Engage Dance Academy, Inc.

For families and aspiring dancers across Illinois, especially those in the Crystal Lake area, the search for a dance studio that blends professional excellence with a nurturing, inclusive environment often leads to Engage Dance Academy, Inc. This esteemed point of interest, formerly known as Summers Academy of Dance, has quickly become a beloved hub for artistic development, fostering not just skilled dancers but also confident and well-rounded individuals. Under the passionate leadership of owners Marc and Courtney Petrocci, both former professional dancers with the Milwaukee Ballet, Engage Dance Academy offers a unique and enriching experience for students of all ages and levels. This article will provide a comprehensive look at what makes this studio a standout choice for Illinois locals, covering its accessible location, diverse program offerings, and the remarkable impact it has on its students.

Engage Dance Academy, Inc. embodies a philosophy that dance is for everyone, regardless of age or prior experience. This commitment to inclusivity is woven into the fabric of their "triple-track" program design, ensuring that whether a student seeks recreational enjoyment, competitive success, or pre-professional training, they will find a supportive path to growth. As numerous heartfelt testimonials affirm, the studio's teachers and owners go beyond mere instruction; they genuinely "get to know us more rather than just teaching us dance." This personal connection, combined with a focus on allowing students to "grow at your own pace," creates an environment where confidence flourishes and a deep love for dance takes root. From annual productions of The Nutcracker that provide "amazing experience for dancers young and old" to daily classes spanning various styles, Engage Dance Academy is a vibrant cornerstone of the Crystal Lake arts community, dedicated to empowering its students and enriching the cultural landscape of Illinois.

Engage Dance Academy, Inc. is conveniently located at 5186 Northwest Hwy #115, Crystal Lake, IL 60014, USA. This address places the studio along a major thoroughfare, Northwest Highway (Route 14), making it highly accessible for residents throughout Crystal Lake and the surrounding communities in Illinois. Its position within a commercial complex typically offers ample parking, which is a significant convenience for parents during drop-off and pick-up times. Being on a primary route also means easy navigation for those traveling by car from nearby towns. While specific public transportation options would depend on Crystal Lake's local transit services, a location on Northwest Highway usually implies good connectivity. The studio's growth and popularity led to an expansion, adding a new 1400 sq. ft. state-of-the-art studio space with an industry-leading Harlequin sprung floor, further enhancing its appeal and capacity to serve more students in the area. This accessible and well-equipped facility ensures that Engage Dance Academy remains a convenient and attractive option for local families seeking quality dance education.

Engage Dance Academy, Inc. offers a diverse and comprehensive range of dance programs and services, structured into a unique "triple track" system to cater to various levels of commitment and aspiration. Their offerings include:

• Engage Dance Theatre (Pre-Professional Program): This track is designed for serious dancers aged 6-20 years. It features a curriculum with a strong focus on classical ballet technique, along with Jazz, Contemporary, Pointe, and Pas De Deux classes (often with gentlemen from the Milwaukee Ballet Company twice a month). It also incorporates conditioning classes and Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT). Graduates of this program have gone on to train at prestigious institutions like San Francisco Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet Academy, and top colleges.
• Engage Dance Crew (Competitive Program): An opportunity for dancers aged 7-18 to work with professional-caliber choreographers. They develop and compete in a wide variety of genres, including Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Tap, and Lyrical styles. Comp Crews participate in various competitions and conventions in the Chicagoland area.
• Open Division (Recreational Program): This track offers classes for students ranging in age from 18 months to adults. It's ideal for beginners, intermediate, or advanced dancers looking for once or twice-a-week class participation without a multi-class commitment. This division aims to provide a fun and engaging dance experience for everyone.
• Specific Dance Styles Offered Across Tracks:
  • Ballet
  • Jazz
  • Contemporary
  • Pointe
  • Pas De Deux
  • Hip Hop
  • Tap
  • Lyrical
  • Musical Theatre
  • Body Conditioning & PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique)
• "The Nutcracker" Production: An annual, co-produced holiday tradition with the Raue Center for the Arts, offering an "amazing experience for dancers young and old" to perform in a professional setting with guest artists from renowned companies.
• Private Lessons: Available in a variety of dance genres to meet individual dance needs and goals.
• Classes for All Ages: Programs range from "Baby Ballet" for the youngest dancers (starting at 18 months) to adult dance classes.

