Studio 18

For families in the Illinois region, particularly those in Bannockburn and the surrounding North Shore suburbs, Studio 18 stands as a dynamic and highly regarded dance studio committed to providing a well-rounded, high-quality dance education. This isn't just a place to learn steps; it's an environment dedicated to instilling proper technique, fostering creativity, building respect, and cultivating an admiration for the art of dance in students of all ages. Studio 18 prides itself on making every student feel special, helping them gain self-confidence, and recognizing their talent each time they step into a class. Its overarching goal is to provide a safe space where individuals can express themselves through movement, discover their individual strengths, and reach their personal potential, all while excelling through teamwork and forming lasting friendships. Known as the home of Fusion Dance Company, Studio 18 offers a wide range of dance genres, from foundational ballet to energetic hip hop and expressive contemporary. While some administrative challenges have been noted by a single past client, the overwhelming sentiment from many others points to a studio with "great culture, great training, amazing choreo" and a passionate team, including Alissa and Ali, who are deeply committed to their students' growth. This dedication has led to remarkable opportunities, even including dancers performing with notable artists and for professional sports teams, showcasing the caliber of training offered. If you're seeking a committed dance family and amazing training for your child or yourself in Illinois, Studio 18 aims to provide an enriching and inspiring experience.

Studio 18 is conveniently located at 2577 Waukegan Rd, Bannockburn, IL 60015, USA. This strategic address places the studio in a highly accessible area for residents throughout the Illinois region, particularly those in Bannockburn and neighboring communities such as Deerfield, Highland Park, Lake Forest, and Lincolnshire. Waukegan Road is a major thoroughfare in the North Shore suburbs of Chicago, ensuring straightforward navigation and easy access from various directions. The studio's placement within a commercial area typically implies ample parking availability, which is a significant convenience for parents during drop-off and pick-up times, especially given the diverse class schedules. The ease of reaching Studio 18 minimizes travel burdens for families, allowing more focus on the dance experience itself. Its central location within a vibrant suburban corridor makes it a practical and desirable choice for anyone in Illinois seeking quality dance instruction in a readily accessible setting.

Studio 18 offers a comprehensive and diverse array of dance classes and programs, meticulously designed to cater to a wide range of ages (from toddlers to adults) and skill levels. Their commitment to a well-rounded dance education is evident in their varied curriculum:

• Early Childhood Dance Programs: Including "My Mini & Me" (for ages 1-2.5 with a caregiver), "Princess Ballet" (ages 2.5-3.5), "Tot Hop" (ages 2.5-4.5), and "Disney Divas" (ages 3-4.5), introducing the joy of movement and rhythm at a very young age. Also, "Transitional Tu-2s" and "Tumbling Tots" for ages 2-3.
• Ballet: Foundational classical ballet training, emphasizing proper technique, grace, posture, strength, and flexibility, available across various age and skill levels (Ballet I, Ballet II, Ballet III).
• Hip Hop: Dynamic street dance style known for its rhythm, improvisation, and athleticism. Offered for diverse age groups from "Beginning Hip Hop" (ages 5-7, 6-9, 7-9) to "Intermediate Hip Hop" (ages 9-14, 10-14, 12-18), and "Advanced Hip Hop with Progressions" (ages 12-18). Also includes "Adult Hip Hop" classes.
• Lyrical/Contemporary Dance: Expressive dance forms that blend elements of ballet, jazz, and modern dance, focusing on fluidity, emotional interpretation of music, and storytelling. Offered for varying age groups, including "Lyrical/Contemporary" (ages 11-14) and "Advanced Contemporary" (ages 12-18).
• Jazz: Energetic and expressive dance style that incorporates a variety of movements, often performed to upbeat music. Focuses on sharp, clean movements, turns, and leaps. Specific offerings may include "Ballet/Jazz" combos for younger dancers.
• Turns & Progressions Classes: Specialized classes focusing on improving specific dance techniques such as turns, jumps, and general progressions, available at different levels (Turns & Progressions, Intermediate Turns & Progressions, Turns & Progressions II, III, Advanced Hip Hop with Progressions).
• Recreational Classes: Available in all styles of dance for ages 18 months to 18 years, providing a fun and engaging way to learn dance without the commitment of competitive teams.
• Competitive Dance Companies (Fusion Dance Company): Audition-only programs for experienced dancers (typically grades 2-12) specializing in hip hop, lyrical, and other genres. These companies (e.g., S18 Petite Company, S18 Teen Contemporary Company, S18 Junior Lyrical Company, S18 Mini Lyrical Company, FUSION too!) travel, perform, and compete throughout the Chicagoland area and beyond.
• Private Lessons: One-on-one instruction available for personalized coaching and accelerated learning.
• Single Class / Drop-in Options: Opportunities for new students to try a single class before committing to a full session.
• Summer Camps and Workshops: Seasonal programs, such as "Dance Camp" and "Hip Hop Dance Camp," offering intensive training and immersive dance experiences.

