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Dispute between Avondale Mexican dance studio and neighbors prompts police investigation
Both the studio and the neighbors spoke with CBS News Chicago about the confrontation over noise and safety concerns.
Published on Mar. 8, 2026
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A Mexican folk dance studio in Avondale, Chicago is speaking out after they said neighbors threw water at students and complained about the noise from the studio. The dance group said they moved into the location a few years ago, and both they and the neighbors said concerns were shared before the incident. The neighbors claimed the noise has been an ongoing issue, while the studio said they are trying to ensure students and families can enter and exit the building safely.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights tensions between a community-focused cultural organization and nearby residents over noise, safety, and community relations. It raises questions about balancing the needs of a local business and the concerns of neighbors in a changing urban neighborhood.
The details
Around 10 p.m. on a Friday, students were exiting the Ballet Folklórico de Chicago studio when neighbors were seen throwing water at them and saying "You're lucky ICE isn't here." The studio has since contacted the police about the incident. The neighbors, who did not want to appear on camera, said the noise from the studio has been an ongoing issue for the last two years, and they have felt threatened since the video was posted online, even receiving death threats.
- The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026.
- The dance studio has been operating in the Avondale location for a few years.
The players
Ballet Folklórico de Chicago
A Mexican folk dance studio that trains and teaches students in Mexican folk dancing and culture.
Gabriela Azueta
A student at the Ballet Folklórico de Chicago studio who witnessed the incident and spoke to CBS News Chicago.
Unnamed neighbors
Residents living near the Ballet Folklórico de Chicago studio who have complained about the noise and were involved in the confrontation.
What they’re saying
“It's like a family, I love the classes, I love the instructors.”
— Gabriela Azueta, Student (CBS News Chicago)
“That is so dangerous for kids. We can't tolerate all this behavior.”
— Gabriela Azueta, Student (CBS News Chicago)
“We are raising our voices because we need a safe community for our kids.”
— Gabriela Azueta, Student (CBS News Chicago)
“It's scary to see this every time you come here just to take a class, and it's not fair for the students, especially kids.”
— Gabriela Azueta, Student (CBS News Chicago)
“This is not about last night, it's about the last two years we've been living there. Man, it's been a continuous, they're just noisy, man. They're rude.”
— Unnamed neighbor (CBS News Chicago)
What’s next
Chicago police said they are continuing to investigate the incident, and the neighbors said they want to speak with the studio to try to work out a resolution.
The takeaway
This dispute highlights the challenges of balancing the needs of a community-focused cultural organization and the concerns of nearby residents, underscoring the importance of open communication and finding compromises to maintain a safe and harmonious neighborhood.
