OUTLET was developed in 2013 and started in 2014 by Katrina Rathbone and Leslie Spear who were passionate about creating a place for adults to take weekly classes and rehearse in the suburbs without having to travel to the city.

 

We offer technique classes in a variety of styles for dancers whose schedule, age or budget does not allow them to sign up for regular studio classes.  The classes are geared towards moderate to advanced level dancers, perfect for dancers looking to "get back in to dance" or looking to "keep up with technique".  Unlike studio classes, the dance style & instructor changes week to week and dancers are able to perform in multiple styles of choreography while only committing to one weekly rehearsal!

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The OUTLET dance company is made of up 2 branches:  Outlet NORTH and Outlet SOUTH.  Outlet North meets for rehearsals on Wednesdays (8-10pm) in Arlington Heights and Outlet SOUTH meets for rehearsals on Sundays (6-8pm) in Countryside.  While the branches rehearse separately, they all come together for a collaborative performance at the end of the season.  The addition of Outlet South was created to try and open up more opportunities for dancers looking to be a part of the company, as well as for our current members to take more classes, work with new artists, or just dance more each week.

 

What really makes outlet different from other companies is the opportunities offered to all members.  Outlet creates a place for all members to have the opportunity to dance, choreograph, teach class, or pursue other artistic outlets they are interested in.  This is great for young professionals looking for experience or a place to set their choreography on a company as well as artists who have been away from the dance world too long and have a need to get back to it.