Arlington Dance Academy Introduce
For families and individuals throughout Illinois, especially those in the thriving community of Arlington Heights and the surrounding northwest suburbs, finding a dance studio that truly balances professional instruction with a nurturing, supportive environment is key. Look no further than Arlington Dance Academy. This esteemed institution has built a remarkable reputation for cultivating not just skilled dancers, but also confident, passionate individuals. With a legacy spanning over two decades, formerly as McDonald Dance Academy and now as Arlington Dance Academy under the dedicated ownership of Jeanette Aylward and Laura Gates, this studio offers an exceptional dance experience right here in our local community.
Arlington Dance Academy is a place where every student, from the youngest beginner to the aspiring pre-professional, is known, valued, and inspired. The positive energy and welcoming atmosphere are consistently highlighted by families who have been part of the studio for years, even decades. It’s a place where children fall in love with ballet, eagerly anticipate every practice, and develop friendships that last a lifetime. This deep commitment to both technical excellence and personal growth makes Arlington Dance Academy an invaluable resource for anyone in the Illinois region looking to embrace the art of dance. The highly professional faculty members are not only experts in their craft but also passionate mentors who genuinely care about the progress and well-being of each student.
The Academy’s philosophy extends beyond just teaching steps; it's about instilling discipline, fostering creativity, encouraging self-expression, and building resilience. Whether dance is a cherished hobby or a potential career path, Arlington Dance Academy is prepared to guide and support students on their unique journeys, making it a truly suitable and enriching option for local residents.
Arlington Dance Academy is conveniently located at 25 S Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, USA. This prime address places it right in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, offering exceptional accessibility for residents throughout the northwest suburbs of Illinois, including communities like Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg, and Mount Prospect. Its central location makes it easy to reach from various major roadways, streamlining the commute for busy families.
Being situated in a vibrant downtown area means the studio is not only easy to find but also offers the convenience of nearby shops, restaurants, and other amenities. Ample parking options are typically available in the vicinity, ensuring a hassle-free experience for drop-off and pick-up. This excellent accessibility is a significant advantage for families seeking consistent and high-quality dance education without extensive travel. The thoughtful placement of Arlington Dance Academy allows it to serve as a convenient and welcoming hub for dance enthusiasts across the broader Illinois region.
- Ballet: Comprehensive training in classical ballet technique, emphasizing proper body placement, alignment, grace, and strength. This is considered the foundation for all dance styles.
- Tap: Classes focused on rhythmic footwork and percussive sounds, developing musicality, timing, and coordination.
- Jazz: Energetic classes exploring various jazz styles, including leaps, turns, and dynamic combinations, often set to contemporary music.
- Modern: Explores a freer, more expressive form of dance, incorporating contemporary modern techniques and focusing on emotional connection and intentional movement.
- Lyrical: Blends elements of ballet and jazz, focusing on emotional expression through fluid movements and interpreting music.
- Contemporary: Incorporates various dance genres, emphasizing versatility, improvisation, and expressive movement.
- Hip Hop: Fun and dynamic classes exploring urban dance styles with age-appropriate music and choreography.
- Acro: Combines dance technique with acrobatic elements, focusing on strength, flexibility, balance, and tumbling skills.
- Musical Theater: Integrates dance, acting, and singing, preparing students for stage performance in a theatrical context.
- Young Dancers Programs (Ages 2-6): Creative movement and introductory classes like "Dance with Me" (ages 1.5-3), "Little Feet" (ages 3-4), "Little Tumblers" (ages 3-4), "Mini Stars" (ballet/tap combo, ages 4-5), "Mini Tumblers" (ages 4-5), and "Shining Stars" (ballet/tap/jazz combo, ages 5-6), designed to introduce basic dance concepts in a fun, engaging way.
- Youth Division Classes (Ages 7 & Up): Progressive levels in all classic dance styles (Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, Musical Theater) for beginner through advanced dancers.
- Adult Dance Classes: A variety of classes for adult dancers, including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern, and specialized classes like "BeMoved" and "Floor Barre & Stretch."
- Arlington Dance Ensemble: An advanced program for dedicated students (ages 10-18, by audition) providing additional performance opportunities within the community, including a Winter Gala and guest choreographer pieces.
- Summer Dance Intensives: Specialized programs during summer breaks, often featuring guest teachers to expose dancers to diverse teaching styles and accelerate training.
- Themed Summer Camps: Adorable and engaging dance camps specifically designed for younger dancers, often incorporating fun themes.
- Experienced and Professional Faculty: The Academy prides itself on hiring highly qualified and professional faculty members who teach proper dance technique with a strong focus on dancer safety, ensuring effective and secure training.
