The DanceXpress Dance Studio celebrates 30 years
The DanceXpress Dance Studio is happy to announce that on June 18 it is celebrating 30 years of teaching dance to students of all ages in Arlington Heights. The studio is extending an invitation to all former students to attend and receive recognition at one of the recital performances. This year's show is titled, "Dance With Emotion," and will be held at Palatine's Cutting Hall, 150 E Wood St. Shows are at 1 and 6 p.m.
The studio was established by Dorene Wackerfuss, of Palatine, as Dorene's DanceXpress, in June 1986. It emphasized dance expression through quality instruction. Class sizes were kept small to give students individual attention. The small studio on South Arlington Heights Rd outgrew its space and moved to its present home on 924 S. Arthur in 1998, where it provided a larger dance floor, waiting room with viewing windows, and parking. The studio became The DanceXpress in 2004, when Dorene sold the studio to current owner Sophia Ritchey, of Rolling Meadows, who had been a teacher at Dorene's DanceXpress since 1990. Dorene continues to teach along with Sophia and six other dance faculty members.
In 2007, The DanceXpress experienced growing pains again, and a second dance room was added. The studio's extensive curriculum and nurturing environment contribute to the school's longevity. Ballet, Point, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, KiddieDance, and Flamenco are among the classes available. The studio is home to Flamenco Expresivo, a not-for-profit Spanish Dance performance group. Students also share their love of dance by entertaining at retirement and nursing homes, Dance Fest at Great America, and local community events. The competition group, Team DancesXpress, was formed in 2014, for those dancers who desire more performance opportunities.
The studio's philosophy of training the student not only in proper dance technique, but the whole student - body, mind, and spirit, has remained the same throughout these 30 years. The studio is proud of this continuity and legacy. Both Sophia and Dorene keep up their own dance education as active members of CNADM, Chicago Association of Dance Masters, where Dorene serves as Educational Director. Many DanceXpress students attend the CNADM workshops where they are able to expand on their dance training.
For more information about The DanceXpress, visit www.thedancexpress.com or call (847) 392-8220