Dance Studio Puts New Spin on Vacant Shoe Store

The distant jingle of a shoe store door will be replaced by the rhythmic syncopation of tap shoes as NorthShore Elite Talent Company (NSETC) prepares to take over the historic former Country Cobbler shoe store building in downtown Glenview.

Instead of children trying on school shoes, the aisles will be filled with young dancers perfecting their time steps.The building, located on Glenview Road, has sat vacant since the beloved shoe retailer Cobbler Shoes closed its doors in 2010 after more than six decades of serving the community.

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Now, the empty space is poised for a creative revival, trading leather and laces for leotards and jazz shoes."We are excited that NSETC is moving to Glenview Road," said founder and owner Nabi Jordan-Polk, whose vision has breathed new life into the dormant storefront. According to Holly Gentile, the talent company's administrative director, the projected goal is to open the new location within the next few weeks.

The move marks another milestone for the growing performing arts organization, which currently has approximately 300 students enrolled for the upcoming season."We hope our NSETC community will expand even more within the new year now that we have more space available," Gentile said, emphasizing that the larger facility will accommodate their ambitious programming.

The talent company originally opened its doors in 2021 on Waukegan Road before making a strategic shift. "We opened at the (former) Sheila Tully studio in Shoppers Row Plaza on Glenview Road in the Summer of 2023," Gentile recalled, noting that the latest relocation is a natural progression for the burgeoning studio.Gentile explained that the decision to plant roots in Glenview was deeply personal for Jordan-Polk, who grew up in the village. "It's the first community she connected with," Gentile said.

"She's been pouring love, energy and opportunity into it ever since!"The studio offers a comprehensive menu of dance disciplines designed to appeal to a wide range of ages and interests.

Class offerings include parent and tot, creative movement, ballet, jazz, tap, musical theatre, hip-hop, modern, contemporary, lyrical, and several other styles."NSETC is an incredible studio," wrote Deb Ambrose in a glowing Google review. "The studio environment is nurturing, positive and dedicated to helping the children grow as dancers and as people.

We Love NSETC!"Beyond traditional dance classes, Gentile noted that the company provides performance teams for all skill levels, as well as cheerleading, tumbling, and competition teams. "We cater to all ages, levels and abilities," she added.According to the company's website, private classes and birthday parties are also available, making the studio a versatile hub for both serious performers and casual enthusiasts.

Jordan-Polk, who also serves as the company's choreographer, finds particular joy in teaching younger students. "Our hip hop team does competition," she said, highlighting the studio's competitive edge. Yet it is the unfiltered enthusiasm of her pupils that truly energizes her.

Gentile echoed that sentiment, adding, "Kids have no filter and are ready to say and do the goofiest things. It's so joyful watching them learn and grow."Parents have also taken notice of the studio's structured approach.

Oscar Goldman, a parent of a student, praised the classes for being well-organized, with instructors who provide clear and detailed instructions that make it easy for students to follow along and improve their skills.As the company prepares to settle into its new home, Gentile encouraged the community to stay connected through digital channels.

"We encourage everyone to follow us on Instagram @northshoreelitetalent and check our website at https://www.northshoreelitetalent.com for real-time updates!" she said.With the rhythmic promise of tap shoes soon echoing off walls that once housed the quiet rustle of shoeboxes, Glenview's latest arts addition is poised to make some joyful noise.