Studio 18 stands out significantly in the Illinois dance community due to several distinctive features and highlights that enhance its appeal and contribute to its strong reputation:

• High-Quality, Well-Rounded Dance Education: The studio is committed to providing comprehensive dance training across "all genres of dance," ensuring students receive a versatile education. Their faculty is highly trained and professional, instilling proper technique, creativity, and respect for the art form.
• Exceptional Instructors and Leadership: Reviews consistently praise the instructors, particularly Alissa and Ali (likely owners/directors), for their commitment, high energy, imaginative choreography, and ability to bring out exceptional talent in their dancers. They create a wonderful balance of discipline and fun.
• Strong Focus on Life Lessons: Beyond dance steps, the studio emphasizes teaching valuable life skills such as hard work, commitment, perseverance, teamwork, punctuality, and overcoming obstacles. This holistic approach helps students mature as individuals.
• Nurturing and Supportive Environment: The studio fosters a community where every student feels special, gains self-confidence, and feels talented. Many describe it as a "second family" or an "incredible experience," where teachers instill a love of dance and also teach discipline and determination.
• Home of Fusion Dance Company: This award-winning competitive company provides extraordinary opportunities for dedicated dancers, including performances on stage with artists like Ciara and Justin Bieber, and for the Chicago Bulls. This highlights the top-notch training and unique experiences available.
• Diverse Age Group Offerings: Classes cater to a very wide age range, from toddlers (18 months) to teens (18 years) and even adults, ensuring a continuous pathway for dancers to grow within the studio.
• Emphasis on Skill Development and Potential: The goal is to help dancers discover their individual strengths and reach their personal potential, pushing them to achieve beyond what they imagined.
• Safe and Expressive Environment: Studio 18 aims to provide a safe space where students can express themselves freely through movement, fostering artistic growth and emotional well-being.
• Positive Culture and Choreography: The studio is widely lauded for its "great culture," "great training," and "amazing choreo," indicating a high standard in both the learning environment and the artistic output.

For those in the Illinois region interested in enrolling a child or themselves in dance classes at Studio 18, or seeking more information about their programs, you can easily get in touch via the following contact details:

Address: 2577 Waukegan Rd, Bannockburn, IL 60015, USA

Phone: (224) 300-0941

Mobile Phone: +1 224-300-0941

Email: info@studio18chicago.com

Connecting with Studio 18 directly is the best way to get the most current information on class schedules, registration details, specific program offerings, and answers to any questions you may have about their approach to dance education. Their team is ready to assist you in finding the perfect class to ignite a passion for dance.

For families and individuals throughout the Illinois region, particularly those in Bannockburn and the surrounding North Shore communities, Studio 18 stands as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended local point of interest for dance education. Its convenient location on Waukegan Road ensures easy accessibility, making it a practical choice for daily or weekly classes, integrating seamlessly into busy local schedules. What truly makes Studio 18 ideal for the Illinois community is its profound commitment to fostering not just dance technique, but also vital life skills. As numerous enthusiastic reviews attest, the studio instills hard work, commitment, perseverance, teamwork, and self-confidence, helping children mature into well-rounded individuals. The "amazing" and patient instructors, like Alissa and Ali, create a nurturing, high-energy environment where every student feels special and supported. This positive culture is invaluable for parents seeking a place where their children can thrive both artistically and personally. The diverse range of dance styles offered, from early childhood programs to advanced competitive company training in hip hop, ballet, lyrical, and more, ensures that every age and interest is catered to, allowing local children to find their passion and grow within a familiar community setting. The unique opportunities, such as performing with major artists or for professional sports teams through Fusion Dance Company, highlight the exceptional caliber of training available right here in Illinois. While one past review mentioned administrative concerns, the overwhelming positive feedback regarding the quality of instruction, the supportive atmosphere, and the transformative impact on students underscores Studio 18's strong suitability. It's a place where locals can find not just dance classes, but a dedicated community that becomes a "second family," enriching lives through the power of movement and shared artistic passion.

Studio 18

2577 Waukegan Rd, Bannockburn, IL 60015, USA