Resources
Frequently asked questions
Everything families ask us most, in one place. Don't see your question? Call 773-763-5678 or email momentumperformingarts@gmail.com.
Getting Started
What age can my child start dance lessons at MPA?
As young as 18 months. Our parent & me Little Dancers classes welcome toddlers from 18 months, and we offer classes for every age and stage all the way through age 18.
Does my child need experience to join?
Not at all. First-timer or seasoned competitor, every child is met where they are and brought up to speed with patience and encouragement. Classes are grouped by age and ability so everyone starts in the right place.
How does the trial class work?
Book a trial class so you can experience Momentum before enrolling — no commitment required. Reach out or register online and we'll place your dancer in a class that fits their age and level.
How do I register and enroll?
You can enroll online any time through our registration portal, where you'll also manage your schedule and payments. Prefer to talk it through? Call us at 773-763-5678 and we'll help you find the right class.
What should my child wear to class?
Fitted dancewear they can move in, with hair secured back. Shoes vary by style — ballet slippers, tap shoes, jazz shoes, or bare feet for acro and tumbling. See our Dress Code page for the full list by class.
Programs & Scheduling
What dance styles do you teach?
Ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, poms and pointe, plus our specialty: acro and tumbling. With 70+ weekly classes across 9 programs, dancers can focus on one style or explore several.
What is acro and tumbling?
Acro blends dance technique with acrobatic skills — balances, limber work and tumbling — woven into choreography. Tumbling builds strength, flexibility and skills like rolls, cartwheels, walkovers and handsprings. It's one of the things MPA is known for.
What's the difference between recreational and competition?
Recreational classes focus on technique, confidence and the joy of dance at a comfortable pace, with two recitals each year to perform in. Our competition team is for dedicated dancers who train more intensively and perform and compete throughout the season.
Do you offer toddler and parent & me classes?
Yes — our Little Dancers program (18 months–3 years) includes parent & me and first independent classes, using movement, music and play to build coordination and confidence.
When does the season run, and when are the recitals?
Our main season runs from late summer/early fall through late spring, and Momentum dancers perform more than once a year — two recitals each season plus our annual Nutcracker production. We also offer summer camps and intensives. Watch the Calendar page for confirmed dates.
Do you offer summer camps and birthday parties?
Yes to both. We run themed summer camps and intensives over the break, and we host dance birthday parties — a fun, active way to celebrate. Contact us for current camp dates and party packages.
Competition Team
Who can join the Momentum competition team?
Momentum Dance Company is open to dancers ages 5 through 18 by audition. Auditions are grouped by age (5–8, 9–12 and 13–18), and dancers who prefer to focus on one style can audition for our Hip Hop–only or Acro-only tracks.
How do auditions work?
Auditions are held each season at the studio, grouped by age so every dancer tries out alongside peers at their own stage. Contact us for the current audition date and times — and if you're not sure your dancer is ready, we're happy to help you decide.
What is the commitment for team dancers?
Team dancers train more intensively than recreational dancers and perform and compete throughout the season — at regional competitions plus community events like parades, festivals and Six Flags, alongside our recitals. We'll walk you through the season's schedule before you commit.
My dancer has never competed before — can they still try out?
Absolutely. Every dancer is met where they are at Momentum. The audition helps us place your dancer at the right level, and our structured progression grows them from there.
Logistics & Policies
How much does tuition cost?
Tuition is billed across the season and depends on how many classes your dancer takes. We'll recommend the right plan for your family — call 773-763-5678 or see our Tuition & Fees page. Trial classes are available before you enroll.
Where are you located, and which areas do you serve?
Momentum Performing Arts is on W Talcott Ave in Norwood Park, on Chicago's Far Northwest Side. We welcome families from Norwood Park, Edison Park, Park Ridge, Jefferson Park, Harwood Heights, Norridge, Niles and Des Plaines.
Can parents watch class?
Yes — our lobby has a TV that streams live video from the studio, so parents can watch class in real time while they wait. We love sharing our dancers' progress with families.
What is your make-up and cancellation policy?
We do our best to accommodate make-up classes when a student misses a session — contact the studio to arrange one. Full enrollment, withdrawal and payment policies are shared at registration and in your parent portal.
Are classes open to boys and girls?
Absolutely. Momentum is a welcoming, family-owned community where every dancer belongs — boys and girls are welcome in every program.
We're happy to help
Experience Momentum for yourself. Book a trial class, call us, or browse the schedule — no commitment required.