Skunkworks Dance

For families and aspiring dancers throughout Illinois, particularly those in Wilmette and the wider Chicagoland area, Skunkworks Dance stands out as a truly unique and exceptional pre-professional dance studio. It's more than just a place to learn choreography; it's a sanctuary where young artists can concentrate on their passion, express themselves freely, and explore their full potential. With a philosophy that extends beyond traditional dance forms, Skunkworks Dance has built an inclusive and innovative environment that nurtures not only incredible dancers but also well-rounded individuals.

In the bustling world of performing arts, Skunkworks Dance has carved a niche by focusing on individual creativity and incorporating valuable life lessons into its curriculum. For local users in Illinois, this means access to a dance education that blends rigorous technical training with a holistic approach to student development. From fostering determination and responsibility to empowering self-care and teamwork, the studio is dedicated to inspiring kids to become "the best version of themselves." Whether your child is taking their first hip-hop class or aiming for a pre-professional career, Skunkworks Dance provides the guidance and community needed to thrive, making it a truly special addition to the local arts scene.

Skunkworks Dance is conveniently located at 1111 Central Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091, USA. This prime address places the studio in the heart of beautiful downtown Wilmette, making it easily accessible for residents of Wilmette and numerous surrounding communities across Illinois's North Shore, including Evanston, Kenilworth, Winnetka, and Glencoe. Central Avenue is a key thoroughfare in Wilmette, ensuring straightforward navigation and convenient travel for families commuting to and from classes.

The studio's location within downtown Wilmette also offers the added benefit of proximity to other local shops and amenities, allowing parents to run errands or enjoy the neighborhood while their children attend classes. Easy parking, a crucial convenience for any busy family, is also a reported feature, contributing to a stress-free experience. This strategic and community-integrated placement underscores Skunkworks Dance's commitment to being a central and accessible hub for innovative dance education for local families in Illinois. The studio has grown from various pop-up spaces to this community home, highlighting its dedication to a consistent and accessible presence.

• Pre-Professional Dance Training: Innovative and intensive programs designed to prepare students for professional careers in concert dance, emphasizing contemporary styles and unique artistic voices.
• Youth Dance Classes: A comprehensive range of classes for children starting from ages 3 and up, including styles such as Hip Hop, Contemporary, Ballet, and improvisation.
• Performance Programs: Opportunities for dedicated students to participate in the Skunkworks Performance Program, culminating in breathtaking live shows and professionally produced dance films.
• Individual Instruction & Private Lessons: Personalized one-on-one training with founder Jana Bennett, focusing on unique goals, refining technique, developing artistry, and building confidence through a science-backed approach.
• Group Lessons: Focused small group training sessions for ensembles or small groups looking for customized instruction.
• Advanced/Pro Contemporary Dance Labs: One-day intensives for serious dancers (ages 13+) to explore professional-level contemporary work, incorporating improvisation, technique, cross-training (THRIVE), and student choreography.
• Summer Dance Offerings: Various summer programs including individual instruction, group lessons, and intensive dance labs.
• Dance Film Production: Opportunities for students to participate in the creation of high-quality dance films, showcasing their talent in a unique artistic medium.
• "THRIVE" Program: A unique, Skunkworks-only dance anatomy, injury prevention, and cross-training practice designed to empower dancers and help them reach their goals.
• Community Engagement: Participation in local community performances and interactive booths, bringing joy and artistic expression to the wider area.

• Extraordinary Staff and Mentorship: The team, including founder Jana Bennett, Daniel Williams (Video Specialist/Hip Hop Minor Choreographer), and Julia Schaeffer (Pre-Company & Ballet Minor Choreographer), are praised as not just excellent dancers and teachers, but as true mentors and role models who instill valuable life lessons and inspire students to become their best selves.
• Inclusive and Innovative Pre-Professional Approach: Skunkworks Dance is built on a visionary concept of creating a new kind of pre-professional studio that is inclusive and innovative, prioritizing individual creativity and allowing kids to discover their own unique artistic voice.
• Unique Curriculum Incorporating Science and Self-Care: Classes go beyond traditional dance forms by integrating scientific lessons on body, energy, and mind. This unique approach educates kids on self-care and empowers them to harness their potential, leading to remarkable results.
• Emphasis on Holistic Development: The studio focuses on teaching critical life skills such as determination, self-care, independence, responsibility, and teamwork, ensuring students grow as individuals alongside their dance skills.
• Exceptional Management and Communication: Despite a bustling schedule, the studio is impeccably managed with streamlined and efficient communication, easing the lives of parents.
• Strong Family Values and Community: Founder Jana's family (parents and husband) are actively involved, creating a tight-knit community that provides reassurance to parents and models strong family values, making it feel like a "sanctuary" for students.
• High-Quality Performance and Film Production: The studio produces amazing dance films and breathtaking live shows, offering students professional-level performance opportunities. The "All For One" dance film is a testament to their creativity.
• Positive Student Experience: Daughters' love of dance and confidence consistently grows, with many expressing that the studio has helped them "find their voice" and concentrate on their passion regardless of external influences.
• Diverse Class Offerings: A wide range of classes in various styles (Contemporary, Hip Hop, Ballet, Improvisation) caters to different interests and skill levels, from young beginners to advanced/professional dancers.

Address: 1111 Central Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091, USA

Phone: (847) 787-7200

For the most current class schedules, registration details, and information about their unique programs, residents of Illinois are encouraged to visit the official Skunkworks Dance website or contact the studio directly via the provided phone number.

For families and aspiring dancers throughout Illinois, especially those residing in Wilmette and its surrounding North Shore communities, Skunkworks Dance is an unequivocally suitable and highly recommended local destination for dance education. The glowing testimonials from parents underscore why this studio is considered such a "special place" in the community. It's clear that Skunkworks Dance transcends typical dance instruction, offering a truly transformative experience for its students. The extraordinary staff, including visionary founder Jana Bennett and dedicated teachers like Daniel and Julia, are consistently praised for their roles as mentors and role models, extending their influence beyond dance steps to instill invaluable life lessons.

The studio’s innovative approach, which blends traditional dance forms with a focus on individual creativity, scientific principles (body, energy, mind), and essential self-care, creates a truly unique learning environment. This holistic development ensures that students not only become technically proficient dancers but also gain critical life skills such as determination, independence, responsibility, and teamwork. Furthermore, the impeccable management and streamlined communication ease the lives of busy parents, while the strong family values modeled by Jana's family contribute to a tight-knit and reassuring community. For any local individual or family in Illinois seeking a supportive, innovative, and deeply enriching pre-professional dance studio where passion is nurtured and potential is truly unleashed, Skunkworks Dance in Wilmette stands as an unparalleled choice, providing a sanctuary where every dancer can find their voice and thrive.

Skunkworks Dance

1111 Central Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091, USA