuring technical skills like body isolations, syncopation, leaps, and turns, often set to upbeat music.
Tap - Tap is a form of dance that uses the sounds of tap shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion. It's an American art form that began with the combination of Black American and Irish Dance traditions. In this class, you can expected a warm up, learning specific steps or exercises, and ending with a combo.
Musical Theatre - Musical Theatre is a performance-driven style designed to tell stories, express emotions, and develop character. Rooted in Broadway history, it is not a single technique but a fusion of styles—primarily jazz, ballet, tap, and modern. In this class, you can expect an upbeat warm-up, followed by a combo from one of your favorite musicals!
Lyrical - Lyrical is a fluid, expressive style merging ballet technique with the freedom of jazz and contemporary. It focuses on storytelling and interpreting the lyrics or emotional tone of music through movement. It emphasizes emotional, connectivity, often featuring dramatic, fluid movements. In this class you can expected a flowy warm up, followed by a combo.
Jazz/Funk - Jazz/Funk is a high-energy, commercial dance style blending technical jazz foundations with the sharp, rhythmic moves of hip-hop and the groove of funk. IN this class, you can expect a sweaty warm-up, followed by a fun, upbeat combo.
Hip-Hop - Hip-Hop is a diverse, high-energy street style, focusing on individual expression, strong rhythms, and a grounded movements that includes body isolations, bounces, and rock. In this class, you can expect a warm-up, followed by a fun combo.
Contemporary Hip-Hop - Contemporary Hip-Hop is a hybrid, expressive style that blends the grounded, athletic, and rhythmic movements of hip-hop with the fluidity, emotional storytelling, and floor work of contemporary dance. IN this class, you can expect a warm up, followed by a combo.
K-POP - K-POP is a style of dance that combines elements of hip-hop and jazz, choreographed specifically to Korean pop music. The choreography often incorporates catchy and repetitive movements that complement the song's lyrics. IN this class, you can expect an upbeat warm up, followed by a combo to your favorite K-POP artist!
Heels - Heels is a commercial, high-energy dance style performed in high-heeled shoes, fusing techniques from jazz, hip-hop,, contemporary, and burlesque. It focuses on confidence, sensuality, and precision. In this class, you can expect a warm up, followed by a flirty combo.
What clothing and/or footwear should I wear to class?
Check out our clothing and footwear recommendations for each class style. More than anything we want you to be comfortable, so wear whatever you feel good moving in!
Ballet - We recommend you wear any form-fitted clothing you feel comfortable moving in! Whether you want to wear leggings and a t-shirt, or go for the full prima ballerina look, with tights and a leotard. Ballet shoes or socks are recommended.
Contemporary - We recommend you wear any clothing you feel comfortable moving in. Socks or barefoot are recommended.
Modern - We recommend you wear any clothing you feel comfortable moving in. Socks or barefoot are recommended.
Jazz - We recommend you wear any clothing you feel comfortable moving in. Jazz shoes, socks, or barefoot are recommended.
Tap - We recommend you wear any clothing you feel comfortable moving in. Tap shoes or clean sneakers are recommended.
Musical Theatre - We recommend you wear any clothing you feel comfortable moving in. Jazz shoes, socks, or barefoot are recommended.
Lyrical - We recommend you wear any clothing you feel comfortable moving in. Socks or barefeet are recommended.
Jazz/Funk - We recommend you wear any clothing you feel comfortable moving in. Clean sneakers, s,jazz shoes, socks or barefeet are recommended.
Hip-Hop - We recommend you wear any clothing you feel comfortable moving in. Clean sneakers are recommended.
Contemporary Hip-Hop - We recommend you wear any clothing you feel comfortable moving in. Clean sneakers, socks or barefoot are recommended.
K-POP - We recommend you wear any clothing you feel comfortable moving in. Clean sneakers, socks or barefoot are recommended.
Heels - We recommend you wear any clothing you feel comfortable moving in. Clean sneakers, wedges, heels or barefoot is recommended. Knee pads are encouraged.
MEMBERSHIPS & CLASS PACKS
What options do I have when buying classes?
You have the option of buying single drop-in classes, class packs, or memberships. Learn more about specific memberships and class packs here.
What is your class cancellation policy?
If you can non longer make it to class, no worries! As long as you cancel your reservation more than 3 hours prior to the start of class time, your class will be returned to your account for future use. If you have membership and cancel your reservations more than 3 hours before class, you will not be charged a cancellation fee.
If you cancel your reservation within the 3 hour time frame, your class pass will be forfeited. If you have a membership and cancel within the 3 hour time frame, you will be charged a $5.00 cancellation fee.
What happens if I miss class?
If you book a class under a membership and do not show up, you forfeit your class and are charged a $5 cancellation fee. If you book a class using a class pack, you just forfeit your class pass.
Do you offer refunds?
Class pack and membership pruchases are non-refundable.
Do you offer special pricing for students, teachers, and seniors?
Yes, we do! Students, teachers, and seniors receive 20% off class packs. To redeem this discount, please email buzz@thehive.dance.
How do memberships work?
Memberships automatically renew each month on the date of purchase. Any of the classes provided that are not used, will roll-over to the following months for the duration of the active membership. However, rolled-over classes, at the time of membership cancelation, will no longer be valid.
If you wish to cancel your membership, please do so 7 days prior to the renewal date to avoid additional fees.
With memberships, if you are signed-up for a class and late cancel 3 hours before the class runs, or no-show, there will be an additional $5 charge.
MISC.
How far in advance can I book a class?
The booking window for classes opens two weeks beforehand. You are able to purchase events and special offerings as soon as the event is live.
What is the waitlist?
A waitlist is activated for class when all spots have been reserved. If space becomes available, a HIVE member will let you in and you will be notified.
Can I rent THE HIVE for personal practice or a corporate event?
Yes! Learn more about renting our studio here, or email buzz@thehive.dance.
Do you offer one-on-one privates?
Yes, we do! If you are interested in scheduling a private lesson with one of our faculty members, please email buzz@thehive.dance with the style you are interested in and your availability. Private lessons are $75 per 45 minutes.
Can I take a video of myself dancing in class?
As long as you receive permission from the faculty member teaching, you are free to film yourself in class! If you'd like to share it on social media, make sure to tag us at @chicagohive.
What's the difference between beginner and intermediate level classes?
Beginner classes will focus more on the fundamentals of the style and move at a gentler pace. Intermediate classes offer a step up; increasing difficulty in regards to movement, pacing, and musicality.