Extensions Dance

For families across Illinois, especially those in the greater Chicago area, searching for a dance studio that truly champions both artistic excellence and personal growth, Extensions Dance stands out as a remarkable institution. This esteemed dance center is renowned for creating an environment where young dancers can not only hone their skills but also flourish as individuals, building confidence and lifelong friendships.

Extensions Dance has cultivated a reputation for being an incredibly welcoming and supportive place from the moment you step through its doors. This commitment to inclusivity is consistently highlighted by parents, who appreciate how their children, even in programs like "Twinkle Stars," feel comfortable and loved learning ballet and tap. The studio's staff are frequently praised for their warmth, professionalism, and genuine care for the dancers, extending beyond just technique to nurturing their development as people.

At the heart of Extensions Dance is a team of talented instructors, including beloved figures like Miss Leslie and acclaimed choreographers such as Lizzie MacKenzie. Their dedication to providing high-quality instruction in a fun and engaging manner ensures that students of all ages and skill levels are inspired to reach their full potential. Whether your daughter is just beginning her dance journey in the "Twinkle Stars" program or an older dancer aspiring to pre-professional training, Extensions Dance offers a comprehensive and enriching experience that makes it a true highlight for many Illinois families.

Extensions Dance is conveniently located at 3933 N Elston Ave 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60618, USA. This address places it in a vibrant and accessible neighborhood on Chicago's north side, making it a practical choice for families residing throughout the city and its surrounding suburbs in Illinois.

N Elston Ave is a well-traveled thoroughfare, offering straightforward vehicular access from various parts of Chicago. The studio's location is generally served by readily available street parking in the vicinity, which is a significant convenience for parents during drop-off and pick-up times. For those utilizing public transportation, several CTA bus routes operate along Elston Avenue and nearby major streets, and elevated train stations (such as the Addison Blue Line stop) may be within a reasonable distance, providing alternative commuting options for Illinois locals.

The facility itself is designed to support a high-quality dance experience. It features ample windows and skylights, allowing for abundant natural light that creates a bright and inviting atmosphere. With generous studio spaces, including Studio 1 (50'x40′) and Studio 2 (45'x25′), dancers have plenty of room to move, leap, and turn. The presence of dressing rooms and multiple stall restrooms further enhances the convenience for students. This accessible location, combined with well-appointed facilities, makes Extensions Dance an ideal and comfortable place for Illinois residents to pursue their dance education.

Extensions Dance offers a comprehensive and thoughtfully structured curriculum designed to cater to dancers across a wide spectrum of ages and skill levels. Their services are built upon a foundation of strong technique, artistic expression, and a supportive learning environment.

• Twinkle Stars Academy: Specifically designed for the youngest dancers, this program introduces the joys of ballet and tap dance, focusing on creative movement, coordination, and building confidence in a nurturing setting.
• Core Dance Disciplines: The academy provides robust instruction in fundamental dance styles, essential for well-rounded training:
  • Ballet: Emphasized as the foundation for all dance. Classes teach proper placement, alignment, balance, technique, and control, with options potentially including pre-pointe and pointe work for eligible students.
  • Jazz: Stylized and fast-paced, focusing on leaps, turns, strength, and flexibility, performed to upbeat music.
  • Tap: Concentrates on rhythm and musicality, using tap shoes as percussion to develop timing and coordination.
  • Hip Hop: High-energy classes emphasizing isolations, rhythm, free-styling, and dynamic movements, often seen in music videos.
  • Contemporary: A blend of classical, modern, and jazz styles, focusing on fluid movement and emotional expression.
  • Lyrical: Merges ballet and jazz to tell a story through graceful, expressive movement.
  • Acro: Fusion of dance technique with acrobatic elements, with certified instructors teaching skills from basics to elite levels (e.g., cartwheels, aerials).
  • Musical Theatre: Combines dance, acting, and performance skills, often utilizing jazz and tap styles to portray characters from Broadway musicals.
  • Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT): An innovative body-conditioning and strengthening program to enhance muscle memory, core stability, weight placement, and alignment. All ballet instructors are certified in PBT.
• Pre-Professional Program: For serious young dancers who wish to pursue dance at an elite level, offering advanced training and potentially audition-based company experiences.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have numerous chances to showcase their talents throughout the year, including:
  • Holiday Dance Showcase (e.g., "The Magic Of The Nutcracker"), a highly anticipated event.
  • Annual Spring Recital/Showcase, celebrating a year of hard work and artistic development.
• Community Outreach and Educational Programs: As a non-profit organization, Extensions Dance Company aims to enlighten both young dancers and the public about dance's role in nurturing the human spirit through various initiatives and mentoring opportunities.
• Summer Offerings: Providing special classes or camps during the summer months for continued training and fun.

