Business Details
2 Years
experience
Your Premier Dance Academy in Chicago
At Definition Dance, we are dedicated to mentoring students through the transformative power of dance. Our mission is to provide a high level of professionalism in dance education while fostering an environment where students build lifelong relationships and discover their full potential. With a focus on love, dedication, and technical excellence, we guide dancers of all ages to achieve their goals through personalized instruction and a supportive community. Our team of experienced instructors brings decades of professional performance and teaching expertise to every class, ensuring students receive top-tier training in multiple dance disciplines.We emphasize self-expression and confidence-building, helping each dancer find their unique voice while mastering foundational and advanced techniques. From recreational classes to pre-professional programs, our structured curriculum prepares students for future success in dance and beyond.
Services
Ballet Classes
Hip Hop Instruction
Jazz Dance Training
Private Lessons
Birthday Parties
Wedding Dance Lessons
Ensemble Program
Studio Rentals
Master Classes
Competition Prep
Details
- Year established: 2024
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined teaching experience from award-winning instructors
- Our curriculum includes 6+ dance styles with specialized technique development
- We provide performance opportunities at professional venues like Athenaeum Theater
- Our instructors include former Giordano Dance Chicago company members
- We maintain small class sizes for personalized attention and growth
What people say
Amazing instructors
Professional facilities
Excellent technique development
Great performance opportunities
Supportive environment
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistry through structured training in classical and contemporary techniques. Students progress through graded levels focusing on proper alignment, musicality, and performance quality. Classes emphasize foundational skills while preparing advanced dancers for professional opportunities through our pre-professional track.
Hip Hop Instruction
Contemporary hip hop classes teach street-style techniques with emphasis on rhythm, isolation, and personal expression. Instructors incorporate commercial dance elements and choreography from current music videos and performances. Classes cater to all levels from beginner foundations to advanced freestyle and battle techniques.
Private Lessons
Customized instruction available in all dance styles for individual skill development. Sessions focus on technical improvement, competition preparation, or personalized choreography for special events. Our professional instructors tailor lessons to meet specific goals for dancers of any age or experience level.
Ensemble Program
Our competitive dance company offers intensive training for serious dancers pursuing professional careers. Members receive weekly rehearsals, performance opportunities at professional venues, and specialized coaching in audition techniques. The program emphasizes stage presence, advanced choreography, and collaborative artistry.
Birthday Parties
Two-hour themed dance parties include studio space for dancing and food, professional instruction, music, and setup/cleanup. Packages accommodate up to 15 children with additional capacity available. Parties feature age-appropriate choreography, dance games, and a performance for guests with optional photography opportunities.
People
Meredith Schultz
Owner / Instructor
Former Giordano Dance Chicago company member with 20 years teaching experience. BFA in ballet from University of Cincinnati. Specializes in jazz, tap, and contemporary instruction. Master faculty for Jazz Dance World Congress Kids Jazz program.
Kate Louer
Owner / Instructor
BFA in performance and choreography from UNLV. Former Thodos Dance Chicago trainee and RASA Dance Chicago member. Teaches ballet, jazz, and hip hop. Brings professional performance experience to her technique-focused classes for competitive dancers.
Cesar Salinas
Instructor
Giordano Dance Chicago Associate Artistic Director with 15+ years teaching experience. Certified in Giordano Technique at all levels. Former Jazz Dance World Congress faculty member. Specializes in jazz instruction and science-based dance education.
Alex Neil-Sevier
Studio Manager / Instructor
YPAD-certified educator with MA in Public Policy. Specializes in early childhood dance education and inclusive dance programming. Combines pedagogy expertise with policy background to create safe, developmentally appropriate learning environments for young dancers.
Braeden Barnes
Instructor
Former Joffrey Ballet and Visceral Dance Chicago performer. Award-winning choreographer with experience at YAGP and REVERB festivals. Founded Symbiosis Arts nonprofit. Teaches contemporary technique and choreography for advanced dancers.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, tap, and modern dance instruction for all skill levels from beginner to pre-professional.
Do you have classes for beginners?
Yes, we offer introductory classes for all ages starting at age 3 with progressive levels that accommodate dancers with no prior experience.
Are private lessons available?
Private dance lessons are available for all styles with our professional instructors. Sessions can be customized for competition prep, special events, or technical improvement.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in annual recitals at Athenaeum Theater, holiday showcases, and ensemble performances. Competitive dancers perform at regional and national events.
Do you offer birthday party packages?
Yes, we provide 2-hour dance-themed birthday parties with studio space, instruction, music, and setup/cleanup services for children ages 3-12.
What are your class schedules?
Group classes run year-round with sessions in fall, winter/spring, and summer. Detailed schedules with times and registration dates are available on our website.
