Business Details
Your Premier Dance School in Chicago
At Definition Dance, we are dedicated to shaping the future of dance through mentorship, professionalism, and a passion for artistic expression. Our mission is to inspire students to exceed their limitations while fostering a lifelong love for dance. With a team of highly experienced instructors, many of whom have performed professionally and taught internationally, we provide a comprehensive curriculum spanning ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, and more. Our studio cultivates a supportive environment where technical excellence meets creative freedom, ensuring every dancer develops both skill and confidence. We emphasize individual growth through structured programs like our pre-professional ensemble, which prepares students for collegiate and professional opportunities.With over two decades of collective teaching experience, our owners have built a reputation for excellence in dance education. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our diverse class offerings, performance opportunities, and community engagement initiatives. We maintain rigorous safety standards in our four fully equipped studios while prioritizing accessibility through flexible payment options and scholarship programs. Our goal is to make dance education inclusive and transformative for students of all ages and abilities.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Dance
Hip-Hop Instruction
Private Lessons
Birthday Parties
Ensemble Program
Summer Camps
Wedding Dance Lessons
Acro Training
Lyrical Dance
Highlights and features
- Our instructors include former professional dancers with international performance experience
- We offer specialized pre-professional training for aspiring collegiate and professional dancers
- Four fully equipped studios with flexible class scheduling options
- We maintain a 10:1 student-to-instructor ratio for personalized attention
- Our curriculum integrates safety-focused teaching methodologies
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical excellence through structured training in proper alignment, barre work, and center combinations. Students progress from fundamental vocabulary to advanced adagio and allegro techniques. Classes emphasize body awareness and classical technique while preparing dancers for all styles of performance.
Jazz Dance
This energetic program teaches jazz fundamentals including isolations, leaps, and rhythmic patterns. Classes incorporate musical theater and jazz funk styles while focusing on strength development and dynamic movement. Students learn age-appropriate choreography that builds performance confidence and stylistic versatility.
Private Lessons
Customized training sessions available in all dance styles with professional instructors. Tailored to individual goals for competition preparation, audition coaching, or skill development. Sessions accommodate solo or group formats with flexible scheduling options for serious dancers seeking personalized attention.
Ensemble Program
Competitive company program requiring technical class enrollment and weekly rehearsals. Members gain performance experience through local competitions and community events. The curriculum develops stage presence, artistic expression, and advanced technique while preparing dancers for collegiate and professional opportunities.
Birthday Parties
Two-hour celebration packages include dance instruction, themed games, and performance space. Parties feature professional instructor guidance, music selection, and setup/cleanup services. Customizable options available for up to 15 children with additional capacity for special requests and themed decorations.
People
Meredith Schultz
Owner / Instructor
BFA graduate from University of Cincinnati's College Conservatory of Music, former Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago company member, and 20-year national teaching veteran with experience in underserved schools and international master classes.
Kate Louer
Owner / Instructor
20+ year dance professional with UNLV BFA, former Thodos Dance Chicago trainee, and experienced educator. Specializes in ballet, jazz, tap, and hip-hop instruction with a focus on technique and performance training for competitive and recreational dancers.
Alex Neil-Sevier
Studio Manager / Instructor
Columbia College Chicago dance graduate with YPAD certification and public policy expertise. Specializes in early childhood dance education and inclusive teaching methodologies, serving on youth protection advisory panels and developing safe learning environments.
Cesar Salinas
Instructor
Giordano Dance Chicago Associate Artistic Director with 15+ years of teaching experience. Former Dance Magazine cover artist and certified Giordano technique instructor. Brings professional performance expertise to jazz classes with a focus on technical precision and artistic expression.
Braeden Barnes
Instructor
Professional choreographer and director with experience at Balletmet and Joffrey Ballet Chicago. Recipient of YAGP best choreography award, founder of Symbiosis Arts nonprofit, and expert in creating interdisciplinary dance experiences for advanced students.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, lyrical, tap, acro, and creative movement classes for all skill levels.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Our annual recital, holiday showcase, and ensemble program provide multiple performance experiences throughout the year.
What age groups do you accommodate?
We offer classes for toddlers (Creative Movement) through adults, with specialized programs for different developmental stages.
Do you offer competitive dance options?
Our DDA Ensemble program provides competitive opportunities for serious dancers seeking advanced training and performance experience.
What are your class sizes?
We maintain a 10:1 student-to-instructor ratio to ensure personalized attention and proper technical development.
Can I try a class before enrolling?
Yes, we offer free trial classes. Contact us to schedule your complimentary session and experience our studio environment.