Extensions Dance is distinguished by several key features and highlights that consistently receive glowing reviews and make it a highly desirable dance destination for families in Illinois.

• Incredibly Welcoming and Supportive Environment: This is a paramount highlight, frequently praised by parents. The studio goes above and beyond to create an atmosphere where students "feel very welcome" and comfortable from day one, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
• Warm, Talented, and Professional Instructors: The teaching staff, including beloved figures like Miss Leslie and renowned choreographers such as Lizzie MacKenzie, are consistently lauded for their expertise, passion, and ability to connect with and inspire dancers of all ages. They are instrumental in helping students "grow in their skills, performance and technique."
• Holistic Development of Dancers: Beyond technical training, the studio deeply cares about helping dancers "grow as people." This focus on character development, confidence-building, and fostering discipline, consistency, and hard work, is a significant differentiator.
• Diverse Dance Disciplines Offered: The comprehensive range of dance styles available, including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Acro, and Musical Theatre, allows students to explore various forms and receive a well-rounded dance education under one roof.
• Engaging Performance Opportunities: Events like the "Holiday Program" are described as "AMAZING" and leave a lasting impression on young dancers, providing exciting platforms for them to shine and showcase their hard work. The Spring Showcase is also a significant highlight.
• Home to Chicago's Premiere Youth Dance Company: For serious young dancers, the opportunity to train with and potentially join a pre-professional company demonstrates the high caliber of instruction and the pathways available for advanced training and performance.
• Beautiful and Inviting Studio Facilities: The physical space itself is described as "beautiful and inviting," featuring ample natural light through large windows and skylights, and spacious studios that provide an excellent environment for learning and practice.
• Non-Profit Commitment to Community: As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Extensions Dance Company has a mission to provide comprehensive artistic education and foster community, while educating the public about dance's role in nurturing the human spirit. This mission-driven approach underscores their dedication to positive societal contribution.
• Positive Impact on Young Lives: The glowing testimonials, such as a daughter still talking about the holiday program months later, and parents "loving it" and unable to "say enough good things," clearly indicate the profound and positive impact the academy has on its students and their families.

For those in Illinois looking to connect with a premier dance academy that prioritizes both artistic excellence and personal growth, Extensions Dance is readily available to assist. Here is their contact information:

Address: 3933 N Elston Ave 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60618, USA

Phone: (773) 299-9202

Mobile Phone: +1 773-299-9202

For the most current class schedules, registration details for programs like "Twinkle Stars Academy" or their pre-professional division, information on performance opportunities, or any specific inquiries, it is highly recommended to visit their official website or contact them directly via phone. The team is known for being responsive and eager to help new students and families become part of their vibrant dance community.

Extensions Dance is an exceptionally suitable choice for locals in the Illinois region, particularly for families and aspiring dancers within Chicago and its surrounding areas. Its unique blend of high-quality instruction, a wide array of dance styles, and an undeniably inclusive and supportive environment makes it an ideal destination for nurturing artistic talent and personal development.

Firstly, its convenient Chicago location on N Elston Ave ensures excellent accessibility for a large segment of the Illinois population. Easy access by car and public transportation means that attending classes is convenient and stress-free, allowing families to seamlessly integrate dance education into their busy lives without significant logistical challenges.

Secondly, the consistent praise for its "warm, talented and professional" instructors, including beloved figures like Miss Leslie and renowned choreographers like Lizzie MacKenzie, highlights the academy's commitment to delivering top-tier technical training. This expertise ensures that students, whether beginners or those aspiring to pre-professional levels, receive instruction that is both effective and inspiring. The focus on helping dancers "grow as people" also resonates deeply with parents seeking a holistic educational experience for their children.

Furthermore, the diverse curriculum, spanning ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and more, provides ample opportunities for students to explore various dance forms and develop a well-rounded skill set. The exciting performance opportunities, such as the highly anticipated "Holiday Program," provide tangible goals and unforgettable memories for the dancers and their families.

In conclusion, Extensions Dance is more than just a place to learn dance steps; it is a vibrant community that fosters discipline, creativity, confidence, and lifelong friendships. For any Illinois local seeking a professional, supportive, and truly enriching dance experience for their child or themselves, Extensions Dance in Chicago is undoubtedly a premier choice.

Extensions Dance

3933 N Elston Ave 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60618, USA