INTUIT Dance!

For families in Oak Park, Illinois, and the surrounding communities, INTUIT Dance! stands as a vibrant beacon of artistic expression and community connection. This acclaimed dance studio is celebrated for its exceptional staff, diverse class offerings, and a truly inclusive environment where dancers of all ages and skill levels can thrive. Founded in 2004 by Diane VanDerhei, INTUIT Dance! was created with a mission to teach the full spectrum of the creative process through the art of dance, emphasizing technique, expression, improvisation, performance, and choreography. It's a place where passion for dance is nurtured, friendships are forged, and creativity is encouraged to shine.

What truly sets INTUIT Dance! apart is its philosophy, which extends beyond just teaching steps. The studio embraces a "360 approach to dance training" focusing equally on dancers' minds and bodies. This holistic well-being approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and mental states, creating a safe and empowering space. With a strong emphasis on compassionate leadership and ongoing education for its instructors, INTUIT Dance! cultivates an atmosphere of non-judgment and understanding. It's no wonder that many students consider it "one of her most happiest places in the world" and describe the community as "welcoming, inclusive and talented." For anyone in the Illinois area seeking a supportive and professional environment to explore the joy of dance, INTUIT Dance! offers a truly enriching experience.

From the youngest learners to serious pre-professional students and adults, INTUIT Dance! provides a balanced experience that cultivates both technical skill and artistic expression. Their commitment to fostering a strong sense of community, where older students mentor younger ones and everyone feels like a "good human," makes it a cherished local gem.

INTUIT Dance! is conveniently located at 237 Harrison St, Oak Park, IL 60304, USA. This prime location places it within the vibrant Oak Park Arts District, a well-known cultural hub that offers an abundance of creative classes and activities for residents throughout Oak Park and surrounding areas in Illinois. Being part of the Arts District means the studio benefits from a lively artistic atmosphere, making it an easy and inspiring destination for students.

The studio's address on Harrison Street ensures good accessibility, whether you're traveling by car or utilizing local public transportation options available in Oak Park. The area typically offers street parking, and as part of a thriving arts community, it is generally well-connected and easy to navigate. INTUIT Dance! also operates a second studio location in Forest Park, Illinois, further extending its reach and convenience for residents in the broader western Chicago suburbs. This strategic positioning allows families from various neighborhoods in Illinois to access their high-quality dance programs with ease, seamlessly integrating dance classes into their daily routines.

INTUIT Dance! offers a comprehensive array of dance programs and services designed to cater to a wide range of ages, skill levels, and artistic interests. Their curriculum is built on a philosophy of holistic development, ensuring students receive well-rounded training.

• Ballet: From beginner to advanced levels, students learn classical ballet variations and foundational techniques, essential for all dance forms.
• Hip Hop: Energetic classes that introduce students to the elements and styles of hip hop dancing, often set to upbeat music and incorporating freestyle exercises.
• Contemporary: Movement-based classes that expand on intricate movements and floor work, encouraging students to bring out their inner artist.
• Jazz: Solid jazz technique classes emphasizing precision, strength, and stylized progressions, often incorporating fun choreography.
• Musical Theater: Classes that likely combine dance with acting and singing elements, often culminating in productions, as evidenced by staff choreographing high school musicals.
• Lyrical: Classes that combine elements of ballet and jazz, focusing on musicality, storytelling, and expressive movement.
• Tap: Instruction that helps students understand different sounds made with tap shoes and create rhythms through various exercises.
• Mommy & Me / Tiny Tumble / Creative Movement: Programs designed for the youngest dancers, focusing on playful exploration, basic coordination, and foundational movement skills.
• Adult Division Classes: A wide range of classes for students over 18, welcoming both beginners and experienced dancers to challenge themselves and enjoy movement, including Ballet, Jazz, and Adult Repertoire for performance opportunities.
• Choreography Development: A strong emphasis on teaching choreography, allowing "kids' creativity to shine" and fostering a deeper understanding of dance as an art form.
• Private Lessons: Available for personalized instruction, including specialized services like choreographing a "first dance" for weddings.
• Studio Rentals: Space available for other teachers and choreographers to rent, further supporting the local dance community.
• Birthday Parties: Options to reserve studio space for dance-themed birthday celebrations.

INTUIT Dance! is highly praised for several key features and highlights that contribute to its exceptional reputation within the Oak Park, IL community and beyond.

• Exceptional and Invested Staff: The instructors are consistently described as "awesome," "excellent," and "professional," with specific mention of their patience and ability to foster growth. The fact that one choreographs musicals at Oak Park River Forest High School speaks to the high caliber and real-world experience of the teaching team.
• Nurturing and Inclusive Community: The studio has successfully created a "smaller dance community" where older students are "tight knit and serious about their craft" while also being "welcoming, inclusive and talented." This supportive environment fosters strong friendships and a sense of belonging.
• Balanced Approach (Skill & Artistry): Teachers are lauded for giving "the right amount of loving push," striking a "perfect balance of skill and artistry." This ensures students develop strong technical foundations while also cultivating their expressive and creative abilities.
• Holistic Philosophy: INTUIT Dance! goes beyond just dance steps, with a "360 approach to dance training" that prioritizes the holistic well-being (physical, emotional, mental) of its students. This includes emphasizing safety, consent, trauma awareness, and empowering students to make choices that align with their comfort levels.
• Emphasis on Choreography and Creativity: Unlike some studios that solely focus on learning routines, INTUIT Dance! teaches choreography, allowing "the kids' creativity to shine." This empowers students to understand dance as a means of artistic communication.
• Diverse Class Offerings for All Ages: From "Mommy & Me" to advanced pre-professional tracks and adult classes in styles ranging from ballet to hip hop and musical theater, the studio truly has something for everyone, making it a comprehensive dance destination.
• Positive Impact on Students: Testimonials highlight that the studio is "one of her most happiest places in the world" for students, indicating the profound positive emotional impact it has on individuals. The continuous learning and growth are evident in the students' development.

For inquiries about classes, registration, or any other information, you can easily connect with INTUIT Dance! using the following contact details:

Address: 237 Harrison St, Oak Park, IL 60304, USA

Phone: (312) 505-0186

Mobile Phone: +1 312-505-0186

You can also typically find more information and schedules on their official website, which may include details on their additional Forest Park location.

For locals in Oak Park, Illinois, and the wider Chicago metropolitan area, INTUIT Dance! is an exceptional choice for dance education. Its core strength lies in its "awesome" and highly professional staff who are not only skilled "dance pros" but also nurturing mentors, fostering an environment where students genuinely love to learn and grow. The studio's commitment to a holistic approach, focusing on both physical technique and emotional well-being, ensures that students develop into well-rounded individuals and confident performers. The diverse range of classes, from ballet to hip hop and musical theater, caters to all ages and interests, providing opportunities for every family member. Furthermore, the strong, welcoming, and inclusive community that Miss Diane has cultivated makes INTUIT Dance! a truly "happy place" where students forge lasting friendships and deepen their passion for the art form. Its reputation for fostering creativity, combined with its accessibility and comprehensive offerings, makes it a highly suitable and recommended local destination for anyone in Illinois seeking quality dance instruction and a vibrant artistic home.

INTUIT Dance!

237 Harrison St, Oak Park, IL 60304, USA