Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Dance School in Plainfield for All Ages
Founded in 1972, Vaughan Dance Academy has been a cornerstone of dance education in Plainfield, Illinois, for over five decades. Our mission extends beyond teaching dance techniqueswe cultivate poise, self-esteem, and grace in students aged 2 through adulthood. Under the leadership of Samantha Vaughan, daughter of founder Sandra Vaughan, we continue a legacy of excellence rooted in family values and personalized attention. Our faculty comprises award-winning instructors with formal training from prestigious institutions like Northern Illinois University and The Houston Ballet Academy. With spacious studios featuring sprung floors and Marley surfaces, we offer a safe, professional environment for recreational and competitive dancers.The INNOVATION Dance Company, established in 1993, provides pre-professional training for aspiring competitors. Our structured programs, from toddler classes to advanced techniques, emphasize individual growth while maintaining rigorous technical standards. We prioritize open communication with families and flexible scheduling to accommodate diverse needs. Recognized as ADCC's Regional Studio of Excellence and KARs Elite Studio of Excellence, we combine tradition with innovation to nurture lifelong dancers and confident individuals.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Classes
Hip Hop Classes
Tap Classes
Lyrical Dance
Contemporary Dance
Tumbling Instruction
Competitive Dance Team
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized dance instruction with professionally trained faculty from top institutions.
- Our award-winning INNOVATION Dance Company provides competitive opportunities since 1993.
- Spacious studios feature sprung floors and Marley surfaces for optimal safety and performance.
- We maintain a 50-year legacy of family-oriented, values-driven dance education.
- Direct communication with management ensures tailored support for every family.
Associations and certifications
- ADCC Regional Studio of Excellence
- KARs Elite Studio of Excellence
What people say
Caring environment
Award-winning instructors
Lifelong skills
Family atmosphere
Professional facilities
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical precision through barre work, center exercises, and performance pieces. Students learn classical techniques while building discipline and artistry. Classes cater to all levels from beginner (0-1 years experience) through advanced (6+ years).
INNOVATION Dance Company
This pre-professional troupe offers intensive training in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap, and hip hop. Dancers receive expert coaching for regional and national competitions while developing stage presence and sportsmanship through structured, technique-focused instruction.
Tumbling Instruction
Three progressive levels teach fundamental through advanced tumbling skills including cartwheels, walkovers, and aerial techniques. Classes emphasize safety with proper spotting and conditioning while preparing students for dance integration.
Hip Hop Classes
Energetic instruction in current hip hop styles combines strength training, breakdancing elements, and choreography. Students learn performance pieces while developing rhythm and stage presence in a fun, dynamic environment.
Lyrical Dance
This style blends ballet and jazz techniques to interpret music emotionally. Classes focus on fluid movements, floor work, and expressive storytelling while preparing students for annual recital performances.
People
Samantha Vaughan
Owner/Director
Third-generation dance educator with formal training from Northern Illinois University. Leads faculty in maintaining her mother's legacy while innovating curriculum for modern dance education standards.
Blair Vaudelle
Ballet Instructor
Specializes in pointe work and classical ballet techniques. Brings professional performance experience and advanced pedagogical training to develop students' technical proficiency and artistic expression.
Jay Romero
Hip Hop/Lyrical Instructor
Choreographer with extensive competition experience. Focuses on contemporary movement integration while mentoring students in creative self-expression through urban dance styles.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, lyrical, contemporary, and tumbling classes for ages 2 through adulthood.
Do you have competitive dance opportunities?
Yes! INNOVATION Dance Company provides pre-professional training for regional and national competitions in multiple dance styles.
What are your class sizes?
We maintain small class ratios with instructors and assistants to ensure personalized attention at all skill levels.
Are recitals mandatory?
Yes, annual recitals showcase student progress. Participation includes costume fees and performance preparation as part of our curriculum.
Do you offer summer programs?
Our six-week summer session runs June-July with flexible enrollment options for recreational and competitive dancers.
How do you support student development?
We combine technical training with character education, fostering confidence, discipline, and artistic growth in a supportive family environment.
