The Dance Academy

First of all, I would like to commend the Dance Academy on their staff and students. Teachers and office staff are ready to answer all questions, and if answers aren't known, they are found with efficiency. Upon entering the studio, I have seen that the students are always ready to dance, and seem happy to learn, and kind to one another. The atmosphere is great - there is a sense of real community. Parents seem to connect even if they don't really know each other. Secondly, I'd like to say that tuition and fees are very affordable and allow for my children to enter into different genres of dance at the same time without feeling like my wallet is on empty. I have been connected with the Dance Academy for many years and one of the things that I love most about this studio is that you are not bound by anything. You may join/quit at any time (assuming that you've already paid your tuition), reminders are posted all over the studio (on doors, windows, boards) about tuition, upcoming performances, studio closings, etc. And I also like how their recital is optional. I never once felt like I was being asked to fork over money. As soon as January session resumes, information is passed out with dates, fees, etc. I know that if I cannot afford to take part in something, I will not sign my daughter up to it, but I have never felt as though I were being asked for more than I was already giving, unless, of course, I decided to take part in anything "extra". As for the recitals, I do not see a problem with any of it. The teachers get to show off their skills and sometimes do silly/creative dances, but I think they deserve to seeing as how they are in the studio teaching our kids. If you feel as though you're child is seeing to much, simply cover their eyes... it's 3 minutes. My daughters enjoy their dance experience here at the Dance Academy and I know that they will continue dancing here for a very long time.

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My two daughters have taken classes here. The teachers are outstanding and my girls have enjoyed themselves. I would highly recommend this academy.

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After a few years of trying my daughter there we decided last year was...well our last. In the past couple years few staff members left, none gracefully, making it look like the owner couldn't maintain a professionalism, we were just warned not to talk to these people. New staff came in that seemed to do well, brought new ideas and styles to the over all show, but they ALL left the following year. Teachers went from doing clean cut dances in their show to becoming drag queens on stage that looked like they never took a lesson in their life. I felt that if that is what was teaching my child, it was a waste of my money. Here I brought my daughter's grandparents, and other family members and when the teachers danced in Drag like it was a night out on the town, II wanted to crawl in a hole and die.I There was a father daughter dance a couple years ago, that stage was packed iwth dads and their little girls making such a memory, and now its back to dads shaking their butts on stage, as they did every other year. They had Salsa classes that seemed to do well, and now they don't offer it. I dont understand the amount of paperwork that comes out, every other studio charges a recital fee that includes everything. Here , I got fees for tickets, DVDs, Costumes, Late fees, tuition, Pictures.None at the same time, so I felt like I was constantly being asked for money. There is never a steady person at the desk where they claim I can make payments at certain times, and then no one would be there. They let kids take water breaks for a class that is an hour? Another thing I don't understand is that if the teachers, are teaching the classes, why do they perform in the dances? They claim on their website they have they spacious rooms that...are so small...a class of 8 is cramped in their "large" studio.Having a young child there, I wanted to take pictures and respected the privacy for the teachers and children in class, but there was never a day where parents were allowed to come in and do that and at least have some communication with the teachers. All it was, was "check the bulletin board". There are quite a few local studios in the area that have opened up and we have taken our business elsewhere.

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BEWARE of dishonest, poor business here. I danced here as a child, so as soon as my daughter turned 3, I signed her up. I paid tuition every month in cash, then near recital time, I was told that they were missing the record of one of my payments. When I brought my receipt in to show that I had paid I expected an apology or at least an admission of a mistake. Instead, the owner called me and falsely accused me of forging the receipt. She insisted that I still owed the tuition, plus a late fee. I was appalled and offended that a customer would be accused of something like this because of their mistake. I ended up having to pay a double tuition just so my little girl could be in the show. I will definately NOT be bringing my business back to a place that would treat a student this way. It is unacceptable and outrageous to make such an accusation! I hope whoever reads this finds a better studio to join. And to add, I was horrified by the talent of the dancers and the quality of the show, there are much better studios in Chicago than this. I will be lookig for one in the fall.

