Business Details
Elite Dance Academy - Quality Dance Classes for All Ages
At Elite Dance Academy, we cultivate a supportive environment dedicated to nurturing professionally trained dancers with strong self-esteem, discipline, and respect. Our faculty consists of handpicked professionals with current industry expertise, many of whom are former performers or hold advanced dance degrees. We prioritize holistic development, ensuring students grow not only as skilled artists but also as confident, well-rounded individuals.Our programming caters to all ages and skill levels, from recreational classes to competitive teams, with a focus on adapting to evolving dance trends. Since our founding, we have maintained a commitment to safety, excellence, and community, creating a second home for our students and families.
Services
Ballet
Jazz
Hip Hop
Tap
Contemporary
Acro
Musical Theater
Creative Movement
Competitive Teams
Preschool Classes
Highlights and features
- Our instructors are professional or former professional dancers with university degrees and ongoing training.
- We maintain a dancer-safe studio with CPR-certified staff and sprung dance floors.
- We offer programs for both serious dancers and those who dance for fun.
- Our faculty includes award-winning choreographers and certified educators.
- We prioritize students' social, emotional, and physical development through dance.
What people say
Supportive atmosphere
Top-notch dance education
Changed her life
Well-organized school
Second home for dancers
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops poise, alignment, and technical mastery through age-appropriate instruction. Students learn foundational techniques while exploring creativity through music and movement. Classes emphasize proper body mechanics to prepare dancers for advanced training while fostering artistic expression in a supportive environment.
Hip Hop
This energetic hip hop class builds strength, power, and individuality through dynamic choreography. Students develop musicality and confidence while learning age-appropriate routines that emphasize personal style and social dance elements in a fun, high-energy setting.
Acro
Acro classes combine dance technique with gymnastic elements in a safe, instructor-led environment. Dancers improve flexibility, strength, and coordination while mastering handstands, cartwheels, and advanced acrobatic skills that enhance their overall dance performance.
Competitive Teams
Our elite competitive teams offer advanced training in multiple dance styles for dedicated students. Participants receive specialized coaching in choreography, technique, and stage performance while building teamwork skills through regional and national competition preparation.
Creative Movement
Designed for young children, this class uses imaginative play and sensory activities to develop motor skills and musicality. Students explore dance fundamentals through structured games and group interactions that foster social development and creative expression in a caregiver-supported environment.
People
Ashley Deets
Artistic Director
Award-winning dancer and choreographer with a BFA in Dance from University of Illinois. Certified in Acrobatic Arts and Rhythm Works Integrative Dance. Over two decades of dance experience, including teaching and performance roles.
Paige Deets
Business Manager
Professional dancer and certified educator with a BFA from Western Michigan University. Former dancer with multiple contemporary companies and recipient of teaching certification in physical education and dance.
Renee Deets
Owner
Founder with background in Social Work and Child Psychology from Carthage College. Established Elite Dance Academy to create a safe space for children's development through dance, combining psychological principles with artistic training.
Gina Matsie
EDC Director
BFA graduate from University of Illinois with experience performing in works by renowned choreographers. Certified M1 Acrobatic Arts Instructor and program developer for DiscoverDance with five years of leadership experience at Elite.
Laura Witter
EDC Team Leader
Professional dancer with Chicago Tap Theatre and Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre. University of Illinois graduate with extensive teaching experience and international performance credits, including tours in Spain and France.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for dance classes?
We offer classes for children as young as 6 months with caregiver participation up to advanced students in high school, with programs tailored to each developmental stage.
Are your instructors qualified to teach dance?
All instructors are professional or former professional dancers with university degrees in dance or related fields, plus ongoing training in current teaching methodologies and safety protocols.
What dance styles do you offer?
We provide comprehensive training in ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, contemporary, acro, musical theater, and creative movement, with specialized programs for competitive and recreational dancers.
How does the registration process work?
Registration for our 2025-2026 season is currently open through our online portal, with class placements based on age, experience level, and scheduling availability for both recreational and competitive programs.
What safety measures do you have in place?
Our studio features sprung dance floors, CPR-certified staff, emergency preparedness training, video surveillance, and strict adherence to safety protocols for acrobatic training and student supervision.
Do you offer performance opportunities for students?
Yes, we provide multiple performance platforms including annual recitals, competitive events, and community showcases that allow dancers to demonstrate their progress and artistic development.
Reviews (6)
Ewa Calimag
Nov 03, 2021
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ELITE DANCE AVADEMY IS AMAZING! professional, accepting and not for once I felt anything negative about this studio . It had been about 10 years when my first dougther started ...when we stoped while something my heart was telling me to come back. When we did with my second dancer we never stopped dancing. At Elite Studio Everyone works well together, there is no time for drama , but promoting positivity and kindness and we just keep growing . Hopes and dreams come true I recommend Elite because helped my doughter to find her voice ,friendship, happiness through art of dancing . There is nothing
Kelli Lattyak
Mar 04, 2021
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We started up at Elite 4 years ago through a recommendation from a friend. Elite has been so much more than just a dance studio for my daughter. She has grown up through Elites Discover Dance program for preschoolers and is now in the Mini Company. The instructors are phenomenal; she has learned how to improve her dance moves but even more her confidence and sense of team has been fostered through the high energy and intuitive design of the program. We love Elite!!
Andrea Rekus
Feb 25, 2021
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My oldest daughter started at Elite Dance Academy as a beginner dancer, without a lot of experience. We started with Elite's summer classes to get a feel for Elite and my daughter instantly fell in love and had claimed that this was where she wanted to dance. You can feel the warmness of the teachers and staff instantly as they welcome their families and students into the studio. The thing that sticks out most to me was the feeling of family that every dancer encounters. My youngest daughter started at 3 in their Discovery Dance program where they learn about all different styles of dance through
Angela Doman
Feb 22, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Elite has always gone above and beyond to make my girls great dancers but more importantly great humans. The girls feel like it is a second home. During the last year of uncertainty they have done everything in their power to keep everyone dancing and having fun, all while making sure everyone is as safe as possible
Elite has always gone above and beyond to make my girls great dancers but more importantly great humans. The girls feel like it is a second home. During the last year of uncertainty they have done everything in their power to keep everyone dancing and having fun, all while making sure everyone is as safe as possible
Mary F.
Feb 03, 2021
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My daughter transferred to Elite last summer from another studio and it has really been one of the best decisions we've made! She wanted to write a review from her perspective. Elite is such a great place to dance!
whether you're looking for a studio to compete with, enhance your dace education, or just to have fun, Elite is definitely where you wanna be! Even if you aren't very experienced in the dance arts or you are new to the studio, there is nothing to worry about. I recently transferred to Elite in summer of 2020 and it was the best decision I made for myself. All the teachers
whether you're looking for a studio to compete with, enhance your dace education, or just to have fun, Elite is definitely where you wanna be! Even if you aren't very experienced in the dance arts or you are new to the studio, there is nothing to worry about. I recently transferred to Elite in summer of 2020 and it was the best decision I made for myself. All the teachers
Daniela Angjelkoski
Jan 05, 2021
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I can't recommend Elite Dance Academy enough! When I was researching dance studios 8 years ago, I was drawn to Elite's programs and principles. Dancers are taught the art of dance through education and fun! The teachers educate the students on the true meaning of dance. My daughter has grown to love everything about Elite and calls it her second home. We are comfortable and confident that not only is she learning a true art form, she is being loved and cared for as well. The owners, teachers and staff are remarkable, and we are very happy to be part of the Elite family! We look forward to many
