About Our Studio
About Our Studio
A Word From The Owner
We opened our Morris location in 1993 and added a second location in Channahon in 2002. Since 1993, thousands of students have taken dance and music classes at our two locations. We started as a very small studio, but have grown to become the largest dance studio in the area and now the state-of-the-art, Forte Arts Center in Morris is a 15,000 sq. ft. facility that allows us the space to grow and offer a variety of instruction in the arts. Our Channahon location is a 5000 sq. foot facility that offers dance instruction.
We do not believe that we are the best because we are the biggest. Instead, we believe we're the biggest because families think we are the best.
As parents, we realize that you have a choice between several different studios. All studios are not the same. We constantly renovate and improve our facilities and provide ongoing training to our staff to ensure our students and parents the best experience possible. Today, as in 1993, there are several different studios to choose from.
We invite you to compare all of the features and options that we offer to our community.
Jr. Faculty
Maddox Hetzel
Megan Belli
Katie Morin
Kedzie Auwerda
Zoe Olson
Faculty
Brittney Erickson
Jenika Smith
Erin Strle
Kalli Juricic
Jana Brodeur
Lindsey Beebe
Megan Edwards
Lauren Pulkstenis
Mirra Juricic
Rachel Dunne
Music Faculty
Darius Tolbert
Ken Hazelrigg
Shelbbie Daugherty-Tolbert
Staff
Cathey Koerner
Jen Tuider
Emily Mepham
Felicia Pancheco
Sarah Hetzel
Why We're Different
Can you tell me about your facilities?
Our facilities feature large studios with professional "floating" activity floors which prevent injury and reduce fatigue. A floating floor rests on a system of high-density foam, to absorb the shock of jumping and is superior to a "sprung" floor, which usually consists of a wood structure built on the regular floor. The top layer, a vinyl type "marley" surface allows dancers to slide, with control, but is not slippery so there is less risk of slips and falls. Very few studios use the "floating" floor and marley for their flooring because of the expense involved.
How Much Personal Attention will my child receive?
In order to ensure personal attention to every student we limit the number of students in our classes. Careful consideration is given to the age of the student, the type of class, and the level of difficulty. By keeping the class sizes smaller, we make sure that fundamental concepts, developing good habits and proper technique is attained.
Can I get immediate assistance and customer service?
Our studios have desk staff available regularly during the evenings, as well as office staff available during the day to assist anyone with questions, so immediate assistance is available. We are committed to customer service and making it easy for our families, registration through recital.
How does your program surpass standard expectations?
We involve you in your child's progress with viewing windows and we parent observation days throughout the year. Our faculty members have degrees in the arts or comparable professional experience and continue training to stay on the cutting edge. Participation in our recital is stress-free for our busy families at Minooka High School. More than 2000 people enjoy our spectacular shows in comfort and style each year in the newly renovated space.
Forte Arts Center is committed to community service in addition to education in the arts. We are confident that a mixture of good grades, service to our community, and arts education will help our students become well-rounded individuals with a successful future. We know that not everyone that walks through our doors will become a professional artist, but will walk out of our doors with the confidence they need to be successful in whatever career they choose as well as a leader in their community.
Forte Arts Center's Service Society was created to raise awareness and encourage community involvement. Anyone that is interested can be part of this society. Our students receive points for participating, contributing, or starting a service project.
Giving Back is Our Forte
Would you like to help us make a difference in the community?
Contact us at fortefrontdesk5678@gmail.com
Essay Winners and Scholarships
Each year our students are given the opportunity to write an essay about why they love Forte Arts Center. There are many submissions each year, and thousands of dollars in Scholarships awarded to students ranging in age from 4 to 18 years of age.
Happy Parents & Dancers
"Forte is an incredible place for dance and music lessons. They are not just teaching students to be great dancers, musicians, and performers but also teaching them to be wonderful human beings. All the teachers and staff are so caring and patient with the students (and us parents) and make lasting bonds with all the families. Each year we are involved with Forte, the more we feel fortunate to be part of their community."
Sarah Peterson, Mother of 7 year old dance and music student
"This is my daughters first season at Forte and she has absolutely fallen in love with dance. The instructors are all amazing. They are kind, caring, and absolutely wonderful. They make sure every single child is included and feels welcomed! Forte feels like a home away from home. Everyone is friendly and that includes the staff and other parents. I have watched my daughter grow and learn so much in the past year of her taking classes."
Caitlin Gunty, Mother of 4 year old
Contact Us
ADDRESS & HOURS
HOURS:
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MORRIS LOCATION
1200 N Division Street, Morris, IL 60450815-941-4680
MORRI
CHANNAHON LOCATION
24805 S. Tryon Street Channahon, IL 60410815-521-0744
MORRI
About
At Forte Arts Center, we offer complete instruction programs in the arts for students of all ages and abilities. Our integrity, value and dedication to excellence is the foundation of all we do.
Our instructors go beyond technique and poise to develop important life skills such as confidence, respect, passion, determination, trust, friendship, and perseverance.
It is our mission to provide a safe and inclusive environment for our students while providing engaging and entertaining classrooms.
We take pride in being a family-first organization that provides life skills, friendships, and community in a welcoming atmosphere.
We know that parents choose Forte Arts Center for our friendly service and positive environment. They stay with us because of our commitment to customer care, our values, our culture, and our excellence.
Opening Hours
Daytime Staff available via call, text, or email
Monday-Thursday from 10 AM-2 PM!
Monday: 4–7 PM
Tuesday: 4–7 PM
Wednesday: 4–7 PM
Thursday: 4–7 PM
Friday-Sunday: Closed
ADDRESS:
1200 N Division Street Morris, IL 60450
24805 S Tryon Street Channahon, IL 60410
Telephone
Morris: (815) 941-4680
Channahon: (815) 521-0744
@ Copyright 2023 - Forte Arts Center - All rights reserved
