The Academy Of Dance Arts, established in 1999 by Sherry Moray, stands as a beacon of dance excellence. This esteemed institution provides world-class dance education and abundant performance opportunities within a nurturing and inspiring environment. The Academy is dedicated to fostering the holistic growth of each dancer, nurturing their mind, body, and spirit. Strategically located with easy access from I88 and serving the greater Chicagoland area including Warrenville, Naperville, Downers Grove, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, and Hinsdale, our state-of-the-art facility features six spacious dance studios designed to inspire creativity and movement. As a leading academy of dance arts, we pride ourselves on our internationally trained faculty who are committed to developing dancers with exceptional technical skills and artistic expression. Our diverse range of dance classes caters to all levels, from aspiring pre-professionals to young children taking their first steps, all while cultivating a deep appreciation for the performing arts through the sheer joy of dance.
A Stage for Every Dream at the Academy of Dance Arts
The Academy of Dance Arts firmly believes in providing a platform for its students to shine. We offer numerous performance opportunities designed to enhance their training and build confidence. These include full-scale ballet productions that showcase classical storytelling and artistry, participation in the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), and entry into regional and national dance competitions. These experiences are integral to developing well-rounded dance artists and preparing them for future success in the dance world.
Award-Winning Excellence in Ballet Training
The Academy of Dance Arts has consistently been recognized as a premier ballet studio, earning accolades for its dedication to excellence in ballet training. We are proud recipients of the “Outstanding School Award” from the Youth America Grand Prix in multiple years (2000, 2003, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2024, and 2025). Furthermore, our esteemed Artistic Director, Sherry Moray, has been honored with the “Outstanding Teacher Award” at YAGP on numerous occasions (2000, 2009, 2012, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2022), reflecting her exceptional leadership and teaching prowess. In 2022 and 2023, the entire faculty of The Academy of Dance Arts was collectively awarded the “Outstanding Teacher Award” at YAGP, a testament to the high caliber of instruction across the board. Adding to our achievements, our students’ artistry has also been celebrated, with the Top 12 Classical Ensemble “Fairy Dance” recognized at the YAGP 2024 Finals in NYC.
Exceptional student achievements further underscore the Academy’s impact. Anjuli Paul and Abigail Tallman were both recipients of the Universal Ballet Competition’s “UBC Legacy Award” in 2023 and 2025, respectively, highlighting their exceptional talent and dedication cultivated at the Academy of Dance Arts. The Academy itself was also distinguished with the UBC Outstanding School Award in 2025, further solidifying its reputation as a leading institution for dance education.
The Prestige of Ballet Schools and Future Success
The significant impact of attending a prestigious ballet school like the Academy of Dance Arts is further supported by academic research. A recent study by network scientists at Northeastern University, analyzing two decades of Youth America Grand Prix data, explored the link between a ballet school’s social prestige and the future careers of its students. This research underscores the value of training at a highly-regarded institution and the lasting benefits it can provide for aspiring professional dancers. The Academy of Dance Arts’ consistent recognition and awards highlight its position as a leading institution capable of propelling students towards successful dance careers.
The Academy of Dance Arts offers an unparalleled dance education experience. From our world-class faculty and state-of-the-art facilities to our numerous performance opportunities and consistent recognition for excellence, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of dance artists. Join us at the Academy of Dance Arts and take the first step towards realizing your dance aspirations.
LEARN MORE ABOUT US
GET STARTED TODAY
View 2024-25 Year Round Classes
Explore 2024-25 Trimester Classes
Discover Summer ’25 Ballet Intensive
