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Engage Dance Academy, Inc.

4.5 ★★★★★ 40 Google reviews · Ballet school in Crystal Lake, Illinois

Kids & teens Pointe Private lessons Pre-professional

Plan your first class

  • Ages classes for ages 9–18 — check the schedule for the right level for your dancer
  • Pointe pointe and pre-pointe work for dancers who are ready — the pre-pointe strengthening comes first
  • Pre-professional a serious, conservatory-style track for committed students aiming high
  • Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
  • Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — ask about rates and availability
  • Phone (815) 477-0033
  • Website & schedule engagedanceacademy.com — enroll and see the live class schedule

The programs they offer

Ballet programs on the schedule at Engage Dance Academy, Inc., confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌸 Kids Ballet 10 mentions

“This studio has watched me grow up and I hope you can decide to have your kid go through the same experience.”

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🕺 Boys' Ballet

“I came across Engage (formally Summers) and my son was excited to see that they put on their own Nutcracker and had a boys only class taught by a male dancer.”

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How they train

The training methods and syllabi Engage Dance Academy, Inc. teaches, drawn from their own info and students' reviews — the quickest way to tell how a studio approaches classical technique.

Methods are mined from the studio's own info and reviews — they tell you the approach, not a formal certification or exam board. If a specific syllabus matters to you, confirm it with the studio before enrolling.

What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 40 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🩰 strong technique & training 2 mentions

“I started at Engage at age 14 with 12 years of dance experience, but a considerable lack of exposure to ballet or any solid technique.”

🧸 wonderful with young kids 4 mentions

“They foster a positive environment for my daughter in her love for dance and her development as a whole.”

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 18 mentions

“This studio has become a big part of our daughters’ lives and we are so grateful for the friendships and supportive owners and staff.”

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 11 mentions

“As they’ve gotten older, they’ve had more opportunities to grow as dancers, participating in productions of The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Cinderella, recitals, and competitions.”

serious pre-professional training 4 mentions

“Wonderfully positive instructors and lots to offer with dance company, competitive teams and numerous instructional classes for 18 months through adult.”

🗓️ well-run & communicative 15 mentions

“Marc and Courtney are extremely educated instructors who have excess professional experience and indredible knowledge of the inner workings of the human body.”

From the reviews

This studio is voted “Best of the Fox” year after year for good reason. The owners have danced professionally, are established in the community, and deeply committed to their students. You will not find owners more committed to the physical and mental well-being of their dancers.

★★★★★ — Kellie, Jun 2021

I have been dancing at Engage Dance Academy for 11 years and it has made an amazing impact on me. I am a stronger because of this studio. The staff at Engage put health and safety of the dancers first and are always their to help you grow and become better. Engage is very professional and welcoming to all.

★★★★★ — Ella, Jun 2021

Excellent studio! Wonderfully positive instructors and lots to offer with dance company, competitive teams and numerous instructional classes for 18 months through adult. My girls have been dancing here for many years and love it!

★★★★★ — Melody, Mar 2021

This is my fourth year dancing at Engage dance Academy. The staff couldn’t be more supportive and understanding and it’s overall just such a great environment. Dancing here has created so many opportunities for me as a dancer and I genuinely don’t know where I would be without it.

★★★★★ — Ellie, Jun 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 40 reviews →

Your first ballet class at Engage Dance Academy, Inc.

Nervous about walking into your first class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects beginners, whether your dancer is five or you're returning at fifty. Here's what to know. What to wear: comfortable clothes you can move in, with socks or bare feet; a leotard and tights are nice if you have them, but not required, and pointe shoes are years down the road — never day one. What to expect: class usually starts at the barre with slow, simple movements to warm up, then moves to the center — follow along, copy the teacher, and don't worry about getting it "right" the first time. Arrive early: come 10–15 minutes ahead to change, find a spot, and let the teacher know it's a first class so they can keep an eye out. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Ballet is for every age and every body. If you're returning from an injury or have a health concern, mention it to the teacher before class so they can offer modifications.

Where to find Engage Dance Academy, Inc.

5186 Northwest Hwy #115, Crystal Lake, IL60014

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and student reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this studio? Claim your listing — it's free.