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I've been dancing at the Dance Academy for 17 years. Being the only male adult in my classes could be an awkward situation, but the level of professionalism and committment to teaching all to dance has kept me coming back year after year. Also my son and daughter have taken classes here beginning at age 4 until 14 for my son and 18 for my daughter (who only left because she went away to college). It's given us a great bond. My son still helps out at each recital. I've gotten to know the owner over the years and she is just a world class person. She really cares about each of the students. I'm hoping my grandkids can dance there someday!

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My daughters have been at this dance studio for almost 5 years, and they absolutely love it here. They started off with one class, and have taken more and more classes as the years go by. Their knowledge and skills in dance are truly noticeable. They enjoy going to class, and have made many great friends. The teachers and staff are very welcoming and very friendly. There is a wide variety of classes to choose from, with a great schedule that accommodates our family. Keep up the great work. My daughters will be dancing here for years to come. Can't wait to sign the baby up as well. : )

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The dance academy is a great studio, where I have been able to accomplish doing something I love in a comfortable and fun setting. The instructors are professional, challenging, and incredibly personable. As someone who prefers to pursue dance as a hobby as opposed to a profession at this stage in my life, I feel that I can attend class without inhibition. It is a place I can be myself, express myself, and know that my instructors and peers will help to bring out the best in me. The dance academy is a place to learn all types of dance with excellent form and skill, but most importantly, have fun while doing it! In addition, the owner of the dance studio, who is also a teacher, is one of the most caring and genuine people I have ever met, and I believe her character is emulated and reflected by her students.

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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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I have been dancing at the Dance Academy since I was five years old starting out in tap/ballet and moving on to other forms of dance as I got older. What has kept me coming back is the feeling of belonging and family at The Dance Academy. The teachers are there to provide support and help us dancers to become better and achieve our goals and dreams and they expect nothing less than the best from us. Tuition is affordable and the environment is welcoming in comfortable. I recommend this dance studio to anyone who has a passion for dance, it will really take you places.

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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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My 1st daughter started dancing at The Dance Academy in February, 2002, just before she turned the age of 4. It was only a 3 month starter class, to see if she would enjoy it. Well, she took an immediate love to her new activity and wanted to be there more often. So, in September, that same year, I re-enrolled her for a full season's class. At the same time, I met a couple of mothers who also had their girls in her same class. Well, a long story short and almost 7 years later, we're all still there. The difference is now, my 1st daughter practices 4-5 days a week, my 2nd daughter now also participates in class, and the ladies I met back then, have become my best friends. We have our kids enrolled in not only dance together, but also in other activities such as karate, softball, and baseball. I think that Jeanne has done an outstanding job at maintaining an up to date schedule of classes, and is always striving to continue to improve. What more can you as?. The instructors have a clear understanding of the students and are able to adjust to all levels, to ensure that everyone feels welcome. I really don't have anything negative to say, although I hope that soon, Jeanne is able to expand! Bigger studios and more dressing space would be wonderful. But I guess Jeanne is like all of us--we all want a bigger home, although it may not be feasible, so we do the best we can with what we have--and that's exactly what Jeanne's accomplished. My girls are very happy, and that makes me happy. I really couldn't ask for anything more--oh, except for parking! But we're in Chicago, like that's going to happen!

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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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If you love to dance and want to have fun learning techniques and styles then this is the place for you. Whether you are just looking to dance for fun or to get started on a professional track, The Dance Academy has a class for whatever your passion is. I've been going to The Dance Academy for over 22 years. I know the owner and most of the teachers very well. The studio may be a little small right now but there are plans to grow. There are a few new teachers this year that are fantastic! My heart and my tapping toes belong to The Dance Academy!

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3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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I was so glad when I found this studio. It had exactly what I was looking for in a class: advanced levels for adults. They also have a variety of other levels, classes and teachers. You can take anything from ballet, to tap, to contemporary, to latin. It's truely a great experience and the staff is very caring and helpful for whatever your needs are.

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3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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This Dance School is great because of their friendly instructors who are great dancers and excellent teacher. No matter what your ability is and how much experience you have had, they coach you and make you feel comfortable. Their prices are reasonable and have discounts if you attend a certain number of classes. The downside to this school is their class rooms. The main one is average sized and needs to be bigger because they have several students. The second class room is much smaller and is unsuitable for dancing in.

PROS: great teachers
CONS: too small classrooms and not enough class rooms

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0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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