A Bold New Chapter on Clark Street
In late 2024, Joel Hall Dancers & Center celebrated a major milestone: the opening of their stunning new studio space at 4511 N. Clark St in Chicago’s vibrant Uptown neighborhood. This state‑of‑the‑art 4,500 sq ft studio features a premium Connor Dance Pro Forma III subfloor topped with Canvas 3.0 mm Marley vinyl, creating a performance-ready surface engineered for Urban Jazz, ballet, contemporary, and street dance.
This flooring combination delivers exceptional shock absorption, consistent response, and durability; exactly what Joel Hall’s dancers need to sustain artistry and agility while minimizing injury risk. It’s a testament to the center’s commitment to world-class training and performance environments.
The Legacy of Joel Hall
Joel Hall, a native of Cabrini-Green, co-founded the Chicago City Theatre Company (later Joel Hall Dancers & Center) in 1974 with Joseph Ehrenberg. With a modern classical fusion he branded as Urban Jazz, Hall has choreographed over 70 ballets that blend jazz, classical, modern, and street styles—earning him national acclaim and international recognition.
Beyond choreography, Hall served as Mayor Harold Washington’s International Ambassador for the Arts, mentored generations of dancers, and earned numerous honors—from Lifetime Achievement awards to having November 21 officially declared Joel Hall Day in Chicago.
A Champion for Dance in Chicago
In April 2025, Hall received the prestigious Dance/USA Champion Award. This honor recognizes organizations or individuals in the host city whose leadership and dedication have significantly advanced their local dance ecosystem. The award applauds Hall’s unwavering support and his lasting impact on the city’s dance landscape, ensuring Chicago’s dance community is healthier, stronger, and inclusive.
What This Studio Means for Chicago
Enhanced training & performance: The resilient subfloor and vinyl finish offer dancers an ideal environment for precision, athleticism, and artistic expression.
Community enrichment: Located in Uptown, this accessible hub promotes affordable, culturally relevant dance education rooted in Black, Brown, and LGBTQIA+ experience.
Brand reinforcement: Partnering with Connor Dance highlights Joel Hall Dancers & Center as a premier, forward-thinking organization equipped for excellence.
The Future of Urban Jazz
With this impressive new home and upgraded facilities, Joel Hall Dancers & Center is poised to:
Strengthen its reputation as a hub for social change through dance, keeping its commitment to diversity, equity, and empowerment
Continue nurturing fellows and student-tutors who will carry the Urban Jazz tradition forward
A Legacy Fitting for a Champion
Joel Hall’s journey; from community-focused choreographer to Chicago dance legend, has culminated in this new studio space, a physical symbol of his enduring impact. The Connor Pro Forma III + Canvas 3.0 setup underscores a commitment to dancer well being, technical excellence, and the transformational power of dance.
This new home on Clark Street isn’t just a studio; it’s a testament to legacy, innovation, and community. It stands ready to elevate the next generation of dancers and amplify Chicago’s global role in the dance world.