Business Details
Premier Dance Classes for All Ages in Highland, IL
Innovative Movement Dance has been dedicated to fostering artistic growth and technical excellence in dance for 14 seasons. Our studio prioritizes individualized learning, allowing students to define personal goals and tailor their dance education based on unique aspirations, time commitments, and financial considerations. With a focus on technique and creativity, we offer classes in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical/contemporary, hip hop, acro/tumbling, and pom for dancers of all ages and skill levels. Our experienced instructors bring decades of professional experience, including competition judging, choreography, and university-level teaching.We provide both recreational and competitive pathways, ensuring every dancer receives personalized attention to develop their craft. Our flexible 'a la carte' approach accommodates busy families while maintaining affordability. Through master classes, summer intensives, and performance opportunities, we cultivate a supportive environment where dancers build confidence, technical proficiency, and lifelong passion for movement.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Instruction
Tap Dance
Hip Hop
Acro/Tumbling
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined instructor experience with professional competition judging credentials
- Our flexible 'a la carte' scheduling accommodates multi-activity families
- We provide both recreational and competitive pathways with required technique classes
- Our instructors include university-level dance professionals and award-winning choreographers
- We host specialized master classes and summer intensives for advanced training
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops foundational technique through structured training in classical positions, barre work, and center combinations. Students learn graceful movement patterns while building strength, flexibility, and performance quality. Classes emphasize proper alignment and musicality, preparing dancers for advanced pointe work when physically ready. Weekly sessions accommodate ages 5+ with progressive skill development.
Hip Hop
Contemporary hip hop instruction focuses on isolations, rhythm, and freestyle expression. Students master popping, locking, and breaking techniques while developing personal style. Classes incorporate current trends and musicality training for ages 6+. No prior experience required, with options for both recreational and competitive team preparation.
Acro/Tumbling
Certified instructors teach progressive acrobatic skills including cartwheels, walkovers, and aerials. Classes integrate dance technique with flexibility training to enhance performance quality. Students develop core strength and spatial awareness through drills that complement all dance styles. Weekly 60-minute sessions include conditioning and skill-specific progressions.
Competitive Teams
Our competitive program offers solo, duo, and group routines with professional choreography. Required ballet and leaps/turns classes ensure technical excellence. Dancers participate in regional/national competitions with rehearsal packages tailored to individual goals. Pre-competitive options allow younger students to experience competition without full team commitment.
Toddler Dance
Imaginative classes for ages 2-5 introduce basic motor skills through themed adventures. Students explore ballet, tap, and jazz fundamentals in a playful environment that builds confidence and creativity. Weekly 45-minute sessions use storytelling and music to develop coordination while encouraging self-expression through movement.
People
Christy Fisher
Owner/Director
With 20 years of instruction and choreography experience, Christy leads the studio's creative vision. Her students have earned college scholarships and professional opportunities while she judges national competitions and directs the Push the Limit Summer Intensive.
Wittni Deters
Instructor
A former competitive soloist and SIUE dance major, Wittni teaches ballet, jazz, and contemporary. She brings expertise in gymnastics conditioning and choreography, having trained dancers at regional and state competition levels.
Taylor Slabe
Instructor
Specializing in jazz and hip hop, Taylor combines competition experience with social work studies. A UDA Nationals champion, she focuses on technical precision and performance energy for students aged 6+.
Kiarra Brimm
Instructor
Currently pursuing a dance degree at SIUE, Kiarra teaches modern and hip hop. With Richland Community College training, she emphasizes proper alignment and cross-training techniques to prevent injury while building versatility.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical/contemporary, hip hop, acro/tumbling, and pom. Classes are available for toddlers through adults with both recreational and competitive options.
Do you require prior dance experience?
No prior experience needed. Our toddler classes start at age 2, and combination classes accommodate beginners aged 5-10 with progressive skill development.
How does competitive team registration work?
Competitive dancers must enroll in ballet and leaps/turns classes. Additional rehearsals and solos are optional. Contact Christy Fisher for team requirements and competition schedules.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Competitive teams perform at regional/national events. Recreational students participate in annual recitals and showcase events with professional choreography and stage production.
