Business Details
Your Premier Destination for Dance Education
Origins Dance Academy is dedicated to guiding students of all ages in mastering the principles of dance within a safe and nurturing environment. As a proud member of More Than Just Great Dancing (MTJGD), we provide a comprehensive educational experience that bridges the artistic and athletic dimensions of dance. Our curriculum caters to every stage of a dancer's journey, from introductory classes for young children to advanced training for seasoned performers. With a faculty of industry professionals, including choreographers and performers with credits in film, television, and national theater, we emphasize technical precision, creativity, and personal growth.Our structured class levels ensure progressive development, while our dress code policies maintain professionalism across all disciplines. Whether pursuing dance for recreation or career aspirations, students benefit from our commitment to excellence and holistic development.
Services
Ballet
Jazz
Hip Hop
Tap
Lyrical
Contemporary
Acro
Pom
Turns & Leaps
Highlights and features
- We offer tailored dance instruction for all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced performers.
- Our faculty includes industry professionals with credits in film, television, and national theater.
- Structured class levels ensure progressive technical and artistic development for every student.
- Diverse curriculum spans ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and contemporary dance styles.
- Member of MTJGD, ensuring quality training that prioritizes safety and artistic integrity.
Associations and certifications
- More Than Just Great Dancing (MTJGD)
Services
Ballet
Ballet classes develop control, poise, and precision through barre work, center exercises, and progressions. Students master body alignment, vocabulary, and classical positions while building foundational technique essential for all dance styles.
Hip Hop
Hip Hop instruction focuses on rhythm, footwork, and high-energy movement. Classes incorporate stretching, musicality, and diverse street-style vocabulary to build confidence and dynamic performance skills in a fun, upbeat environment.
Jazz
Jazz classes emphasize strength, flexibility, and isolations through warm-ups, across-the-floor drills, and choreography. Students explore percussive movements and expressive storytelling while refining stage presence and versatility.
Lyrical
Lyrical dance combines ballet and jazz techniques to convey emotion through fluid movements. Classes focus on musical interpretation, expressive choreography, and connecting technical skill with heartfelt performance.
Tap
Tap classes teach rhythm, timing, and sound production using metal-plated shoes. Students learn to create percussive patterns while developing coordination, speed, and improvisational skills across various musical styles.
People
Jennifer Sullivan
Owner/Co-Director/Instructor
Jennifer trained in Chicago and worked in Los Angeles for 14 years as a dancer and choreographer. She has appeared in films, TV shows, and Disney productions, bringing global experience to her leadership at Origins Dance Academy.
Rochelle Avery
Co-Director/Troupe Director
Rochelle trained in Chicago and has taught jazz, ballet, and lyrical dance for decades. Her background includes film work and Las Vegas revue performances, enriching her educational approach at Origins.
Trisha Madura
Troupe Assistant/Instructor
Trisha is a former collegiate dance team captain with national titles. She specializes in hip hop and lyrical instruction, combining competitive expertise with a passion for mentoring young dancers.
Brooke Batinic
Instructor
Brooke studied at Chicago Academy for the Arts and trained in New York City under industry legends. She brings professional performance and teaching experience from Disney and award-winning studios.
Reese Rettig
Instructor
Reese is a Crown Point High School varsity dancer and scholar-athlete with seven years of teaching experience at Origins. She specializes in assisting and substituting across multiple dance styles.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, lyrical, contemporary, pom, and acro classes for all skill levels.
Are there classes for young children?
Yes! Our Pre-Kinder to Kinder 2 classes introduce dance fundamentals through playful, age-appropriate instruction.
What are the dress code requirements?
Dress codes vary by style: ballet requires leotards and tights, hip hop allows casual attire, and jazz needs fitted dancewear. Specific details are provided in our guidelines.
Do you offer private lessons?
Private lessons are available. Contact the studio directly for pricing and scheduling options.
How are class levels determined?
Levels are based on age and skill, with structured progression from beginner to advanced. Instructors assess students to ensure proper placement.
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