Engage Dance Academy, Inc. boasts several compelling features and highlights that make it a standout choice for Illinois locals:

• Professional Leadership & Pedigree: The studio is owned and operated by Marc and Courtney Petrocci, both former professional dancers who performed together for over ten years with the Milwaukee Ballet. Their extensive professional careers and experience teaching at the esteemed Milwaukee Ballet Academy bring a rare level of expertise and insight to their instruction.
• Nurturing & Inclusive Environment: Reviewers consistently praise the studio for its "extremely nurturing and professional environment." The owners and teachers are noted for allowing students to "grow at your own pace" and making "each person has a role to play in each production," fostering confidence and a sense of belonging for all ages and abilities.
• Triple-Track Program Design: This unique structure (Engage Dance Theatre, Engage Dance Crew, Open Division) caters to a wide spectrum of dancers, from recreational enthusiasts to those aspiring to professional careers, ensuring tailored training pathways.
• Professional Performance Opportunities: As the current dance company in residence of the Raue Center for the Arts in downtown Crystal Lake, Engage Dance Academy provides its dancers with the invaluable opportunity to "always perform on a professional stage" with full lights, costumes, and an audience of up to 750 members.
• Annual "The Nutcracker" Production: This co-production with the Raue Center is a major highlight, featuring over 100 performers, professional guest artists (including those formerly with Milwaukee Ballet & English National Ballet), and professional sets and costumes, providing a truly immersive theatrical experience for dancers and audiences alike.
• Holistic Student Development: Students consistently attest to learning "not only about dance, but about myself, confidence, my surroundings, and people overall," indicating a strong focus on personal growth alongside technical mastery.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The studio features a 1400 sq. ft. state-of-the-art dance space with an industry-leading Harlequin sprung floor, a crucial element for dancer safety and optimal training. The presence of four studios allows for multiple classes to run simultaneously.
• Consistent Quality & Growth: Having been "watched me grow up" since age two, and praised for being "nothing but make this studio so much more fun," highlights the consistent quality and positive impact over many years of student engagement.

For direct inquiries and further information, Engage Dance Academy, Inc. can be reached by phone at (815) 477-0033. They also list a mobile phone number: +1 815-477-0033. The physical address for the studio is 5186 Northwest Hwy #115, Crystal Lake, IL 60014, USA. Their email contact is engagedanceacademy@outlook.com. The studio operates seven days a week, with classes running from "Baby Ballet" at 9 am on weekdays & weekends through their most advanced students ending at 9:30 pm. These contact points make it easy for prospective students, parents, or interested community members to connect with the academy, inquire about class schedules, registration, and specific program details. It is always advisable to contact the studio directly for the most current information regarding their offerings and availability.

Engage Dance Academy, Inc. is an exceptionally suitable choice for locals in Crystal Lake, Illinois, and the surrounding areas, for a myriad of compelling reasons. Its convenient location on Northwest Highway provides easy access, making it practical for busy family schedules. However, what truly distinguishes Engage Dance Academy is the caliber of its leadership and the profoundly supportive environment they cultivate. The owners, Marc and Courtney Petrocci, bring a wealth of professional experience from their time with the Milwaukee Ballet, ensuring that students receive top-tier, informed instruction right in their community. This professional background, coupled with their genuine care for each student's individual growth and confidence, creates a truly unique learning experience.

The studio's innovative "triple-track" system means that whether a child is exploring dance for fun, aiming for competitive success, or pursuing a pre-professional career, there is a tailored program to meet their needs. The opportunity to perform annually in a professional production of "The Nutcracker" at the Raue Center for the Arts provides invaluable stage experience and a magical holiday tradition for families. Beyond dance technique, students consistently highlight the personal growth, self-discovery, and strong friendships fostered within the "nurturing and professional environment." For any Illinois resident seeking a dance studio that offers expert instruction, fosters confidence, provides unique performance opportunities, and truly feels like a second home, Engage Dance Academy, Inc. is an undeniable local highlight and a highly recommended point of interest.

Engage Dance Academy, Inc.

5186 Northwest Hwy #115, Crystal Lake, IL 60014, USA