Academy of Movement & Music

For families across the Illinois region, particularly in Oak Park, River Forest, and the surrounding Chicago suburbs, seeking a place where children can truly blossom in the arts, the Academy of Movement & Music stands as an exceptional choice. This revered institution is more than just a school; it's a vibrant community dedicated to fostering a lifelong love for dance and music, cultivating talent, and building confidence in students of all ages.

The Academy of Movement & Music (AMM) has been a cornerstone of arts education in Oak Park since its incorporation in 1977, though its roots trace back to 1971 when founder Stephanie Clemens began teaching creative movement in her living room. Since then, the Academy has grown into a significant artistic hub, housed in a landmarked building on Lake Street since 1983. Their mission is clear: to provide a nurturing and non-competitive environment for students to thrive. They are committed to delivering high-quality education that focuses on technique, artistic development, and personal growth.

At AMM, movement and music are seen as universal languages, welcoming and valuing people of all backgrounds and abilities. The faculty rejoices in the progress of each and every student, dedicating themselves to nurturing individual gifts and helping everyone reach their full potential. The Academy's vision is to be a haven of creativity, inspiration, and inclusivity, where individuals of all ages and backgrounds explore the arts, unlock their capabilities, and foster a deep love for self-expression. Their core values emphasize creativity, inclusivity, passion, excellence, community, respect, personal growth, joyful learning, integrity, and giving back. This holistic approach ensures that students not only develop artistic skills but also grow into well-rounded individuals within a supportive "family-like culture."

The Academy of Movement & Music is conveniently located at 605 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60302, USA. This address places the Academy in the heart of downtown Oak Park, a vibrant and easily accessible area for residents of Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, and other neighboring western Chicago suburbs.

Lake Street is a central thoroughfare in Oak Park, known for its shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions. This prime location ensures excellent accessibility. For those traveling by car, there are often parking options available in the vicinity, including street parking and nearby public garages, although specific availability may vary depending on the time of day. Importantly, Oak Park boasts robust public transportation options. The Academy's location is within easy walking distance of both the CTA Green Line 'L' train station (Oak Park stop) and Metra commuter rail station (Oak Park stop), making it highly convenient for students and families commuting from various parts of Chicago and its suburbs without a car. This central and well-connected location significantly contributes to the Academy's suitability for local Illinois families.

The Academy of Movement & Music offers a diverse range of programs encompassing dance and music, catering to students from two years old through adults, encompassing recreational learners to those pursuing pre-professional training.

• Dance Classes: A wide array of dance styles is offered, ensuring a comprehensive dance education. These include:

  • Ballet: Comprehensive training in classical ballet technique, emphasizing grace, strength, and precision.
  • Modern Dance: Exploring various modern dance techniques (e.g., Horton, Graham, Limon), focusing on expression, natural movement, and use of space.
  • Jazz: Energetic classes covering various jazz styles, from traditional to contemporary, with a focus on rhythm, isolations, leaps, and turns.
  • Contemporary Dance: A blend of ballet, modern, and jazz, emphasizing fluidity, emotional depth, and improvisation.
  • Creative Movement: Designed for the youngest students (as young as two), introducing fundamental movement concepts, rhythm, and imaginative play to foster a love for dance.
  • Hip Hop: Dynamic and engaging classes teaching contemporary street styles, focusing on rhythm, coordination, and individual expression.
  • Tap: Classes focused on rhythmic footwork, musicality, and creating percussive sounds with tap shoes.
  • Pointe: Advanced classical ballet technique for appropriate and invited students, requiring significant strength and technical mastery.
  • Choreography: Opportunities for students to explore their own creative voices and develop their choreographic skills.

• Music Programs: The Academy also offers comprehensive music instruction, though specific instrument details are best confirmed directly with the Academy. Generally, music programs at such institutions include:

  • Piano Lessons: Individualized instruction for various skill levels, covering technique, music theory, sight-reading, and repertoire.
  • Other Instrumental Instruction: Potentially offering lessons for other instruments (e.g., voice, guitar, violin, etc.), depending on faculty expertise and demand.
  • Music Theory: Classes or integrated instruction to develop students' understanding of musical structure, harmony, and composition.

