Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Plainfield, IL
Founded in 1972 by Sandra Vaughan, our dance academy has been a cornerstone of the Plainfield community for over five decades. We specialize in cultivating a love for dance while fostering poise, self-esteem, and grace in students aged 2 through adult. Our family-owned business maintains a caring environment where students are treated as extended family, with a focus on long-term retention and holistic development. Our instructors, trained at institutions like Northern Illinois University and The Houston Ballet Academy, bring professional expertise to every class.As home to the award-winning INNOVATION Dance Company, we offer competitive opportunities for aspiring dancers while maintaining a commitment to accessible, high-quality education. Our spacious studios feature sprung floors and Marley surfaces to ensure optimal training conditions. With direct communication channels for parents and a legacy of excellence recognized by ADCC and KAR awards, we combine tradition with innovation to create a supportive dance community.
Services
Ballet
Jazz
Hip Hop
Tap
Lyrical
Contemporary
Tumbling
Competitive Dance Team
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- Award-winning competitive dance company with 30+ years of excellence
- Instructors trained at prestigious institutions like Columbia College Chicago
- Family-owned studio with 50+ years of community dance education experience
- Spacious studios with professional-grade sprung floors and Marley surfaces
- Direct parent communication and flexible scheduling options
Associations and certifications
- ADCC Regional Studio of Excellence
- KAR Elite Studio of Excellence
What people say
Amazing teachers
Positive influence
Family environment
Professional facilities
Competitive excellence
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical proficiency through barre work, center exercises, and performance pieces. Students learn classical techniques while building discipline and artistry. Classes are structured by experience level from beginner to advanced, with annual recital opportunities.
Jazz Dance
Jazz classes combine technical training with entertainment industry preparation. Students master warm-up exercises, choreography, and performance skills while developing versatility for musical theater and commercial dance settings.
Hip Hop
Contemporary hip hop instruction focuses on strength training, breakdancing fundamentals, and choreography. Classes emphasize musicality and self-expression through urban dance styles popular in modern pop culture.
Tumbling Techniques
Progressive tumbling classes teach fundamental through advanced skills including cartwheels, walkovers, and aerials. Safety-focused instruction builds strength and coordination for dancers at all experience levels.
Competitive Dance Team
INNOVATION Dance Company offers pre-professional training in multiple genres. Competitive teams receive specialized coaching for regional and national competitions while developing performance excellence and sportsmanship.
People
Sandra Vaughan
Founder
Established the first dance academy in Plainfield in 1972, sharing her extensive dance training with the community until her passing in 2017.
Samantha Vaughan
Director
Continues her mother's legacy as current manager, maintaining the studio's founding principles while advancing dance education standards.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We provide instruction in ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, lyrical, contemporary, and tumbling for ages 2 through adult.
How do I register for classes?
Annual registration for 2025-2026 is currently open through our website with summer session options available.
Can students join the competitive team?
INNOVATION Dance Company auditions are held annually, with placement based on technical skill and maturity level.
What are class attire requirements?
Specific dress codes vary by class type, with detailed requirements provided for each dance discipline during registration.
Where are you located?
Our studio is conveniently located at 24116 W. Lockport St, Plainfield, IL 60544 with free parking available.
Who teaches the classes?
Professional instructors with degrees from institutions like Northern Illinois University and Columbia College Chicago.
Reviews (4)
Casey Gravitt
Mar 07, 2021
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Positive:Quality
Exceptional dance studio. The owners and staff are very friendly and truly treat you like family. The lessons are professional, thorough, organized, and well explained. We love Vaughan Dance Academy and are so happy we found such a place. Highly recommend
Exceptional dance studio. The owners and staff are very friendly and truly treat you like family. The lessons are professional, thorough, organized, and well explained. We love Vaughan Dance Academy and are so happy we found such a place. Highly recommend
Andy Dole
Sep 10, 2020
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My daughter was there for a girl scout outing, they really enjoyed themselves and the instructors were great.
Heather Fisher
Oct 07, 2017
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A few years ago we had to switch dance companies due to our old one closing. After searching for months, trying out classes, auditioning at different studios we decided to settle down at Vaughan Dance Academy where my daughter joined their competitive team Innovation Dance Company. Each day and each year goes by and I know 110% that we made the right choice. My daughter has grown so much not just in dance but in many other things including being organized and losing the anxiety that she used to have. The teachers are amazing here and make sure each girl gets the amount of attention and help that
Alejandra J.
Sep 20, 2017
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Bad communications at this place. When you walk in the doors for the first time don't expect to be greeted. Any questions you have about the programs are not communicated effectively. Very disappointed.
