FROM THE FOUNDERS
While we were teaching preschool together, Andrea introduced Creative Dance into the classroom curriculum. The response was so great, that we decided to plan a summer dance camp for our 3 and 4 year olds. After a successful camp, we were overwhelmed with requests to continue and expand our program to other children in the community. Thus, Elite Dance Academy was created. In the Summer of 2006 we converted a church storage closet into a dance studio where we offered 36 dancers a variety of classes. Within 3 months we grew out of our closet studio and moved to a 1600 sq foot space with 2 studios. Our passion has always been to create a quality dance education in a professional, safe, and positive environment. We believe by creating a healthy environment our students build confidence, discipline, and friendships that last a lifetime. Because of these ideals, we have grown to over 400 students, located to a larger facility, and now are expanding once again. Five years ago, we never imagined Elite would be what it is today. We’re blessed that we have been able to touch so many lives and our biggest reward is when dancers walk out of their class and can’t wait to come back. Thank you for trusting us with your children. Let’s Dance!
~ Renee Deets and Andrea Trench
MISSION STATEMENT
Elite Dance Academy is dedicated to providing a quality dance education in a professional setting. We are a non-competitive, safe, and fun environment that fosters a family of passionate, disciplined and highly technical dance artists.
WHO WE ARE…
- We are a school dedicated to the ART of dance.
- We are a positive family encouraging dedication, courage, and open minds.
- We are educators that have been hand-picked, all with current, relevant skills and experience in the dance field.
- We are professionally trained students with high self-esteem, self-discipline, and self-respect.
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We are committed to providing a school with high expectations and the means to reach those goals.
Photos by Alexi Killmer
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WHY CHOOSE ELITE?
There are many choices when it comes to choosing a dance school. To ensure you're getting the best possible training consider the following aspects:
Limited Class Sizes.
All of our classes are limited to a maximum number of students dependent on age. This guarantees that all our students are receiving the attention they deserve.
Dancer Safe Studio.
Here at Elite, the health and safety of our students is very important. Because of the physical aspect of dance, it is important that dancers dance on a floor made just for them. Both of our studios are equipped with sprung floors. This means they are raised approximately 2 inches off the floor allowing the floor to give slightly as the dancers move and jump. By dancing on a sprung floor, dancers are less likely to suffer from back, knee, and hip injuries.
Professional Faculty.
There are no requirements or licenses required in opening or teaching at a dance studio. Elite recognizes this and has developed their own criteria in the selection process of hiring new instructors. Our instructors are professional or former professional dancers. Many have received dance degrees from universities and continue to train in the dance field. Several of our instructors are current performers with Chicago based companies offering a vast knowledge of the present dance world and network.
Fun for All.
We are dedicated to the art of dance and all the dance world has to offer. For the more serious dancer we have a professional training program dedicated to preparing the dancer for a career in dance. However, we also love to share our talent with those who just want to dance for fun. These students can take any form of dance they choose and have the opportunity to perform in our annual Dance Concert!
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