Business Details
18 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance Education in Chicago
Yvonne's Dance Academy was founded in 2008 with the mission to educate and inspire children through dance in a nurturing environment. Our structured programs emphasize technical skill development while fostering creative expression, self-esteem, and character growth. With two studio locations in Chicago, we serve nearly 200 students annually from diverse backgrounds, offering classes in ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, tap, and specialized techniques.Our experienced instructors utilize innovative teaching methods and a wide range of tools to create engaging learning experiences that extend beyond dance, cultivating lifelong appreciation for the arts and physical well-being.
Services
Ballet Classes
Hip-Hop Dance
Contemporary Dance
Tap Classes
Pointe Training
Leaps & Turns
Elite Team
High School Dance
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- Our faculty includes certified dance instructors with decades of combined teaching experience
- Specialized curriculum combining core ballet training with diverse dance styles
- Nurturing environment that builds confidence and self-expression through dance
- Two convenient Chicago locations with flexible class scheduling options
- Proven track record of student success in dance and personal development
What people say
Stellar reputation
Love the teachers
Second home
Confidence growth
Amazing experience
Services
Ballet Classes
Our foundational ballet program develops technical proficiency through age-appropriate instruction. Students learn proper form, technique, and artistic expression while building discipline and physical strength. Classes follow a progressive curriculum that nurtures both individual growth and ensemble performance skills.
Hip-Hop Dance
Engaging hip-hop classes teach rhythmic patterns, freestyle techniques, and contemporary choreography. Instructors emphasize musicality, coordination, and personal expression while maintaining technical standards that complement other dance forms.
Elite Team
Advanced dance program combining multiple styles with intensive training in choreography, performance techniques, and competition preparation. This team develops stage presence, technical precision, and collaborative skills through regular performances and special projects.
Pointe Training
Specialized instruction for dancers ready to transition to pointe work. Classes focus on proper alignment, foot strength, and technique under close supervision to ensure safe progression while maintaining classical ballet standards.
Leaps & Turns
Targeted training developing aerial skills, turns, and dynamic movement. Students improve flexibility, control, and performance quality through drills that enhance technical capabilities across all dance styles.
People
Ms. Yvonne Grabe-Liddell
Founder & Artistic Director
Founder of Yvonne's Dance Academy with over 30 years teaching experience. Holds BS in Elementary Education and extensive training in multiple dance styles. Former DePaul University Demonette and St. Benedict Preparatory School dance program director.
Ms. Mary Einhorn
Studio Manager
Studio manager with background in dance education and theater administration. Former apprentice at The Dance Company Inc. and recent graduate from Chicago College of Performing Arts with BFA in Acting.
Ms. Callie Luckenbach
Dance Instructor
Award-winning instructor with BFA in Dance from Point Park University. Experienced performer and choreographer with recognition at Columbus Arts Festival and Emergence Dance Festival.
Ms. Sarah Lammie
Dance Instructor
Certified dance educator specializing in tap and musical theater. Former competitive dancer trained at Kathleen's Dance Asylum and Knox College with performance experience in multiple dance genres.
Ms. Cayla Skuran
Dance Instructor
Loyola University graduate with double major in Communication Studies and Dance. Professional dancer with Ardent Dance Company and administrative experience at Giordano Dance Chicago.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We provide comprehensive training in ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, tap, pre-pointe/pointe, and specialized technique classes for dancers aged 3 to high school.
Is ballet required for other classes?
Yes, ballet is required as the foundational technique for all students. We believe ballet provides essential training that enhances performance in all other dance styles.
What are your class durations and pricing?
Class lengths range from 45 minutes to 2 hours. Tuition varies by duration: $21 for 45-minute classes, $30 for 60-minute sessions, up to $60 for 120-minute elite team classes.
How do I register for classes?
Registration is available through our Class Juggler system. New students can register online via our website's registration portal with step-by-step instructions.
What are your studio locations?
We operate at two convenient Chicago locations: 1733 W Irving Park Rd and St. Benedict Preparatory School 3911 N Bell Ave with staggered class hours at both studios.
Reviews (7)
Angela Duke
Nov 21, 2021
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My daughter has been taking classes with Yvonne's Dance Academy since kindergarten. We have loved being part of YDA for these past 8 years and plan to continue indefinitely. My daughter has taken tap, contemporary, ballet, hip hip and participated in the Elite team. We traveled with YDA to Disney World Florida to dance on stage and in the big park which was an amazing experience. There have been weekend workshops and competitions. My daughter is has a wonderful connection with Yvonne, the owner, as well as Paulina and the other amazing instructors. This is a dance school that teaches dance but
Alexis Rollins Dunton
Oct 07, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism
Our three year old is so excited to dance this year at Yvonne's Dance Academy. They have been so welcoming and even sent a handwritten note home. We love it already!
Our three year old is so excited to dance this year at Yvonne's Dance Academy. They have been so welcoming and even sent a handwritten note home. We love it already!
Jan McDermit
Sep 26, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
My girls found their dance home at Ms. Yvonnes. It is an intimate neighborhood dance studio where my children are acknowledged as the individuals they are and not just another number. We are very grateful for the excellent instruction. I am impressed with their wonderful and responsive teachers. I feel lucky to have found them .
My girls found their dance home at Ms. Yvonnes. It is an intimate neighborhood dance studio where my children are acknowledged as the individuals they are and not just another number. We are very grateful for the excellent instruction. I am impressed with their wonderful and responsive teachers. I feel lucky to have found them .
Jason Ruger
Sep 04, 2021
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Our child loves YDA and we've participated for over 10 years. From young children to teenagers, YDA provides a great group of instructors who are caring, challenge children to do their best and inspire confidence. Ms. Yvonne (owner and teacher) and the other instructors have had strong positive impact on our child over the last decade. Note our child does not attend St. Bens -- but we find the St. Bens students and parents welcoming and inclusive.
Betsi Schumacher
Aug 24, 2021
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Excellent dance instruction for kids! Ballet focused school with good variety of classes for kids pre-school through high school, including contemporary dance, tap and hip-hop. Very professional yet nurturing for kids, and an amazing spring recital each year. We love it.
Shannon Dingman
Jul 31, 2021
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Tthe owner clearly cares a lot about her staff, product and people. Such a great place and safe space for boys and girls to learn the value of dance and movement! Highly recommend! Also the facilities are super clean, there is a store to help get the appropriate dance needs and everyone is so helpful. I've had a great experience at both the IPR studio and the St. Bens location.
Kelly Wental
Jun 21, 2021
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Personally had an interesting experience here. the teachers favored certain students. majority of kids at YDA go to the same school, if your child does not go to st.benedict then i suggest you dont send them here. the dance community is toxic in general but i had so much social anxiety here. constantly feeling judged and it was not enjoyable. the recital is nice though and put together really well. i wish i liked the people at this dance academy but do not. overpriced as well.
(REPLY TO OWNER * *i dont need to speak to anyone, nor will i delete my review. i simply shared it so that other
(REPLY TO OWNER * *i dont need to speak to anyone, nor will i delete my review. i simply shared it so that other
