7th Grade & Up Dance Classes

Not at all. We've had teens start with us in 8th, 9th, even 10th grade and become genuinely accomplished dancers by graduation. Teens learn quickly because they have the focus, maturity, and body awareness that younger dancers are still developing. Start with a foundation class like Ballet or Jazz — you'll be surprised how fast progress happens when the mind and body are ready.

For teens serious about dance, we recommend 3-5 classes per week. A typical mix includes Ballet (foundation), Jazz or Lyrical/Contemporary (competition-ready styles), and one additional focus based on interest. Company dancers often take even more. If your teen is also balancing school activities, start with what's realistic and build from there.

Steps Dance Company is our competitive team. Company dancers rehearse choreography for competitions, attend additional training, and perform at regional and national events throughout the season. Company requires audition and a significant time and financial commitment. Recreational dancers take the same classes and perform in our Holiday Show and end-of-year recital, but don't compete. Both paths are meaningful — the right choice depends on your teen's goals and interests. Learn more on our Auditions page.

College dance programs typically look for strong technique in Ballet and Modern/Contemporary, plus versatility across Jazz and other styles. Company dancers get exposure to competition-level choreography, which builds the performance portfolio and audition experience colleges look for. Our faculty is happy to advise families of college-bound dancers on preparation, audition materials, and program recommendations.

Both are theatre classes taught by Jonathan Keaton, a Second City touring veteran with 25+ years in film, commercials, and voiceover. Improv is a foundational class for ages 10–14 focused on games, scene work, and confidence. Advanced Improv goes deeper into character work, stage presence, and performance techniques used by professional actors. Both classes benefit dance students by building performance quality, quick-thinking, and comfort in front of an audience.

It's absolutely possible with intentional scheduling. Most classes are in the evening (5–9 PM) so they fit around the school day. Company practices are typically scheduled on weekends. Many of our teens are also athletes, honor students, or involved in school theatre — dance often makes them better at everything else through the discipline and time management it teaches. If scheduling gets tight, our faculty can help prioritize which classes support your teen's goals.

Attire varies by class. 

Ballet: leotard, tights, and ballet shoes (pointe if advanced). 

Jazz and Lyrical/Contemporary: leotard with tights or leggings, and appropriate shoes (jazz shoes, foot undies, or bare feet). 

Tap: comfortable dancewear with tap shoes. 

Hip Hop: athletic wear and non-marking gym shoes. Improv classes: comfortable movement clothes. 

Hair pulled back for all dance classes. 

Full attire guide at shopnimbly.com/stepsdancecenter.

Learn more about dress codes for all classes here.

Yes. All 7th & Up dancers perform in our winter Holiday Show and present two routines in the end-of-year recital at Neuqua Valley High School. Company dancers additionally compete at regional and national competitions throughout the season, and Advanced Improv students perform showcases throughout the year.

We are located at 4054 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora, IL 60504 — minutes from Naperville, Oswego, Montgomery, and Lisle. Just off Route 59 with free on-site parking. Stroller-friendly entrance and a comfortable waiting area for families. Call us at (630) 499-5678 with any questions.