Business Details
25 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education in Bannockburn | Studio 18
Studio 18 has been dedicated to providing high-quality dance education since its founding in 2001. Our mission is to instill proper technique, creativity, and a deep appreciation for dance in students of all ages. With a faculty of highly trained professionals, we offer comprehensive training in all genres of dance, from ballet and jazz to hip-hop and contemporary. We prioritize creating a safe, inclusive environment where students can express themselves, build confidence, and develop lifelong skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Our FUSION Dance Company program, established in 2001, has gained recognition for its innovative choreography and high-energy performances, including collaborations with artists like Ciara and Justin Bieber.We emphasize individual growth while fostering a sense of community, ensuring every student feels valued and supported. Our commitment to excellence extends to our structured curriculum, personalized coaching, and emphasis on both technical precision and artistic expression. Over two decades, we have cultivated a reputation for nurturing talent, preparing dancers for competitive stages, and creating a second family for our students. Our approach combines rigorous training with a focus on personal development, helping students achieve their full potential both on and off the stage. We remain dedicated to evolving with the latest teaching methods while maintaining the core values that have defined our studio since inception.
Services
Hip-Hop Dance
Ballet
Break Dancing
Contemporary
Jazz
Lyrical
Dance Company
Recreational Classes
Choreography
Performance Training
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in dance education with professional faculty.
- Our curriculum combines technical mastery with creative expression and life skills.
- We provide personalized coaching in a safe, inclusive environment for all ages.
- FUSION Dance Company offers unique performance opportunities with industry professionals.
- We emphasize teamwork, discipline, and confidence-building alongside technical training.
What people say
Amazing life lessons
Top-notch training
Incredible experience
Second family
High-energy performances
Services
Hip-Hop Dance
Our hip-hop program teaches foundational and advanced techniques in a dynamic, high-energy environment. Students learn choreography, freestyle skills, and performance dynamics while developing rhythm, coordination, and stage presence. Classes cater to all skill levels, from beginners to competitive dancers, with opportunities to perform in local events and competitions. The curriculum emphasizes creativity, self-expression, and technical precision.
Ballet
Ballet classes focus on proper technique, posture, and grace through structured training in classical and contemporary styles. Students progress through levels to build strength, flexibility, and artistry, with opportunities to perform in annual recitals and special productions. The program emphasizes discipline, musicality, and foundational skills applicable to all dance genres.
FUSION Dance Company
This elite program offers advanced dancers performance and competition opportunities in hip-hop and choreography. Members receive intensive training, collaborate with industry professionals, and perform at venues like Chicago Bulls games. The company emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and stagecraft while preparing dancers for professional opportunities and national competitions.
Recreational Classes
Recreational programs provide accessible dance education for ages 18 months to 18 years, covering jazz, tap, contemporary, and more. Classes focus on fun, creativity, and basic skill development without competitive pressures. Designed for hobbyists and beginners, these sessions emphasize self-expression and physical fitness in a welcoming environment.
Choreography
Professional choreography services are available for recitals, competitions, and special events. Instructors create custom routines tailored to students' skill levels and performance goals, blending technical precision with artistic storytelling. The program emphasizes innovation, musical interpretation, and collaborative creation processes.
People
Alissa Deutsch
Founder & Owner
Alissa Deutsch founded Studio 18 in 2001 after training at renowned institutions like Gus Giordano Dance School and Millennium Dance Complex. With over 20 years of teaching experience, she has shaped FUSION Dance Company into an award-winning program. Her expertise spans hip-hop, jazz, and contemporary styles, with a focus on mentorship and performance excellence.
Sydney Zusman
Instructor
Sydney Zusman, a former FUSION member, holds advanced degrees in psychology and dance education. She brings expertise in educational psychology to her teaching, combining technical instruction with student development strategies. Her background includes teaching at New York institutions before returning to Chicago to join Studio 18's faculty.
Juliana Dragisic
Choreographer
Juliana Dragisic, a founding member of Meraki Dance Company, specializes in contemporary and hip-hop styles. With formal training from AMDA College and experience in professional performance and film choreography, she focuses on blending cinematic storytelling with dance education for advanced students.
Kelly Anderson
Faculty Member
Kelly Anderson, a Western Michigan University graduate, brings expertise in modern and jazz techniques. As a former member of Western Dance Project and South Chicago Dance Theatre, she emphasizes performance quality and community engagement through her teaching and choreography.
Anastasia Myers
Instructor
Anastasia Myers, a nationally recognized choreographer, specializes in resistance band training for dancers. With five years of experience in Los Angeles' competitive dance scene, she focuses on strength-building techniques that enhance flexibility, control, and injury prevention for students at all levels.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer hip-hop, ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, break dancing, and more for ages 18 months to 18 years.
Is there a performance opportunity for students?
Yes! Our FUSION Dance Company performs locally and competes regionally, with past opportunities including Chicago Bulls halftime shows.
What are your class size policies?
We maintain small class sizes to ensure personalized attention, with ratios adjusted by age and skill level.
Do you offer make-up classes?
Yes, students can make up missed classes due to illness or emergencies during the current term with instructor approval.
What safety measures are in place?
We maintain a nut-free environment, require medical disclosures, and follow strict attendance and late-pickup policies for student safety.
How do I register for classes?
Register through our Parent Portal online, or contact us directly to discuss class options and payment plans.
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