Lincoln Park, Chicago · Premier Dance Academy · Est. 2015

Where every
dancer finds
their light.

Name: Éclat Dance Academy
Address: 2345 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, 60614, US
Telephone: (312) 555-0192
Price range: $$

Five disciplines. Four world-class faculty. One annual Spring Showcase at a professional Chicago venue. Éclat Dance Academy offers Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, and Ballroom for ages 3 to adult.

Enroll Now See Disciplines ↓

First adult class free · All ages welcome · Spring Recital each May

5 Disciplines
4 Faculty Members
10+ Years of Excellence
May 2026 Spring Showcase

Our Disciplines

Five disciplines. One stage.

From classical ballet syllabus to street styles — every discipline at Éclat is taught by faculty with professional performance and competition credentials.

Ballet

All Levels · Ages 3+ 45–60 min

The foundation of all dance. Our ballet program follows the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus from Pre-Primary through Grade 8 and vocational levels. Adult beginners are warmly welcomed — it is never too late to begin. Technique, artistry, and musicality developed simultaneously from the very first class.
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Jazz

All Levels · Ages 6+ 45–60 min

Theatrical, expressive, and high-energy. Our jazz program covers classic Broadway style through contemporary commercial jazz, developing performance quality, dynamic contrast, and showmanship. Great for students who want to perform, audition, or simply love moving with power and flair.
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Contemporary

Intermediate+ · Ages 10+ 60 min

A modern movement practice drawing on Graham, Cunningham, release technique, and somatic principles. Students develop spatial awareness, floor work, improvisation, and compositional thinking. Contemporary is where personal artistic voice begins to emerge — technically demanding and creatively open.
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Hip-Hop

All Levels · Ages 5+ 45–60 min

Street styles, breaking fundamentals, new-style hip-hop, and commercial choreography. Classes are high-energy, community-focused, and deeply rooted in hip-hop culture. Our faculty brings direct experience from touring and commercial work. One of our most popular disciplines for students of all backgrounds.
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Ballroom & Latin

Adult · All Levels 60 min

Social and competitive ballroom dancing — Waltz, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep, Tango (standard) and Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive (Latin). Classes available for solo learners and partner pairs. Ideal for adults seeking an elegant, partner-based movement practice with rich social and competitive culture.
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Weekly Schedule

Find your class

Classes run seven days a week. Filter by discipline to find the session that fits your week.

Day	Time	Class	Discipline	Instructor	Age Group
Mon	4:00 PM	Pre-Primary Ballet	Ballet	Sofia	Ages 3–5
Mon	5:00 PM	Grade 1–2 Ballet	Ballet	Sofia	Ages 6–8
Mon	6:00 PM	Junior Jazz	Jazz	Marcus	Ages 8–12
Mon	7:00 PM	Adult Hip-Hop Fundamentals	Hip-Hop	Marcus	Adult
Tue	9:30 AM	Morning Ballroom Standard	Ballroom & Latin	Elena	Adult
Tue	4:00 PM	Grade 3–4 Ballet	Ballet	Sofia	Ages 9–12
Tue	5:30 PM	Youth Hip-Hop	Hip-Hop	Marcus	Ages 10–15
Tue	7:00 PM	Teen Contemporary	Contemporary	Priya	Ages 14+
Wed	4:00 PM	Pre-Teen Jazz	Jazz	Marcus	Ages 10–13
Wed	5:00 PM	Adult Ballet Beginners	Ballet	Sofia	Adult
Wed	6:30 PM	Latin Foundations	Ballroom & Latin	Elena	Adult
Wed	7:30 PM	Advanced Hip-Hop	Hip-Hop	Marcus	Ages 14+
Thu	4:00 PM	Vocational Ballet	Ballet	Sofia	Ages 12+
Thu	5:30 PM	Contemporary Fundamentals	Contemporary	Priya	Ages 10+
Thu	7:00 PM	Adult Jazz	Jazz	Marcus	Adult
Thu	8:00 PM	Partner Ballroom	Ballroom & Latin	Elena	Adult
Fri	4:00 PM	Junior Hip-Hop	Hip-Hop	Marcus	Ages 5–9
Fri	5:00 PM	Teen Jazz — Repertoire	Jazz	Marcus	Ages 13–17
Fri	6:30 PM	Adult Contemporary	Contemporary	Priya	Adult
Sat	9:00 AM	Saturday Ballet Intensive	Ballet	Sofia	Ages 8–16
Sat	10:30 AM	Saturday Hip-Hop Open Level	Hip-Hop	Marcus	All Ages
Sat	12:00 PM	Weekend Latin Social	Ballroom & Latin	Elena	Adult
Sat	1:30 PM	Saturday Jazz Open	Jazz	Marcus	Ages 8+
Sun	10:00 AM	Sunday Ballet Workshop	Ballet	Sofia	Ages 6+
Sun	11:30 AM	Sunday Contemporary Lab	Contemporary	Priya	Ages 12+
Sun	1:00 PM	Sunday Ballroom Beginner	Ballroom & Latin	Elena	Adult

Book online or call us. First adult class free. Children's trial class $15 (credited to first month's enrollment).