- Nurturing and Welcoming Environment: Consistently praised by families for its positive, supportive, and kind atmosphere, which encourages students to try new styles and thrive.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Offers a wide array of dance styles for all ages, from toddlers to adults, catering to diverse interests and skill levels, ensuring there's a perfect fit for everyone.
- Focus on Passion and Skill: The instructors balance encouragement with discipline, keeping dancers focused and engaged while nurturing their genuine love for dance.
- Strong Foundation in Technique: Dedicated to teaching correct dance technique, theory, and terminology, providing students with a solid base for any future dance endeavors, whether as a hobby or a career.
- Opportunities for Advanced Training: For serious dancers, the Arlington Dance Ensemble and summer intensives with guest teachers offer pathways for accelerated learning and additional performance exposure.
- Proven Track Record: Many students, like the one who attended from age four to eighteen and went on to pursue dance in college, are testaments to the Academy's ability to prepare students for higher-level dance pursuits.
- Community-Oriented Approach: Fosters strong friendships and a sense of belonging among students, creating a supportive dance family.
For inquiries about classes, registration, or to learn more about Arlington Dance Academy, please use the following contact details:
Address: 25 S Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, USA
Phone: (847) 342-1060
Mobile Phone: +1 847-342-1060
For residents of Arlington Heights and surrounding communities throughout Illinois, Arlington Dance Academy stands out as an absolutely amazing choice for dance education. Its central location in downtown Arlington Heights ensures easy accessibility, making it convenient for regular classes and participation in the vibrant studio community. What truly makes this academy suitable for locals is its deep-rooted commitment to fostering both skill and passion in its students.
The positive and welcoming energy within the studio, combined with instructors who are described as fantastic—balancing kindness, encouragement, and a strong focus on proper technique—creates an ideal learning environment. Whether your child is just starting their dance journey or aspiring to pursue dance in college, as evidenced by satisfied parents, Arlington Dance Academy provides the foundational training and diverse opportunities to prepare them well. The option to explore various dance styles, participate in the Ensemble for additional performance exposure, and benefit from summer intensives with guest teachers means that local dancers have access to comprehensive and enriching programs. This community-focused, professionally run academy is not just a place to take dance classes; it's a place where students truly enjoy the process, develop lasting friendships, and nurture a lifelong love for dance, making it an invaluable asset to the Illinois cultural landscape.
Arlington Dance Academy Photos

Arlington Dance Academy Location
Arlington Dance Academy
25 S Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, USA
Arlington Dance Academy Reviews
Arlington Dance Academy is absolutely amazing! My daughter loves her Ballet class and looks forward to every single practice. Christine is a fantastic instructor—she has this perfect balance of being kind and encouraging while still keeping the dancers focused and engaged. You can tell she truly loves what she does, and it reflects in the way the kids respond to her. The energy in the studio is so positive and welcoming, making it a place where students not only learn but truly enjoy the process. I can't recommend it enough for anyone looking for a dance studio that nurtures both skill and passion!
Feb 28, 2025 · Agata NajbarI highly recommend Arlington Dance Academy. My daughter has been a student since she was four years old. She is now 18 and going to college to pursue her passion for dance. Arlington Dance has prepared her well.The environment of the studio is welcoming and encourages students to try many different dance styles.They hire professional faculty members who teach proper dance technique and focus on dancer safety.For dancers who want more than traditional classes, Arlington Dance offers an Ensemble, which provides additional performance opportunities.Arlington also offers summer dance intensives where they bring in guest teachers to help expose dancers to different teaching styles. And you can't deny that their themed summer camps for the younger dancers are just adorable.Whether your child is interested in dance as a hobby or a career, Arlington Dance Academy will be a great fit!
Apr 26, 2024 · Tina HaismanI have ben dancing her for many years and I can confidently say there are many more to come
Jun 16, 2025 · Bennet GandenbergerMy daughter LOVED the studio for over 8 years. It was welcoming and accepting of all children .Since the change in ownership last year and some teacher changes it is a different place from my perspective . It is no longer a place of acceptance and inclusion. It is very stressful and I don’t feel the owners have the same goal of children gaining a love of dance. Breaks my heart. Dance is an incredible art and a place to express yourself.
Jan 30, 2024 · Michele CaseyI was a dancer at Arlington Dance and a former member of the Arlington Dance Ensemble. I've been dancing at this studio since I was young and I recommend it to anyone who is looking to focus on technique and creativity in a non-competitive and inclusive community.
Feb 05, 2024 · Lily
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