• Preschool Program (Arts-Based): The Academy runs a flourishing preschool based in the arts, introducing children as young as two years old to performing and visual arts along with academic readiness training. This provides a unique, integrated early childhood education experience.

• Performance Opportunities: Students across dance and music programs have numerous opportunities to showcase their skills, including recitals, concerts, and performances with MOMENTA Dance Company, the Academy's resident dance company.

• MOMENTA Dance Company: As the Academy's resident dance company, MOMENTA provides advanced students and professional dancers with valuable performance and company experience, including historical modern dance works and physically integrated dance.

The Academy of Movement & Music in Oak Park boasts several distinguishing features and highlights that make it a truly exceptional choice for families in the Illinois region, as consistently lauded by its loyal community.

• Talented and Nurturing Teachers: A paramount highlight, frequently emphasized by parents and former students, is the caliber of the faculty. Reviewers express deep appreciation for the "talented teachers" who possess not only expertise but also incredible kindness and gentleness, particularly with younger children. The "love of dance is apparent in every faculty member," creating an inspiring atmosphere that fosters genuine passion in students. Notably, some faculty members were themselves students at the Academy, speaking to the continuity of excellence and the strong, enduring bonds formed.

• Family-Like Culture and Community: The Academy cultivates a profoundly supportive and inclusive environment. It's described as having a "family-like culture," a place where students "feel at home" and can build "lifelong friends." This strong sense of community extends beyond the classroom, with generations of families calling the Academy home, fostering connections that transcend individual classes.

• Abundant Performance Opportunities: A key advantage for students is the wealth of performance opportunities provided. From annual recitals to performing with MOMENTA Dance Company, students gain invaluable stage experience, helping them build confidence and showcase their talents to family and friends. Even older students serving as demonstrators are recognized for their kindness with younger ones during these showcases.

• Holistic Development Beyond Technique: While technical proficiency is central, the Academy's mission goes further. They aim for students to "fall in love with Dance" and to "find inspiration and self-expression." This focus on nurturing unique gifts and helping students reach their full potential, not just as dancers or musicians but as individuals, sets them apart. They believe in fostering self-control, self-esteem, and organizational skills that benefit students in all aspects of life.

• Rich History and Established Legacy: With roots dating back to 1971 and formally incorporated in 1977, the Academy has a deep history in Oak Park. Operating for over five decades, it has trained generations of students, many of whom have gone on to prestigious companies and university programs. This long-standing legacy is a testament to its enduring quality and impact.

• Inclusive and Diverse Environment: The Academy explicitly welcomes a diverse student body "of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and ages." This commitment to inclusivity ensures that everyone feels valued and respected, creating a truly welcoming space for artistic exploration.

• Dual Focus on Movement & Music: Offering both dance and music instruction under one roof provides a unique, comprehensive arts education. This allows students to explore interdisciplinary connections and develop a broader artistic foundation.

For residents across Illinois, particularly in the Oak Park area, who are interested in enrolling in dance or music programs at the Academy of Movement & Music, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 605 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60302, USA
• Phone: (708) 848-2329

For families throughout the Illinois region, particularly those in Oak Park and the surrounding western suburbs, the Academy of Movement & Music stands as an unparalleled local destination for arts education. Its prime location on Lake Street in downtown Oak Park, coupled with excellent accessibility via public transportation, makes it incredibly convenient for daily lessons and engagements.

What truly makes the Academy indispensable for local users is its deeply ingrained "family-like culture" and unwavering commitment to nurturing every student's artistic journey. Parents consistently praise the "talented teachers" for their kindness, patience, and ability to instill a genuine "love of dance," which resonates profoundly with children. The abundance of performance opportunities provides invaluable experience, while the presence of older students as kind demonstrators showcases the supportive environment.

With a rich history spanning over five decades, the Academy has not only cultivated exceptional dancers and musicians but also empowered individuals with confidence, self-expression, and lifelong friendships. Its dedication to inclusivity ensures a welcoming space for all, fostering personal growth that extends far beyond the studio walls. For any Illinois family seeking a top-tier, compassionate, and community-focused institution where their child can truly thrive in the world of movement and music, the Academy of Movement & Music in Oak Park is an undeniably ideal and cherished local resource.

Academy of Movement & Music

605 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60302, USA