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Our Faculty

Professional performers. Master teachers.

Every Éclat faculty member holds professional performance or competition credentials in their discipline, not just teaching qualifications. They bring the stage with them into the studio.

Sofia Laurent

Founder & Artistic Director

Royal Academy of Dance ARAD · Vaganova Method Certified · 18 Years Teaching

Former principal dancer with Chicago City Ballet. Sofia trained at the Royal Ballet School in London and at the Vaganova Academy in St. Petersburg, and brings the highest classical standards to every class she teaches. Her pre-primary classes are the foundation every Éclat dancer builds upon; her advanced ballet intensives prepare students for professional auditions and conservatory programs.
Marcus Okafor

Jazz & Hip-Hop Director

BFA Dance, Illinois State University · Hamilton National Tour Ensemble · 10 Years Teaching

Marcus brings the energy and precision of Broadway and commercial work to every session. His background spans ensemble performance on the Hamilton national tour, music video credits, and regional theatre. His jazz classes develop performance quality and dynamic range; his hip-hop classes are rooted in the cultural traditions of the form — not just steps, but context.
Priya Raghavan

Contemporary & Modern

MFA Dance, University of Illinois · Laban Movement Analysis Certified · 8 Years Teaching

Priya's contemporary classes are simultaneously the most technically challenging and the most creatively freeing at Éclat. She draws on Graham technique, release method, and Laban dynamics to develop students who think as well as move. She collaborates regularly with Chicago-based contemporary companies and brings that professional creative world into the studio.
Elena Novak

Ballroom & Latin Coach

ISTD Fellow · Former UK Latin Champion · DanceSport Certified Coach

Elena competed at the highest levels of DanceSport in Europe before relocating to Chicago. As an ISTD Fellow, she holds the international teaching qualification in both standard and Latin disciplines. Her classes are precise, musicality-focused, and welcoming to complete beginners. She also coaches competitive students preparing for regional and national DanceSport events.

Annual Showcase

Spring Showcase 2026 — "Illuminate"

Every year, Éclat students take the stage at a professional Chicago venue for our Spring Showcase — a full theatrical performance with professional lighting, sound design, and printed programs. It's the moment the training becomes performance.

The 2026 Showcase, "Illuminate," will feature 22 numbers across all five disciplines — from a classical pas de deux to a Hip-Hop cypher, with ensemble jazz and contemporary ensembles throughout. Every enrolled student is invited to participate.

Venue The Athenaeum Theatre, Chicago

Dates Saturday May 16 & Sunday May 17, 2026

Tickets $28 general · $18 students & seniors

Recital Fee $85 one-time (costume included, yours to keep)

Rehearsals Begin week of March 2, 2026

Enroll to Participate Ask About Recital

Programme Highlights

Classical Pas de Deux

Ballet — Vocational & Advanced

Broadway Medley

Jazz — Teen Ensemble

"The Space Between"

Contemporary — Original Choreography

Cypher & Showcase

Hip-Hop — All Ages

Argentine Tango Exhibition

Ballroom — Adult Couples

ALL

Grand Finale — "Illuminate"

All disciplines — Full Company

Tuition

Dance on your terms

No initiation fees, no contracts. Start with your free adult class, then choose whichever plan fits your schedule.

Drop-In

$25 per class

Access any single class with no commitment. Perfect for first-timers after your free class or occasional visitors.
- Any discipline, any class
- All ages welcome
- Props and floor space provided
- Book online or walk in
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Most Popular

Monthly — 2× per week

$160 up to 8 classes / month

The most popular option for students building a regular practice. Great value for consistent training.
- Up to 8 classes per month
- Mix any disciplines
- Roll over up to 2 unused classes
- Priority schedule booking
- Recital discount included
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Monthly Unlimited

$220 per month

Dance as much as you want. Best value for serious students and multi-discipline dancers.
- Unlimited classes — all disciplines
- Priority booking 7 days ahead
- Masterclass invitations
- Recital fee waived
- Cancel anytime, no fees
Go Unlimited

Questions about tuition? Email hello@eclatdance.com and we'll respond same day.

Student Stories

What our community says

“My daughter started in Sofia's Pre-Primary Ballet at 3. She's 8 now and won a scholarship to the Chicago City Ballet summer intensive. The foundation Éclat builds from the very beginning is extraordinary.”

