Business Details
22 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education for All Ages in Oak Park
Founded in 2004 by Diane VanDerhei, we have dedicated ourselves to teaching the full spectrum of the creative process through dance. Our philosophy emphasizes Body, Energy, Space, and Time, fostering technical mastery and personal expression across all skill levels. With two studio locations in Oak Park and Forest Park, Illinois, we offer tailored programs for recreational, pre-professional, and adult dancers. Our curriculum integrates improvisation, choreography, and performance, supported by world-class instructors with extensive industry experience. We prioritize the body-mind connection through techniques like The Brain Dance and Bartenieff Fundamentals, ensuring students develop both physical and artistic capabilities.As a member of the National Dance Education Organization, we uphold the highest standards in dance education. Our pre-professional students gain unique opportunities through ChoreoSpace, our professional dance company. We cultivate self-motivation, creativity, and critical thinking in students, aligning with research showing dance enhances life skills. With classes for ages pre-K to adult, we welcome all who seek to explore movement as artistic communication. Our community engagement includes performances like The Tale of the Nutcracker and partnerships with local cultural institutions.
Services
Ballet Classes
Contemporary Dance
Hip Hop Instruction
Jazz Dance
Tap Dance
Musical Theater
Wedding Dance Prep
Adult Dance
Choreography Workshops
Performance Training
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized dance curricula for all skill levels.
- Our instructors include professional choreographers and performers.
- We integrate body-mind connection techniques like The Brain Dance.
- We provide pathways to professional performance through ChoreoSpace.
- Our programs align with National Dance Education Organization standards.
What people say
Experienced instructors
Diverse class offerings
Supportive environment
Professional performance opportunities
Creative curriculum
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical proficiency through age-appropriate instruction. Students learn classical variations and foundational techniques, emphasizing proper alignment and metatarsal mobility. Classes range from beginner to advanced levels, preparing dancers for pointe work and professional performance opportunities.
Contemporary Dance
This specialty program focuses on expressive body control and improvisation. Dancers explore dynamic choreography using spatial patterns and energy modulation. Classes incorporate Bartenieff Fundamentals to enhance body awareness, with opportunities to perform in original works by professional choreographers.
Hip Hop Instruction
Students master body isolations, rhythm, and street-style techniques. The curriculum covers historical context and current trends, with emphasis on musicality and personal expression. Classes prepare dancers for performance workshops and community showcases.
Choreography Workshops
These workshops teach composition principles and creative processes. Participants develop original works under professional guidance, learning to structure movement phrases and utilize spatial dynamics. Selected pieces may be performed in studio recitals or professional productions.
Wedding Dance Prep
Couples receive personalized instruction to create memorable first dances. Sessions focus on coordination, timing, and confidence-building. Instructors adapt choreography to music preferences and skill levels, ensuring enjoyable preparation for special occasions.
People
Diane VanDerhei
Artistic Director
Accomplished dancer and educator with 20+ years developing K-12 dance curricula. BFA graduate from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, former Hubbard Street Dance Chicago teaching artist, and recipient of Milwaukee County Fellowship in Choreography.
Connor Cornelius
Resident Choreographer
Professional choreographer and performer with Chicago-based companies. Former Presidential Scholar in Dance at Western Michigan University. Creates works commissioned for INTUIT Dance, Project Bound Dance, and DanceWorks Chicago.
Emma Draves
Dance Educator
Modern dance specialist with MFA from Northwestern University. Former performer with Natya Dance Theatre and Mordine & Company. Teaches contemporary techniques integrating ethnographic perspectives and emotional expression.
Sage Miller
Ballet Instructor
BFA graduate from Cornish College of the Arts. Certified Pilates instructor with performance experience in works by Ohad Naharin and Crystal Pite. Teaches classical ballet and contemporary techniques to advanced students.
Nikki Renfroe
Dance Faculty
University of Illinois graduate with 200-hour yoga certification. Professional dancer with Simantikos Dance Chicago. Teaches ballet, jazz, and yoga while directing Trinity High School's dance program.
Questions
What age groups do your dance programs serve?
We offer classes for children as young as pre-K through adult learners, with specialized curricula for recreational, pre-professional, and adult divisions.
Do you offer performance opportunities for students?
Yes! Students participate in annual recitals, community performances, and our ChoreoSpace professional company provides advanced performance opportunities through auditions.
What dance styles are available at your studio?
We teach ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, tap, musical theater, and choreography. Adult classes include Pilates and performance workshops.
Can beginners join your dance classes?
Absolutely! All skill levels are welcome. Our recreational division specifically caters to first-time dancers with developmentally appropriate instruction.
How do registration and prorated fees work?
We prorate fees based on start date. Online registration is available for all programs, with flexible payment options for private lessons and class packages.
Are there special event dance services available?
Yes, we offer wedding dance preparation with customized choreography sessions to help couples create memorable first dances for their special events.
