Barrington Dance Academy

For over four decades, Barrington Dance Academy (BDA) has stood as a beacon of artistic excellence and character development in the Illinois region, particularly serving the vibrant communities of Chicago's Northwest Suburbs. Established in 1984, BDA has earned its reputation as the area's finest school of dance, dedicated to teaching the art of movement in a fun, creative, and profoundly supportive atmosphere. Whether a child is taking their very first "Creative Movement" steps or a high schooler is serious about pursuing advanced ballet, BDA provides a nurturing environment where students not only gain confidence and build strength but also learn invaluable life lessons alongside their dance technique. It's a place where meticulous care is taken with each student, fostering their creative instincts and providing an excellent dance education for all ages.

The success and deep loyalty that Barrington Dance Academy inspires are consistently highlighted by its community. Parents frequently express immense gratitude, noting how BDA has helped their children "grow SO much as a ballerina" and instilled "good discipline, great character, and personal growth opportunities." This holistic approach, which prioritizes the development of the whole individual, sets BDA apart. The academy is celebrated for believing in its students and helping them develop not just their technique, but also their confidence and resilience. The professional instructors are praised for their caring approach, ensuring that every student, regardless of their aspirations—whether career-bound or simply inspired by dance for its benefits—receives high-level, nurturing guidance. The enduring support for the organization's efforts speaks volumes about the positive impact BDA has had on countless lives in the Illinois dance community.

Barrington Dance Academy is conveniently located at 758 W Northwest Hwy, Barrington, IL 60010, USA. This accessible address places the academy in the heart of Barrington's vibrant community, within the Foundry Center, specifically on the Northwest corner of Highway 14 (Northwest Highway) and Hart Road, between Cody & Carls and the Barrington Saddlery. This prime location ensures excellent accessibility for residents throughout the Illinois region, particularly those in Barrington and its surrounding Northwest Suburbs, including Cary, Fox River Grove, Lake Zurich, Kildeer, Crystal Lake, Palatine, Deer Park, Hawthorn Woods, Hoffman Estates, Wauconda, Sleepy Hollow, Schaumburg, and Inverness. The major thoroughfares provide straightforward navigation to the studio, and ample parking is typically available, adding to the convenience for students and parents. This central and well-connected location allows BDA to attract and serve a wide range of students seeking top-quality dance instruction.

A professional dance school like Barrington Dance Academy is committed to providing facilities that enhance the learning experience and ensure student safety. While specific square footage details might vary, BDA's commitment to excellence suggests studios equipped with professional sprung floors, which are crucial for protecting dancers' joints and facilitating proper technique. Large, wall-mounted mirrors are essential tools for students to observe and correct their alignment and movement. High-quality sound systems ensure that music is clear and inspiring, setting the perfect rhythm for various dance styles. The environment is meticulously cared for, designed to be bright, spacious, and conducive to both focused instruction and creative expression. These well-maintained facilities play a vital role in enabling the professional instructors to deliver exceptional dance education to all students.

Services Offered:

• Creative Movement & Pre Ballet: Magical classes for young children (ages 3-5+) combining basic ballet steps, creative movement, and gross motor skills.
• Ballet & Pointe: Comprehensive classical ballet training from foundational levels (Pre Ballet, Junior I-IV) through advanced levels (Intermediate, Advanced), including Pointe work by permission. Often incorporates a structured curriculum to build technique, placement, and artistry.
• Character Dance: Included in the Junior curriculum, focusing on technique and choreography from national dances to improve rhythm and stage presence.
• Jazz Dance: Energetic and eclectic dance form combining ballet structure with other styles, offered for age 6 and up, with upbeat and appropriate music.
• Modern Dance: Classes exploring contemporary movement and expression.
• Adult Classes: Ballet & Conditioning classes designed for adults with or without previous dance experience.
• Performance Opportunities:
  • In-studio performances during "Parents Weeks" (5 times per year) for younger dancers, with fun themes and provided costumes, offering a low-pressure performance experience.
  • Barrington Dance Ensemble (BDE): A non-profit dance company founded by BDA's owner, Mary Brennan, in 1989. This ensemble provides ongoing performance opportunities for serious teenage dancers and area children aged 6 and up, including two major productions annually (Nutcracker and a spring production) and community outreach performances.
• Complimentary Trial Class: Opportunity for new students to experience the studio environment and a class.

Features / Highlights:

• Established Excellence: Founded in 1984, with decades of experience and a reputation as "the area's finest school of dance."
• Professional and Caring Instructors: Dedicated teachers who are highly skilled and committed to nurturing each student's potential.
• Holistic Development: Focuses on instilling good discipline, great character, and personal growth opportunities alongside dance technique.
• Supportive Atmosphere: A positive and encouraging environment where students gain confidence and feel believed in.
• Comprehensive Ballet Program: Strong emphasis on classical ballet training, providing a solid foundation for all dance forms.
• Diverse Class Offerings: A wide range of styles from creative movement to advanced ballet, jazz, character, and modern, catering to all ages and skill levels.
• Unique Performance Opportunities: From relaxed in-studio showcases for young children to advanced performances with the Barrington Dance Ensemble.
• Community Integration: Actively fosters a sense of community among students and families.
• Age-Appropriate Instruction: Ensures that all teaching methods and performance settings are suitable for the age group.
• Serves a Wide Geographic Area: Attracts students from across the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago.

Contact Information:

Address: 758 W Northwest Hwy, Barrington, IL 60010, USA

Phone: (847) 382-6333

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For families and aspiring dancers throughout the Illinois region, particularly in Barrington and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs, Barrington Dance Academy (BDA) represents an exceptional choice for dance education. What makes BDA so uniquely suitable for locals is its deep-rooted commitment to combining artistic excellence with profound personal development. This is not merely a studio that teaches dance steps; it's a place where students are cultivated to "gain confidence, build strength, and learn the art of dance" from professional, caring instructors.

The academy's long-standing reputation, established since 1984, speaks volumes about its consistency and quality. Parents consistently praise how BDA helps children grow "SO much as a ballerina" and instills "good discipline, great character, and personal growth opportunities." This holistic approach ensures that young individuals are not only mastering dance techniques but also developing crucial life skills. The diverse class offerings, from playful creative movement for preschoolers to rigorous ballet and jazz for serious high schoolers, mean that every age and skill level can find their perfect fit.

Furthermore, the unique performance opportunities, ranging from low-pressure in-studio showcases to professional productions with the Barrington Dance Ensemble, provide invaluable stage experience tailored to age and skill. BDA's accessible location and its nurturing, supportive environment truly make it a "standard bearer for the arts" in the community. For anyone in Illinois seeking top-tier dance instruction that genuinely cares about the development of the whole child, Barrington Dance Academy is an unparalleled local resource.

Barrington Dance Academy

758 W Northwest Hwy, Barrington, IL 60010, USA