Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance Academy in Elmhurst, IL
At DeForest Dance Academy, we believe that everyone can dance. Founded in 1989, our studio provides a fun and welcoming environment where students of all ages develop technical skills, confidence, and a lifelong passion for dance. With two state-of-the-art locations in Elmhurst and Glen Ellyn, our experienced instructors offer both recreational classes and an award-winning competitive program, Steppin Out Dance Company.Our mission prioritizes personalized attention, fostering creativity, and creating a supportive community where dancers thrive. We maintain rigorous safety standards, professional development for staff, and transparent communication with families. Our commitment to excellence has made us a trusted leader in dance education for over three decades.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Dance
Hip Hop Instruction
Tap Dance
Lyrical Dance
Contemporary Dance
Dance Medley
Recreational Programs
Competitive Teams
Audition Preparation
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer 35 years of proven excellence in dance education
- Our faculty includes award-winning choreographers and certified instructors
- Two fully equipped studios with flexible class schedules
- We provide both recreational and competitive pathways for dancers
- Our staff maintains ongoing professional development in dance pedagogy
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops proper technique, posture, and grace through structured curriculum. Certified instructors teach from beginner to advanced levels, focusing on barre work, center combinations, and performance preparation. Classes follow dress code requirements with progressive skill development for ages 3 through adults.
Competitive Dance Team
The award-winning Steppin Out Dance Company offers elite training for ages 5-18. Members receive specialized instruction in multiple genres, compete regionally/nationally, and benefit from college scholarship connections. Annual auditions ensure proper placement with ongoing performance opportunities throughout the year.
Hip Hop Instruction
Contemporary hip hop classes teach street-style techniques, freestyle movement, and choreography. Instructors emphasize rhythm, musicality, and self-expression while maintaining technical fundamentals. Students perform in recitals and competitions with age-appropriate music and choreography.
Jazz Dance
Jazz classes combine technical training with performance skills, covering Broadway-style and competition jazz. Curriculum includes isolations, leaps, turns, and combo work. Students learn diverse styles from classic to contemporary while developing versatility for stage performances.
Recreational Programs
Our recreational dance program offers weekly classes for ages 3+ with flexible commitment levels. Students learn fundamental techniques in various genres while building confidence and social skills. Classes focus on enjoyment, creativity, and foundational dance development without competitive obligations.
People
Ashley DeForest-Goletz
Owner & Director
With 35 years in dance education, Ashley established DeForest Dance Academy to make dance accessible to all. She oversees curriculum development and directs the competitive program while maintaining active teaching roles.
Donna Johnson
Tap Director
Founder of Steppin Out Dance Company, Donna brings decades of competitive dance experience. She specializes in tap instruction and choreography while mentoring advanced students pursuing professional dance careers.
Daryl Barnes
Ballet Instructor
Certified ballet instructor with extensive competition judging experience. Daryl teaches advanced technique classes and coordinates audition processes while serving as a key administrator for the academy.
Carly Brandl
Choreographer
Award-winning choreographer specializing in contemporary dance forms. Carly develops performance pieces for competitive teams and leads master classes in innovative movement techniques for advanced students.
Kimmy Pendzimaz
Musical Theater
Specialist in musical theater and lyrical dance styles. Kimmy teaches combination classes and choreographs performance pieces that integrate storytelling with technical dance elements for stage productions.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, and musical theater styles with age-appropriate classes from beginner to advanced levels.
What are class attire requirements?
Specific dress codes apply by class type including leotards, tights, and appropriate footwear. Detailed requirements are available on our website and at both studio locations.
Do you have adult dance classes?
While our primary focus is youth instruction, we occasionally offer adult dance workshops and community classes. Check our schedule for current offerings.
What are your studio locations?
We operate two studios: 300 W. Lake St, Elmhurst, IL 630-832-3700 and 483 Roosevelt Rd, Glen Ellyn, IL 630-469-3600.
Reviews (7)
Natalie Saraceno
Oct 28, 2020
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DeForest Dance is my second home! Love working at such a great studio and being able to share my passion for dance with so many kids! 💚💙💜
John Alello
Jun 03, 2019
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My little girl likes this place 100%. This is an awesome dance Studio. I like the place and their hours. My daughter loves going here and the dance teachers are also very nice instructors.
Sheri Rovansek
Jun 29, 2018
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Amazing choreographers, teachers, parents and dancers!! DDA is like our second family. My daughter has been dancing there for 6 years and has loved every minute of it!! Thank you for proving an outstanding competitive dance program as well as life long friends!! ❤️🖤
Candace Benton
Jun 14, 2018
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Couldnt be happier this year at Deforest dance Academy yeah my daughters home away from home her support system when Im not there and I cant thank you guys enough for always being there for us. Weve had a great season looking forward to nationals and years to come
Amanda T.
Sep 24, 2017
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My sons love Deforest! They both are on the competitive team and have been encouraged and embraced by the teachers and families. CC: saying they take "anyone and everyone" is not only hurtful, but also could apply to your own. Not sure why that comment is constructive.
Ciana Grove
Sep 22, 2017
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Dancing at deforest was the best 9 years and I miss it so much! They made it a 2nd home for me and I've never been supported by so many people before. I met so many lifelong friends and made so many memories I will never forget. I can honestly say that it shaped me and my three sisters, who also danced on SODC, into the strong independent women we are today and made us so much closer together. even though I'm in college now, I know I'm gonna visit! KILL it this season steppin out, I know you will!
Anna Moon
Sep 21, 2017
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DeForest is a family owned business that puts the well being of their students as the number one priority. They offer a great diversity of classes with highly educated teachers.
