The Difference Dance Company

Introduction / Overview

For discerning families and dedicated young dancers across Illinois, particularly in the western suburbs of Chicago, seeking a dance studio that truly elevates training and fosters profound personal growth, The Difference Dance Company in Carol Stream, IL, stands out as an exceptional choice. Founded and led by Artistic Director Melissa Lobes, who holds a BFA in Choreography from Columbia College Chicago and boasts over 15 years of choreographic experience, The Difference is committed to a mission that transcends mere technical instruction. Their philosophy is to facilitate young dancers' development into true artists by expanding their definition of dance into an exploration of abstract concepts, emphasizing technique, performance, improvisation, and scholarship. Unlike studios that may offer a stagnant or less challenging environment, The Difference Dance Company prides itself on providing first-rate course offerings that are designed to challenge and inspire. As evidenced by numerous glowing testimonials, this approach leads to remarkable, rapid growth in dancers, reigniting their passion and pushing them to achieve levels of artistry they might not have thought possible. The studio is a place where every step of the dancer's journey, from their very first class to their graduation performance, is supported with a focus on confidence building, friendship, and artistic excellence.

Location and Accessibility

The Difference Dance Company is conveniently situated at 200 Easy St Ste E, Carol Stream, IL 60188, USA. This central location in Carol Stream makes it highly accessible for families and dancers residing throughout the western suburbs of Chicago. Communities such as Wheaton, Bloomingdale, Glendale Heights, and Naperville are all within a reasonable driving distance, benefiting from straightforward routes to the studio. "Easy Street" itself hints at the convenience of access, and as a suite within a commercial area, ample parking is typically available directly on-site, easing the logistics of drop-offs and pick-ups for parents. Carol Stream is a well-established and family-friendly community, making The Difference Dance Company a practical and desirable choice for anyone in the Illinois region seeking a professional and dedicated environment for high-level dance training. Its location allows it to effectively serve a broad demographic of aspiring dancers from various local communities, fostering a strong sense of local connection and convenience.

Services Offered

• Comprehensive Dance Training: Offers rigorous and well-rounded training in essential dance disciplines, including Ballet, Technique, Conditioning, Floor Barre, Contemporary, Modern, and Improvisation.
• Specialized Genre Pieces: Brings in high-caliber, nationwide choreographers to teach and set diverse genre pieces for the team, exposing dancers to a wide array of styles and artistic perspectives.
• Individualized Growth Focus: Programs are designed to challenge dancers, ensuring significant personal and artistic growth that is often accelerated compared to other studios.
• Performance Opportunities: Provides ample opportunities for dancers to perform, showcasing their development and artistry on stage.
• Scholarship and Competition Preparation: Actively supports and prepares dancers for participation in prestigious dance competitions and helps them achieve scholarships, fostering ambition and rewarding dedication.
• Curriculum for All Ages: Offers dance classes for ages 2 to adult, ensuring a pathway for dancers from their earliest steps through advanced training.
• Age-Appropriate Curriculum: Committed to providing dance training with age-appropriate curriculum, music, and costumes, ensuring a safe and suitable learning environment for all students.
• Trial Classes: Offers prospective students the opportunity to schedule a trial class to experience the studio's environment and instruction firsthand.
• Life Lessons Through Dance: Explicitly integrates life lessons into the dance education, promoting personal growth, confidence, and discipline beyond technical skills.

Features / Highlights

• Exceptional Artistic Direction by Melissa Lobes: The studio's leadership under Melissa Lobes is a standout feature. Her college major in dance and extensive professional experience translate into "FANTASTIC" teaching and a profound understanding of dance that significantly accelerates student growth.
• Rapid and Noticeable Student Progress: Testimonials consistently highlight that students experience more substantial and faster growth at The Difference Dance Company than they did in years at previous studios, indicating highly effective teaching methodologies.
• High-Caliber Choreographers and Diverse Training: The regular inclusion of nationwide, high-caliber choreographers provides students with exposure to varied styles and cutting-edge techniques, enriching their training significantly.
• Holistic Dancer Development: Beyond just physical technique, the studio emphasizes developing the "whole person," teaching invaluable life lessons and helping dancers understand themselves better through their art.
• Positive and Caring Environment: Dancers feel genuinely "cared for" and challenged in a supportive, positive, and productive classroom environment, fostering a strong sense of belonging and family among students and staff.
• Dedication to Correct Technique and Injury Prevention: Committed to ensuring dancers learn correct technique with experienced professional instructors in a safe way, actively working to prevent injuries.
• Strong Focus on Passion and Challenge: The studio successfully reignites and sustains dancers' passion for their art by providing consistent challenge and intellectual engagement, combating stagnation.
• Convenience and Commitment: Parents are willing to drive significant distances (e.g., 50 minutes, 4-5 times a week) without complaint, a testament to the perceived value and quality of instruction at The Difference.

Contact Information

For those in Illinois looking to enroll in high-quality dance training or seeking a studio that prioritizes comprehensive dancer development, contacting The Difference Dance Company in Carol Stream is highly recommended. You can reach them through the following contact details:

Address: 200 Easy St Ste E, Carol Stream, IL 60188, USA

Phone: (630) 400-4400

Mobile Phone: +1 630-400-4400

We encourage prospective students and their families to connect with The Difference Dance Company directly to inquire about class schedules, registration procedures, trial classes, or specific program details. The dedicated team will be delighted to provide all the information you need to embark on a truly transformative dance journey.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Illinois residents, particularly those in Carol Stream and the surrounding western suburbs of Chicago, The Difference Dance Company offers an exceptionally suitable and uniquely impactful environment for dance training. Its primary advantage for locals is the unparalleled quality of instruction and accelerated growth that students experience, as consistently highlighted by testimonials from families who have seen their children flourish after transitioning from other studios. This is directly attributable to Artistic Director Melissa Lobes's deep expertise and dedication, ensuring that every dancer is not just taught steps, but truly challenged and nurtured to become an artist. The studio's commitment to providing a comprehensive curriculum, including ballet, conditioning, contemporary, and improvisation, alongside the regular infusion of "high caliber" guest choreographers, means that students receive a world-class dance education without needing to travel into the heart of Chicago. For parents, the emphasis on developing the "whole person" – instilling confidence, self-awareness, and life lessons – is as valuable as the technical dance skills. The highly positive, caring environment fosters a strong sense of community, making it a place where dancers feel genuinely supported and enthusiastic, even if it means a significant commute. The accessible location in Carol Stream further enhances its appeal for local families seeking a professional, challenging, and profoundly rewarding dance experience for their children. In essence, The Difference Dance Company lives up to its name, providing a truly distinctive and superior dance education that is ideal for any dedicated young dancer in the Illinois region.

The Difference Dance Company

200 Easy St Ste E, Carol Stream, IL 60188, USA