Lincoln Park · Chicago, Illinois
Tutu School Lincoln Park
Armitage Avenue storybook ballet studio for children 6 months to 8 years. Lincoln Park location of the established Tutu School franchise (Mill Valley flagship founded 2008 by Genevieve Custer Weeks).
- Ballet
- Children's Dance
How Tutu School Lincoln Park comes across
Tutu School Lincoln Park comes across as a tightly focused early-childhood ballet studio for ages "6 months to 8 years," sharing the national chain's storybook premise that "every child should know what it feels like to dance." Its leveled structure — Baby Ballet, Tutu Toddlers, Exploring Ballet, Primary Ballet Prep — reads as developmental and play-based rather than technical, anchored by a "Ballet Storytime" curriculum that uses "beautiful ballets and musical scores from the classical repertoire" to deliver "positive, confidence-building messages." What gives this particular location a little more weight is that its owner, Genevieve, is also identified as the CEO and founder of Tutu School Franchises — so the Armitage Avenue studio is effectively the brand's home outpost. Caregiver participation is required for the youngest, reinforcing the parent-and-child feel. The impression is of a charming, imagination-first introduction to ballet — ideal for a parent wanting joy and confidence in a toddler, clearly not aimed at serious or competitive training.
An editor's impression, drawn from the school's own website and public materials, 13 June 2026. Not a review — if it misses the mark, the school or a parent can tell us via the form below.
About the school
Tutu School Lincoln Park offers storybook-inspired ballet classes for children ages 6 months to 8 years on Armitage Avenue in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. The studio operates under the Tutu School franchise system founded in 2008 in Mill Valley by Genevieve Custer Weeks. Classes follow Tutu School's structured curriculum with character-based class themes and consistent visual identity across all locations, taught by certified Tutu School instructors. The location is a Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce member.
At a glance
- Address
- 1015 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
- Suburb
- Lincoln Park
- City
- Chicago
- State
- Illinois
- Age range
- 0–8 years
- Disciplines
- Ballet, Creative Movement
- Approach
- Recreational
- Price band
- Mid
- Trial class
- Available on request
What stands out
- i.Lincoln Park location of established Tutu School franchise
- ii.Storybook-themed pre-school ballet (ages 6 months to 8 years)
- iii.Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce member
Also in Lincoln Park
Ballet Academy in Lincoln Park
Ages 3+
Founded 1998. Vaganova-method ballet school running from the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture on Southport Avenue plus a second location at DePaul's Ray Meyer Fitness Center. From 'Small Steps' for young children through teen/adult Vaganova syllabus.
Old Town School of Folk Music — Lincoln Park
Ages 3+
Lincoln Park campus of the 70-year-old Old Town School of Folk Music (founded 1957). Long-running Armitage Avenue facility since 1968 offering dance and movement classes from world dance traditions for all ages.