About Our Studio
Forté Arts Center
Dance & Music Lessons for All Ages
Join the Fun at Forté Arts Center!
Forté Arts Center is more than just a dance and music school; it’s a community where students grow not only in skill but in character. Established to provide a safe, supportive environment, Forté emphasizes developing essential life skills like confidence, respect, and perseverance through the arts.
Our state-of-the-art facilities feature professional “floating” floors that enhance safety and comfort, reducing the risk of injuries and fatigue. Forté’s commitment extends beyond teaching; it fosters a culture of care and respect, where students learn to contribute positively to their community.
The center’s philosophy is built around nurturing not just great performers but great people, making Forté a place where students thrive both in the arts and in life.
Our Mission
Respect. Passion. Determination.
At Forte Arts Center, we offer complete instruction programs in the arts for students of all ages and abilities. Our integrity, value and dedication to excellence is the foundation of all we do.
Our instructors go beyond technique and poise to develop important life skills such as confidence, respect, passion, determination, trust, friendship, and perseverance.
Safe Environment
It is our mission to provide a safe and inclusive environment for our students while providing engaging and entertaining classrooms.
Family First
We take pride in being a family-first organization that provides life skills, friendships, and community in a welcoming atmosphere.
Our Commitment
We know that parents choose Forte Arts Center for our friendly service and positive environment. They stay with us because of our commitment to customer care, our values, our culture, and our excellence.
A Word From the Owner
Thank you for visiting Forté Arts Center
Since I was a young girl, I dreamed of teaching dance and making an impact. I studied dance my entire life and worked hard to open my business the same summer I graduated from college.
From the very beginning, I believed Forte should be more than a place to take dance or music classes. I wanted it to be a place where students grow in confidence, discover their gifts, build friendships, and learn lessons that impact them for life.
When I opened our Morris location in 1993 and later expanded to Channahon in 2002, my vision was never simply to teach the arts. My vision was to create a community where students feel encouraged, supported, challenged, and valued while developing skills that help them become confident and successful in life.
At Forte, I believe the arts are about so much more than performance. They are about building character, creating connections, inspiring joy, and helping students become leaders both on and off the stage. Every class, performance, conversation, and experience is an opportunity to make a positive impact in the life of a child and their family.
The core values we live by guide everything we do. We strive to exceed expectations, lead with integrity, serve with heart, create an inclusive and welcoming environment, put families first, build trust, and bring joy into our studios each day.
Over the years, thousands of students and families have become part of the Forte story. Some have gone on to careers in the arts, while others have become teachers, business owners, parents, and leaders in their communities. One of the greatest joys of my life has been watching students grow not only as performers but as people.
I am incredibly grateful to continue serving our communities through our Morris and Channahon locations and honored that so many families have trusted Forte to be part of their journey for more than three decades.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Forte Arts Center. I would love the opportunity to welcome your family into our community.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Forte Arts Center. I would love the opportunity to welcome your family into our community.
Forté commUNITY
Giving Back is Our Forte
Forte Arts Center is committed to community service in addition to education in the arts. We are confident that a mixture of good grades, service to our community, and arts education will help our students become well-rounded individuals with a successful future. We know that not everyone that walks through our doors will become a professional artist, but will walk out of our doors with the confidence they need to be successful in whatever career they choose as well as a leader in their community.
Forte Arts Center’s Service Society was created to raise awareness and encourage community involvement. Anyone that is interested can be part of this society. Our students receive points for participating, contributing, or starting a service project.
Would you like to help us make a difference in the community? Contact us at forteartscenter5678@gmail.com
Why We're Different
Can you tell me about your facilities?
Our facilities feature large studios with professional “floating” activity floors which prevent injury and reduce fatigue. A floating floor rests on a system of high-density foam, to absorb the shock of jumping and is superior to a “sprung” floor, which usually consists of a wood structure built on the regular floor. The top layer, a vinyl type “marley” surface allows dancers to slide, with control, but is not slippery so there is less risk of slips and falls. Very few studios use the “floating” floor and marley for their flooring because of the expense involved.
How does your program surpass standard expectations?
We involve you in your child’s progress with viewing windows and we parent observation days throughout the year. Our faculty members have degrees in the arts or comparable professional experience and continue training to stay on the cutting edge. Participation in our recital is stress-free for our busy families. More than 2000 people enjoy our spectacular shows in comfort and style each year in the newly renovated space.
How Much Personal Attention will my child receive?
In order to ensure personal attention to every student we limit the number of students in our classes. Careful consideration is given to the age of the student, the type of class, and the level of difficulty. By keeping the class sizes smaller, we make sure that fundamental concepts, developing good habits and proper technique is attained.
Can I get immediate assistance and customer service?
Our studios have desk staff available regularly during the evenings, as well as office staff available during the day to assist anyone with questions, so immediate assistance is available. We are committed to customer service and making it easy for our families, registration through recital.
Ready to Begin Your Forte Journey?
Whether you’re exploring classes for the first time or looking to become part of our growing arts community, we’re here to help every step of the way. Reach out today and let’s find the perfect fit for your child’s creativity, confidence, and passion.
Happy Parents & Dancers
Kind words from parents and students.
At Forte Arts Center, we are incredibly grateful for the trust our families place in us year after year. Watching our students grow in confidence, creativity, skill, and character is at the heart of everything we do, and nothing means more than hearing how those experiences have impacted our community.
From first-time dancers and musicians to lifelong performers, our students and families are what make Forte such a special place. We’re proud to provide a welcoming environment where every child feels supported, encouraged, and inspired to thrive both inside and outside the studio.
“Forte is an incredible place for dance and music lessons. They are not just teaching students to be great dancers, musicians, and performers but also teaching them to be wonderful human beings. All the teachers and staff are so caring and patient with the students (and us parents) and make lasting bonds with all the families. Each year we are involved with Forte, the more we feel fortunate to be part of their community.”
Sarah Peterson, Mother of dance and music student
“This is my daughters first season at Forte and she has absolutely fallen in love with dance. The instructors are all amazing. They are kind, caring, and absolutely wonderful. They make sure every single child is included and feels welcomed! Forte feels like a home away from home. Everyone is friendly and that includes the staff and other parents. I have watched my daughter grow and learn so much in the past year of her taking classes.”
Caitlin Gunty, Mother of Dance Student
“My daughter has gone here for several years now. We have moved several times and she was never really able to have a place to call “home.” She learned to dance in front of the TV on Youtube. Now she has a place to call her dance home. The Morris studio has lots of space and room for everyone. I’ve watched my daughter grow into the dancer she was born to be, and Forte cultivated that love of dance. We love it here!”
Randi Milstead, Dance Student Parent
Recognition & Media
Serving Our Community Through Music, Dance, And Tumbling For Over 30 Years
For more than 30 years, Forte Arts Center has been proud to inspire confidence, creativity, and connection through music, dance, and tumbling in our community. We are honored to be recognized for the positive impact our programs have on students and families both inside and outside the studio.
