Dancenter North is a paid advertising partner of Little Lake County.
Any distinguished tome will have many chapters, different acts or parts, a grand growth or significant change; it’s part of an amazing story. Dancenter North is starting the second chapter of their 45 years in the making story in a new space, with a new director, and a fresh new season of dancing.
Founded in 1974 by Cheri Lindell in downtown Libertyville the school has been training dancers to professional levels and is the producer of the much-beloved “Magic of the Nutcracker”. This past spring, Stacy Joy Keller took over as the sole owner and director of the school. If that wasn’t big enough, she found herself tasked with finding a new home for Dancenter North and then packing up and moving 45 years of costumes, classes, and memories.
Despite the daunting task ahead, Stacy always has a smile on her face and was eager to show me around the new studio. She is full of big ideas of how Dancenter North will grow in this new chapter, and putting this new place together is just the beginning.
The new facility in Gurnee puts all of Dancenter North’s studios under one roof for the first time. The 12,000 square foot facility holds five studios, two lounge areas, and office space as well as a new dance boutique. Stacy Joy was a dancer with The Joffery Ballet and looked to them and their facilities for inspiration in putting together the new studios. All the studios are constructed with sprung flooring under the wall-to-wall Marley covering, providing a safe and professional environment for the students and staff. The whole facility is bright and clean, with 3 of the studios lined with large windows. Stacy Joy and her husband work daily to enhance the aesthetics of the new space to capture the cozy, familiar feeling that Dancenter North families will cherish.
The new facilities also give them a dedicated costume room where their staff and volunteers can prepare and organize for shows as well as provide a space for fittings. And this is just the beginning! Stacy Joy and her team have an inspiring vision for the future of Dancenter North in their new home.
The facility officially opened in June for a five-week summer session. Their Fall session began mid-August and registration is ongoing. New students can try out any class for free; they accept students all year. Early Childhood classes (such as Kinder Ballet) only require that the child meet the age requirement, no prior class experience necessary. For students with previous experience who wish to join at a higher level, you will need to schedule an evaluation with the office.
They are working on adding and tweaking their schedule as they adjust to the new space. Some of the new classes include Bitty Bop Hip-Hop, Beginning Lyrical, Leaps & Twirls, and a free weekly series called “Ballet & Books” for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. They also offer boys-only classes, adult classes, and parent and tot classes.
Come be part of Dancenter North’s next chapter in Gurnee!
Dancenter North
5410 N. Grand Avenue, Gurnee | (847) 367-7970
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Disclosure: Dancenter North is a paid advertising partner of Little Lake County, all thoughts and opinions are the writers own. If you are interested in having your business featured please contact us.
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