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Three LoMastro dancers in blue costumes in a high extension on stage

Inspiring excellence · Our 20th season · Since 2007

About the Academy

LoMastro sets the standard for technical training and character development in dance, acro, and musical theatre across Lake Forest and the North Shore.

Meet our faculty

We develop confident, resilient young leaders.

TWENTY, our 20th season celebration, January 29, 2027 See the calendar

LoMastro dancers in a studio with a Marley floor, teen ballet class

The standard

  1. Classes are taught by a distinguished faculty, all of whom are working professionals in their field.

    Be present and focus on W.I.N.

  2. Instructors follow a comprehensive curriculum to ensure all students receive a high quality, consistent education that meets the highest artistic standards.

    Be inclusive and build relationships.

  3. Small class sizes are strictly enforced. Maximum class sizes for Early Childhood programs are 8-12 children.

    Be bright, be kind, be you!

  4. Students gain a love and appreciation of the performing arts, as well as self-confidence, self-discipline and a positive self-image.

    We are always learning and growing.

  5. Programs are offered for all ages and levels, training the student from early childhood through pre-professional.

    Be the 1st to do what's right & lead by example.

  6. Classes are offered in dance and acro, to train well-rounded performing artists. Grown-Up & Me classes are offered for babies-toddlers with the parent or caregiver.

  7. Performing companies are nurtured to give talented and dedicated students an opportunity to perform in professionally produced productions as well as community outreach.

  8. In addition to year end recitals we produce a Musical in March, a Summer Showcase in July, bi-annually at Disney World in December and produce The Nutcracker every other year.

  9. Students learn social skills to help them to become thoughtful, confident and responsible adults.

  10. Families enjoy a clean, safe, state-of-the-art facility.

LoMastro ballet dancers performing an arabesque line on stage

CORE VALUES

Our core values shape our culture and guide everything we do at LoMastro! We think it’s important that you know what they are.

  • Kindness
  • Positivity
  • Safety
  • Integrity
  • Community
  • Excellence
  • Equality
  • Teamwork
And although it's not on the list, we believe role models matter. Our team understands that little eyes are looking up to them and their words, actions and how they show up, is of vital importance. We all strive to be the best we can be to inspire excellence in others.

W.I.N.G.S.

Our W.I.N.G.S. program is for all our dance and acro students aged 6 and above.

  1. W

    What's Important Now

    Be present and focus on W.I.N.

  2. I

    Include Everyone

    Be inclusive and build relationships.

  3. N

    Nurture Good Character

    Be bright, be kind, be you!

  4. G

    Growth Mindset

    We are always learning and growing.

  5. S

    Step Up and Take the Lead

    Be the 1st to do what's right & lead by example.

This program is designed to inspire students to cultivate good character, develop a growth mindset, be inclusive, focus on being present, and recognize their power to lead by example. The name of the program is an acronym that stands for What's Important Now, Include Everyone, Nurture Good Character, Growth Mindset, and Step Up and Take the Lead.

By participating in this program, we hope to boost our students' confidence, nurture their unique strengths, and create strong bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime. Throughout the year, we will spend a brief 5-10 minutes of each class doing a W.I.N.G.S. activity approx. every six weeks. During this time, students will learn valuable skills such as being present, focusing on what's important now, building relationships, being inclusive, cultivating good character traits, and embracing a growth mindset.

We believe that W.I.N.G.S. is a valuable part to our curriculum, helping our students to grow both in and out of the classroom. We encourage you to discuss the program with your child at home and reinforce the values and principles they are learning through it.

Our Faculty

Our team shares a common philosophy: to bring each student the benefits of performing arts training - healthy lifestyles, alert minds, self-discipline, the spirit of team work and a love for the arts.

  • Loren LoMastro Specht, LoMastro faculty

    Loren LoMastro Specht

    Founder & Executive Director

  • Molly LoMastro, LoMastro faculty

    Molly LoMastro

    Director of Operations & Office Manager

  • Dani Johnson, LoMastro faculty

    Dani Johnson

    Director of Programs and Dance Company

  • Abby Rossiter, LoMastro faculty

    Abby Rossiter

    Artistic Director Emeritus & Advisor

Meet the full faculty

The studio

A LoMastro studio with a gray sprung floor, mirrors and ballet barres
The studios
The studio hallway with waiting benches
The lobby
The LoMastro boutique
The boutique

Contact

Hours
Open when classes are in session.
Main studio
840 S. Waukegan Road #108, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Satellite location
Gorton Community Center, 400 East Illinois, Lake Forest, IL 60045

Ready to enroll?

New students enroll online in age based programs. If your child has previous training and needs placement, call us and we will find the right level.

Call 847-615-5400 or text 847-232-4072

New here and want to try first? See the 4-Week Intro
Get started