Business Details
43 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education in Oak Creek, WI
Young Dance Academy has been cultivating dancers and fostering a lifelong passion for dance since 1983. Our professionally-trained instructors emphasize technical excellence, discipline, and artistic expression across diverse styles including ballet, jazz, tap, and hip-hop. With a commitment to community engagement, we serve families across the Greater Milwaukee area and Northern Illinois through inclusive programs for ages 2 to adult. Our state-certified facility features four studios with specialized flooring, ensuring safe and dynamic learning environments. Recognized for producing award-winning choreography and nurturing educators, we combine decades of industry experience with innovative teaching methodologies.Our alumni network spans professional stages, educational institutions, and community initiatives, reflecting our mission to develop well-rounded individuals through dance. We maintain rigorous standards in both recreational and competitive programs, balancing technical mastery with creative exploration. Through annual recitals and outreach initiatives, we strengthen local cultural connections while maintaining national competitive recognition. Our leadership team brings extensive performance and pedagogical expertise, ensuring each student receives personalized attention. This combination of tradition and innovation positions us as a trusted authority in regional dance education.
Services
Ballet
Jazz
Tap
Hip-Hop
Lyrical
Musical Theater
Pointe
Jumps & Turns
Competitive Dance
Special Needs Program
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of proven dance education expertise
- Our faculty includes nationally recognized choreographers and performers
- We provide specialized programs for children with special needs
- We maintain a 98% student retention rate through personalized instruction
- Our competitive program has earned 150+ regional/national awards
What people say
Experienced instructors
Great environment
Positive role models
Amazing progress
Lifelong appreciation
Services
Ballet Instruction
Our ballet program develops technical precision through structured training in classical techniques. Students progress through graded levels focusing on posture, turnout, and graceful movement. Instructors emphasize proper alignment and musicality while preparing dancers for advanced pointe work and performance opportunities.
Hip-Hop Classes
Contemporary hip-hop instruction emphasizes rhythm, isolations, and freestyle expression in a high-energy environment. Classes incorporate breaking, popping, and locking techniques while fostering creativity through choreography. Age-appropriate curricula maintain technical rigor while encouraging individual style development.
Competitive Program
The Technique Intensive Program offers advanced training for dedicated dancers through auditions. Participants receive specialized coaching in multiple styles while developing performance skills and stage presence. The program emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and technical excellence through competition and community performances.
Special Needs Dance
Our Progressive Dance Program provides adaptive instruction for children with special needs through individualized assessments and therapeutic approaches. Occupational therapist-led classes focus on motor skills, coordination, and self-expression in a supportive environment that celebrates diverse abilities and fosters confidence.
Adult Dance Classes
Designed for mature students, these classes combine technical training with creative expression in a non-competitive setting. Participants develop physical fitness, coordination, and artistic confidence through various dance styles while enjoying a supportive community of adult learners.
People
Sandra Young
Owner and Director
Founder with 40+ years of experience, Sandra Young established Young Dance Academy in 1983. A former choreographer for Unique Dance Company, she brings extensive performance and pedagogical expertise, having won numerous national choreography awards and developed successful dance programs.
Rich Ashworth
Instructor
MFA holder with professional experience in African Diaspora dance forms, Rich Ashworth teaches hip-hop and contemporary styles. He combines academic expertise from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with industry experience performing for major artists and directing dance companies.
Jenna Engen
Instructor
Alumni instructor with 15+ years teaching experience, Jenna Engen specializes in competitive dance training. Her choreography has earned multiple national awards, and she brings international performance experience from tours across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Daniela Maarraoui
Instructor
Professional ballet dancer with Milwaukee Ballet and Joffrey Ballet experience, Daniela teaches advanced ballet and pointe classes. She brings elite performance expertise to technique instruction, having performed principal roles in major classical productions.
Laura Eichel
Special Needs Program Director
Occupational therapist with 24 years of clinical experience, Laura Eichel developed our Progressive Dance Program. She combines therapeutic approaches with dance instruction to create adaptive classes that improve motor skills and build confidence for children with special needs.
Questions
What age requirements exist for dance classes?
We accept students aged 2 through adult, with specialized programs for different developmental stages.
What dance styles do you offer?
We provide instruction in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical, musical theater, and contemporary styles.
Can students try classes before enrolling?
Yes, trial classes are available for $20 with no obligation to continue.
What are the dress code requirements?
Specific attire guidelines apply for each dance style, focusing on proper technique and safety.
Do you offer competitive dance opportunities?
Our Technique Intensive Program provides competitive training through annual auditions for dedicated dancers.
Are there special programs for children with disabilities?
Yes, our Progressive Dance Program offers adaptive instruction led by an occupational therapist.
