Business Details
22 Years
experience
Transform Your Dance Journey with INTUIT Dance
At INTUIT Dance, we cultivate life-long lovers of dance through comprehensive training in technique, improvisation, and choreography. Established in 2004 by artistic director Diane VanDerhei, our studio offers programs for recreational, pre-professional, and adult dancers across two locations in Oak Park and Forest Park, Illinois. Our philosophy emphasizes the full spectrum of dance education, integrating body-mind connections through The Brain Dance and Bartenieff Fundamentals. With a team of world-class instructors, we provide personalized curricula that develop technical mastery, creative expression, and performance excellence.Our students benefit from research-backed methodologies that enhance self-discipline, emotional expression, and critical thinking. As a proud member of the National Dance Education Organization, we maintain the highest standards in dance pedagogy while fostering intergenerational artistic collaboration through our professional company, ChoreoSpace.
Services
Ballet Classes
Contemporary Dance
Hip Hop Instruction
Jazz Dance
Tap Dance
Musical Theater
Choreography Workshops
Adult Dance
Performance Training
Wedding Dance Prep
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of experience developing award-winning dance curricula
- Personalized training with world-class instructors from renowned companies
- Unique intergenerational performance opportunities through ChoreoSpace
- Proven methodology enhancing creativity and technical mastery
- Research-backed approach improving discipline and emotional expression
Associations and certifications
- National Dance Education Organization (NDEO)
What people say
World-class instructors
Creative curriculum
Supportive community
Professional opportunities
Proven results
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical excellence through age-appropriate instruction from foundational to advanced levels. Students master classical techniques while exploring artistic expression. The curriculum includes pointe work, variations, and partnering for advanced dancers.
Contemporary Dance
Specialized contemporary training focuses on expressive body-mind connections using The Brain Dance methodology. Students explore improvisation, choreography, and performance techniques while developing physical strength and artistic nuance.
ChoreoSpace Company
Intergenerational professional dance company offering performance opportunities in original works. By audition only, this program develops choreographic skills and stage presence through collaborative creation with established artists.
Adult Dance Classes
Comprehensive adult programs accommodate all experience levels from beginners to professionals. Classes combine technical training with creative expression in ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary styles while emphasizing physical fitness and artistic growth.
Wedding Dance Prep
Customized wedding dance instruction prepares couples for their special day. Our 5-lesson package includes choreography development, partner coordination, and performance coaching to ensure confident, memorable first dances.
People
Diane VanDerhei
Artistic Director
Accomplished dancer and educator with 20+ years developing K-12 dance curricula. Former Hubbard Street Dance Chicago teaching artist and Milwaukee County Fellowship recipient in Choreography. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee graduate with BFA in dance education.
Connor Cornelius
Resident Choreographer
Chicago-based choreographer and performer with extensive credits including DanceWorks Chicago and Project Bound Dance. Western Michigan University BFA graduate who has presented work at American Dance Festival and received multiple choreography commissions.
Emma Draves
Contemporary Instructor
Award-winning dance artist with MFA from Northwestern University. Former performing artist with Natya Dance Theatre and Mordine & Company. Experienced educator teaching at multiple universities while maintaining active choreographic practice.
Sage Miller
Ballet Faculty
Summa Cum Laude graduate from Cornish College of the Arts with extensive performance experience in works by Ohad Naharin and Crystal Pite. Certified Pilates instructor bringing cross-disciplinary expertise to ballet training.
Nikki Renfroe
Jazz & Yoga Instructor
University of Illinois BFA graduate with 200-hour yoga certification. Director of Trinity High School dance program and company member with Simantikos Dance Chicago. Specializes in dance education and movement wellness.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We offer programs for children as young as 3 through adult learners, with specialized curricula for recreational, pre-professional, and adult divisions.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
Yes! Students participate in annual recitals, community performances, and our ChoreoSpace company provides professional performance experiences through auditions.
What dance styles are taught?
Our curriculum includes ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, tap, musical theater, and choreography. Specialized workshops expand technical and creative abilities across genres.
Are there competitive programs?
While we focus on artistic development over competition, our pre-professional division offers advanced training with performance opportunities and choreographic development for serious dancers.
How do I register for classes?
Visit our website to register online for recreational, pre-professional, or adult classes. New students can start at any time with prorated enrollment options.
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes, we provide private instruction in all dance styles at $50/hour, with customized packages available for special events like wedding dance preparation.
Reviews (4)
Janice H.
Jun 13, 2016
Report
My daughter and son have been at INTUIT for the past 9 years and really enjoy dancing there. The director Diane and the instructors are all high-caliber and enthusiastic. Diane is committed and caring, and I know she has helped many students with financial limitations find ways to continue studying. The studio has a wide range of classes and several performances throughout the year. My friends and family always love the shows-- so many different dance styles, so many ages dancing (including adults like me), and never a 3-hour marathon. And Diane always keeps it fresh with new artistic concepts
K. H.
Jul 31, 2014
Report
My daughter takes the 3 year old dance movement class on Saturday mornings at the Harrison street location. She loves it! She can't wait to go to class every week. As soon as we get home she's practicing her new moves. Mariannell has great rapport with the kids.
Jessica L.
Jul 26, 2012
Report
My son dances and really loves this place. We have taken clases at the Oak Park and the Forest Park locationl. The owner is accommodating and always asking what types of classes our children would be interested in. I love that there are class options 7 days a week with a variety of teachers. This is a great place to learn to dance that is not pretentious or stuffy - it makes kids really fall in love with movement.
Suzanne R.
Jan 02, 2012
Report
My daughter has taken dance since she was three and her interest
never wanes! I always love INTUIT Diane and the other instructors do!!! The instruction is child-centered and the method of teaching is empowering and inventive. My daughter has taken at State Street Dance, Legere, and the Academy of Movement and Music. You are the best!
never wanes! I always love INTUIT Diane and the other instructors do!!! The instruction is child-centered and the method of teaching is empowering and inventive. My daughter has taken at State Street Dance, Legere, and the Academy of Movement and Music. You are the best!
