Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Dance Education in Plainfield, IL
Founded in 1972 by Sandra Vaughan, our academy has been a cornerstone of dance education in Plainfield, Illinois, for over five decades. We are a family-owned institution dedicated to nurturing poise, self-esteem, and grace in children through disciplined yet compassionate dance instruction. Our curriculum spans from toddler classes to competitive pre-professional programs, with instructors trained at prestigious institutions like Northern Illinois University and The Houston Ballet Academy. The INNOVATION Dance Company, established in 1993, has earned national recognition as ADCC's Regional Studio of Excellence and KARs Elite Studio of Excellence.Our spacious studios feature sprung floors and Marley surfaces, ensuring optimal training environments. We prioritize student retention and individualized attention, fostering long-term growth and community impact. With over 1,000 students taught annually, we maintain direct communication with families to address scheduling, education, and financial needs. Our legacy combines technical excellence with a supportive atmosphere, preparing dancers for life beyond the studio through confidence and discipline.
Services
Ballet
Jazz
Hip Hop
Tap
Lyrical
Contemporary
Tumbling
Predance
Competitive Dance
Mommy & Me Classes
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- Caring environment focused on dance education and character development
- Instructors trained at Northern Illinois University and The Houston Ballet Academy
- Award-winning competitive team with national recognition since 1993
- Spacious studios with sprung floors and Marley flooring
- Direct communication with management for personalized support
Associations and certifications
- ADCC Regional Studio of Excellence
- KARs Elite Studio of Excellence
What people say
Amazing positive attitudes
Caring and considerate staff
Improved confidence and skills
Welcoming family environment
Professional instructors
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet curriculum develops classical technique through barre work, center exercises, and performance pieces. Students learn proper posture, alignment, and artistic expression while building foundational skills for all dance styles. Classes are structured by experience level from beginner to advanced, with annual recital participation.
INNOVATION Dance Company
This pre-professional competitive troupe offers intensive training in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap, and hip hop. Dancers receive personalized coaching, stage presence development, and opportunities to compete regionally and nationally while learning sportsmanship and artistic growth through structured discipline.
Tumbling Techniques
Structured tumbling classes teach progressive skills from basic cartwheels to advanced aerials and contortion. Three skill levels ensure proper progression, with safety-focused instruction emphasizing strength development, flexibility, and proper technique execution for dancers of all ages.
Hip Hop Classes
Energetic hip hop instruction covers breakdancing fundamentals, strength exercises, and choreography. Students learn current pop culture dance styles while developing rhythm, coordination, and performance energy through weekly combinations and annual recital pieces.
Mommy & Me Classes
Creative movement classes for 2-year-olds introduce basic dance concepts through parent-assisted activities. These sessions develop motor skills, musicality, and social interaction in a playful environment while establishing early dance foundations for toddlers.
People
Samantha Vaughan
Director
Samantha continues her mother's legacy as academy director, combining 20+ years of dance education experience with family tradition. She oversees curriculum development and maintains the studio's commitment to technical excellence and character growth.
Sandra Vaughan
Founder
Sandra established the academy in 1972 as Plainfield's first dance school. Her vision created a nurturing environment where generations of dancers developed technical skills and personal confidence through structured dance education.
Vikki Vigna
Competitive Team Director
Vikki founded the INNOVATION Dance Company in 1993, developing it into a nationally recognized competitive program. She specializes in preparing dancers for pre-professional challenges while maintaining focus on artistic and personal development.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We offer classes for children aged 2 through teens, with specific programs for different developmental stages.
Do you offer competitive dance opportunities?
Yes, our INNOVATION Dance Company provides competitive training and performance opportunities for dedicated dancers.
What dance styles are available?
We teach ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, lyrical, contemporary, and tumbling with specialized instructors in each discipline.
Are parent observation options available?
Yes, we have TV monitors for class viewing while minimizing classroom distractions during lessons.
What makes your studio unique?
Our family-owned business combines 50+ years of tradition with modern techniques, emphasizing character development alongside technical excellence.
How do you support student growth?
We provide individualized attention, direct management communication, and flexible scheduling to accommodate each family's needs.