Claire T. Parent of a ballet student, 5 years
“I came in with zero dance experience at 34 to try the adult beginners ballet class. The atmosphere Sofia creates is non-judgmental, encouraging, and surprisingly fun. I've been coming weekly for 14 months.”

David H. Adult Ballet Beginners
“Marcus's hip-hop class is the highlight of my week. He doesn't just teach combinations — he talks about the culture, the music, the history behind what we're doing. It makes the movement mean something.”

Keisha A. Adult Hip-Hop student
“Priya's contemporary class broke something open in me. I've danced since I was five and I thought I knew what I was doing. Her Contemporary Lab on Sundays showed me I'd been executing steps without actually inhabiting movement.”

Raj M. Contemporary Lab student, 2 years
“Elena is remarkable. My husband and I started Ballroom at 55 to prepare for our daughter's wedding. She had us Waltz-ready in 8 weeks. We've never stopped — now we go every week and we're better dancers than our kids.”

Patricia & Jim S. Ballroom & Latin students

Is the first class really free?

Yes — all adult students (18+) receive their first class in any discipline completely free of charge. Just register online or call us to book. Children's trial classes are $15 (credited toward your first month if you enroll). This lets you experience the teaching style, the studio, and the class level before any commitment.

What age is appropriate for which disciplines?

Ballet starts at age 3 with our Pre-Primary program. Hip-Hop and Jazz begin at 5–6. Contemporary is typically introduced at 10 as it requires a foundational movement vocabulary. Ballroom is offered for adults and older teens (15+). That said, every child develops differently — we're happy to recommend the right class based on your child's age, experience, and personality. Just call or email and we'll guide you.

My child has no dance experience. Where should they start?

No experience is needed to start at Éclat. Children begin in age-appropriate beginner classes where zero experience is the expectation. For children aged 3–5, Pre-Primary Ballet is a wonderful first introduction to movement, music, and structured learning. For older beginners (6–12), we recommend Ballet Grade 1 or Junior Jazz depending on the child's interests. For teens and adults, any beginner class works — just let us know it's your first time when you book.

How does the Spring Recital work?

Our annual Spring Showcase is a full theatrical performance at a professional Chicago venue with lighting, sound, and printed programs. All enrolled students are invited to participate — it's optional but strongly encouraged. Rehearsals begin approximately 8 weeks before the show. There is a one-time recital fee of $85 which covers the costume (yours to keep), program listing, and backstage access. Unlimited-plan members have this fee waived. Tickets are available at the box office and through our front desk.

What should I wear to class?

Ballet: black or navy leotard, pink or white tights, leather or canvas ballet slippers. Hair must be in a bun for Ballet classes. Jazz and Contemporary: fitted athletic wear (leggings, fitted top), jazz shoes or bare feet. Hip-Hop: comfortable streetwear — joggers, t-shirt, clean sneakers. Ballroom: comfortable trousers or skirt, dance heels or Latin shoes (available to purchase at the studio). First-timers are welcome in clean athletic wear.

Do you offer private lessons?

Yes. Private one-to-one lessons are available with all four faculty members at $80 per 45-minute session. Private lessons are particularly useful for exam preparation (RAD ballet exams), competition preparation (DanceSport), or when a student wants to accelerate in a specific area. Contact us to schedule.

Are your classes exam-level for RAD ballet?

Yes. Sofia is a fully licensed Royal Academy of Dance examiner and teacher. Our ballet curriculum follows the RAD syllabus from Pre-Primary through Grade 8 and the vocational levels (Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced 1 & 2). Students who wish to take RAD examinations are assessed for readiness by Sofia and prepared over a full academic year. Exam fees are set by the RAD and paid directly to them.

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask for at least 8 hours' notice for class cancellations. Cancellations made less than 8 hours before class (or no-shows) are counted as used. Monthly-plan students who cancel with sufficient notice have that class credit returned to their account. Drop-in single classes are non-refundable but transferable to another class within 30 days if cancelled with notice. Private lesson cancellations require 24 hours' notice; no-shows are charged in full.

Visit Us

Come to the studio

Address

2345 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
Lincoln Park — near the corner of Fullerton & Lincoln

Phone

(312) 555-0192

Email

hello@eclatdance.com

Studio Hours

Mon, Wed, Fri	3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tue, Thu	9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday	9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday	10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Send us a message

Your stage is waiting.

First adult class free. Children's trial class $15. No contracts, no commitment — just dancing.

Enroll Now — First Class Free (312) 555-0192

Where every dancer finds their light.

Five disciplines. One stage.

Ballet

Jazz

Contemporary

Hip-Hop

Ballroom & Latin