North Suburban School of Dance Celebrates Award-Winning Season and Annual Recital Success

August 2026: The North Suburban YMCA’s North Suburban School of Dance (NSSOD) concluded an exceptional 2025–26 season marked by competitive success, artistic achievement, and memorable recital performances.

This year, NSSOD student dance companies delivered an outstanding competition season, earning top placements, elite adjudications, special judges’ awards, and overall titles across four regional competitions. The dance companies include Competitive, Momentum and Inspired, offering all competition levels. Throughout the season, dancers received numerous Platinum Elite, Double Platinum, and Platinum awards, demonstrating exceptional technique, performance quality, and artistry.

The season culminated with three recital performances featuring dancers from 42 classes. Students ages 3 through adult took the stage to perform a variety of routines that celebrated a year of growth, dedication, and artistic accomplishment. Families, friends, and community members gathered to enjoy performances that showcased the passion and talent of NSSOD dancers.

The fall line-up for the NSSOD programming is now available and open for registration.
For information about the North Suburban School of Dance CLICK HERE.
To register for classes, CLICK HERE.

“The NSSOD dance recital highlights not only the exceptional skill and caliber of the instructors, but also a deep-rooted culture of teamwork and mutual support among dancers of all levels,” said Simone Toubes, whose daughters have participated in the program for several years. “It is rare to see such precise technical excellence paired with a genuine, uplifting camaraderie that makes every student feel celebrated. It is one of my favorite days of the year!”

“We are incredibly proud of what our dancers accomplished this season, both on stage and in competition,” said Val Lober, NSYMCA Performing Arts Director. “Their commitment, perseverance, and passion for dance were evident in every performance. Watching our students grow as dancers and individuals throughout the year is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.”

Lober has led the Y’s performing arts programs for several years and continues to foster an inclusive environment where dancers of all ages and abilities can build confidence, creativity, and lifelong friendships through the arts.

The North Suburban School of Dance offers a wide variety of performing arts classes for preschoolers through adults, including ballet, pointe, contemporary, jazz, tap, hip hop, musical theatre, poms, and adult dance classes. NSSOD provides students with opportunities to develop technical skills, artistic expression, and performance experience in a supportive and encouraging environment.

For more information about the North Suburban School of Dance and the North Suburban YMCA, visit www.nsymca.org or contact Val Lober at vlober@nsymca.org.

About the North Suburban School of Dance

Often described as a dance studio housed within the YMCA, we truly believe that dance is for all. Over our fifty years of training dance students, we continue to be leaders in quality dance training and education on the North Shore and Northbrook areas. As a studio, we help all students achieve their goals regardless of their background, experience, age, level or dance or future plans.

Our mission is to provide a quality dance education in an inclusive and welcoming environment for all, to inspire and nurture the next generation of dancers and performers, and to help all students achieve their full potential. Our vision is to see each student develop their talents in the studio so they can grow as leaders in their communities and appreciators of the arts.

About the North Suburban YMCA

The North Suburban YMCA services Northbrook and 14 surrounding communities with programs and tools that help its residents become healthier, more connected, and confident, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The NSYMCA focuses on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility and is a charitable organization, inclusive and welcoming to all in our community.