Bentley Academy of Irish Dance

For families in Illinois seeking to immerse their children in a vibrant cultural art form, the Bentley Academy of Irish Dance in Downers Grove offers an exceptional and highly personalized experience. This academy goes beyond teaching steps; it cultivates a deep love for Irish dance, fostering discipline, confidence, and a sense of community. Led by Jeanine Bentley, T.C.R.G., the academy prides itself on creating an environment where students not only learn intricate footwork but also develop a lasting passion for the art.

Many parents in Illinois look for dance schools that offer more than just technical instruction, valuing personal attention and a nurturing atmosphere. The Bentley Academy of Irish Dance has consistently delivered on this front, providing a unique blend of professional guidance and genuine care. As one delighted parent shared, they initially sought "a small dance school where our young daughter could get personal attention while being introduced to Irish dance. What we got was that and SO much more." This sentiment highlights the academy's commitment to individual student growth and its ability to exceed expectations, making it a truly special place for Irish dance in the Illinois region.

The Bentley Academy of Irish Dance is conveniently located at 926 Warren Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA. This easily accessible address in Downers Grove makes it a prime location for residents throughout the western suburbs of Chicago and beyond. Its position on Warren Avenue ensures simple navigation for parents driving their children to and from classes. Downers Grove is well-connected within Illinois, offering various routes and transportation options that make regular attendance feasible for families from neighboring towns. The accessibility of the studio contributes significantly to the overall convenience, allowing more families to partake in the rich tradition of Irish dance without extensive travel.

Bentley Academy of Irish Dance offers a structured and engaging curriculum designed to introduce students of all ages to the art of Irish dance, and to foster their development from beginners to competitive dancers. Their programs are thoughtfully designed to ensure a progressive learning experience while maintaining a fun and supportive atmosphere.

• Classes for All Ages and Levels: The academy caters to a wide range of students, starting from toddlers as young as 2.5 years old in their "Training Reels Blue" class. They also offer "Training Reels Black" for first-time dancers aged 5 and up, focusing on fundamentals like counting to music, positioning, and basic jigs and reels.
• Progressive Skill Development: As students advance, they move through levels like "Pink," "Purple," "Teal," "Silver," and "Gold," learning increasingly complex steps and techniques. This progression includes mastering the slip jig, beginning hard shoe steps, hornpipe, traditional sets, and advanced choreography for competitive dancers.
• Focus on Fundamentals and Technique: The curriculum emphasizes core skills such as foot positioning, balance, and counting to music, ensuring a strong foundation for all dancers.
• Recreational and Competitive Tracks: Classes are designed to accommodate both recreational dancers who enjoy the art form for fun and those who aspire to compete. Dancers at various levels (Novice, Prizewinner, Preliminary, Open Championship) are supported in their competitive journeys, including preparation for regional (Oireachtas), national, and international competitions.
• Experienced Instructors: The teaching team includes highly qualified professionals like Jeanine Bentley, T.C.R.G., who has competed at the World Championships and toured internationally. Other instructors, such as Jamie Arendas, are working towards their T.C.R.G. certification and have competitive experience, ensuring high-quality instruction.
• Injury Prevention Coaching: The academy features an instructor who is also a Doctor of Physical Therapy (Ashley Dunne PT, DPT) and focuses on injury prevention, demonstrating a commitment to the dancers' long-term well-being and health.
• Free Trial Classes: For those curious about Irish dance, Bentley Academy offers free trial classes, allowing prospective students to experience the atmosphere and instruction firsthand before committing.

The Bentley Academy of Irish Dance is distinguished by several key features that contribute to its strong reputation and foster a truly enriching environment for its students:

• Passionate and Caring Leadership: Jeanine Bentley, the owner and founder, is frequently praised for her "love of dance radiates from her professionalism and care of her students." She is noted for treating students "as her own," creating a warm and supportive atmosphere.
• Engaging and Fun Classes: Despite expecting "attention and progress," instructors like Ms. Jeanine make class "fun and engaging." This balance ensures that students remain motivated and excited about learning, fostering a genuine love for dance rather than just seeing it as a chore.
• Personal Attention and Growth: The academy successfully delivers on providing personal attention, even as students grow. Parents have observed "pure joy to watch them grow with dance," indicating a tailored approach that caters to individual development.
• Highly Qualified and Dedicated Instructors: Beyond Jeanine Bentley, the team includes instructors with extensive competitive backgrounds, including World Championship experience, and those actively working towards advanced certifications (T.C.R.G.). This ensures that students receive instruction grounded in deep knowledge and experience.
• Focus on Holistic Development: The academy's mission emphasizes helping dancers "learn and grow in an environment that fosters an appreciation of the art of Irish Dance" and leave each class "feeling stronger, healthier, challenged, and more confident to achieve their dreams." The inclusion of an Injury Prevention Coach further underscores this commitment to overall well-being.
• Strong Student Enthusiasm: A clear indicator of the academy's success is the students' eagerness to attend. Parents report that their daughters "look forward to coming to class and practice daily in the living room" and "cannot wait to go," signifying a high level of student engagement and enjoyment.
• Community and Family Feel: The academy fosters a sense of belonging, encouraging students to "join our family and we will achieve our dreams together." This supportive community environment enhances the learning experience.

For those in Illinois interested in exploring the world of Irish dance with the Bentley Academy, you can reach them through the following contact details:

Address: 926 Warren Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA

Phone: (630) 209-6725

For families in Downers Grove, Illinois, and the surrounding communities, the Bentley Academy of Irish Dance is an exceptional local resource for high-quality Irish dance instruction. It uniquely combines the rigor of traditional Irish dance training with a profoundly nurturing and joyful environment. The personal attention that students receive, even as the school grows, ensures that each dancer feels valued and supported in their journey. This individualized approach, coupled with the fun and engaging classes led by "absolute best" instructors like Ms. Jeanine, makes learning Irish dance an incredibly positive experience.

The academy's commitment to fostering a love of dance, rather than just technical proficiency, is evident in how eagerly students "look forward to coming to class." With a comprehensive curriculum that supports all levels from tiny tots to competitive champions, and a dedicated team focused on both artistic and personal growth, Bentley Academy of Irish Dance provides a unique cultural and athletic outlet right here in Illinois. For any local parent seeking a dance school that offers superb instruction, genuine care, and a truly enriching experience for their children, Bentley Academy of Irish Dance is a standout choice that promises much more than just dance lessons.

Bentley Academy of Irish Dance

926 Warren Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA