Dance studio to open in Elgin business complex

Despite previous concerns over the move of a dance company into an Elgin business complex that would allow owners to expand, the Elgin City Council this week unanimously approved the petition for the move.

Councilman John Prigge Wednesday asked what changes had occurred to resolve the concerns representatives of Mo'Better Kingdom Hair Salon and Spa, 1380 Dundee Ave., raised at the June 3 planning and zoning commission meeting.

Salon personnel worried that noise levels from the dance company would be too loud and disturb clients, and the approximately 25 parking spaces would not be enough if another business moved into the complex.

Marc Mylott, director of community development for the city who presented the petition, said the commission's staff agreed the landlord and the owners of the Ivangel Dance Studio would be responsible for taking necessary measures to prevent noise disturbances.

Because the landlord shares a wall with the future studio, Prigge said he would vote in favor.

“If it's too loud for the salon, it's too loud for the insurance company,” he said.

As for parking, Lily Reyes, a choreographer for the studio, said she didn't think it would be an issue because most of their clients are teenagers who get dropped off by their parents.

The dance company offers private and group dance lessons in break dancing, hip-hop, and a variety of Latin dance styles, including the cumbia and the salsa at its East Dundee location at The Milk Pail Restaurant.

The studio holds classes in the banquet hall and the limited space isn't always available and the lack of facilities prevents the dance company from expanding its business, co-owner Ivan Moctezuma said.

“They have parties here, and we can't practice,” he said about the shared space.

Reyes agreed that the Elgin location would have better facilities than the current site.

“We are in need of floors and adequate space with mirrors,” Reyes pointed out.

With the new location at 1380 Dundee Ave., Reyes said they could offer more classes to, “give the people of Elgin something different to do.”

Moctezuma said Friday he hopes to open the studio sometime in August.