Academy of Movement & Music

Great teachers. Sadly, the lack of friendliness, organization, and customer service in the front office is abysmal. It’s too bad as the teachers are great and the run a quality program but you have to overlook a lot.

I have literally been dancing at the Academy since I was 2 and in preschool and have now returned, after dancing in college and afterward, to Momenta. The amazing thing is that my situation is not unique. In fact, it’s common. There are many generations of dancers who return to the Academy– whether to perform, teach, or send their own children to dance lessons. The instructors are deeply knowledgeable and genuinely care about their students’ progress. There are frequent opportunities for young dancers to perform and a strong support system for the students who want to pursue dance professionally. I always felt that the Academy was family– gently pushing me to be better while always encouraging proper technique, nutrition (without pressuring us into unhealthy habits– a frequent problem at ballet schools), and injury prevention.

We have been taking our children to the Academy to dance for 8 years now. Our older 2 children are now assistants in the classes of the younger students. The school does a wonderful job in preparing children for professional dance careers if they are so inclined. I haven’t posted before as I never thought to, and then while looking for the phone number for a form I found a negative review and felt compelled to offer my own. While parking is a pain the teachers are wonderful, caring and competent. This is not a beauty pageant dance school. While there are fees for recitals, as there are at every other dance school in existence, the costumes fit the music, the recitals are coherent actual pieces of dance work, not just a parade of costumes on and off the stage. My children, 2 girls and a boy, love to dance there and they are family to us all. If you are interested in a dance school that actually teaches dance The Academy is the place. There are no Dance Moms here, this is a real school of dance.

We love The Academy. Classes are small and friendly, and one quickly feels a part of the community here. Parking is a challenge, as the building is centrally located in parking-​unfriendly Oak Park. What’s great is that there is a long driveway, and once your kids know where they’re going, you can just pull up and drop them off. I have a novel idea for reviewers bothered by the cramped quarters — your kid could actually get changed at home. No need to use the bathroom. This is a gorgeous, bright, sunny old building with character and history. And a narrow hallway — true, but oh well. I have always found teachers approachable and warm — there is enough time at the beginning of class when kids are warming up (often with their «demonstrator») to have a chat if need be.
This is a professional and friendly place; it’s a centerpiece of the community. Momenta’s shows continually astonish. My kids love being a part of it all.

My daughter started taking Ballet classes her last year. She loves it. she was always happy to go to class (Ms Gina was her teacher). If your kid is a little reserved or shy, Ms Gina and her two assistants worked really well to try and bring those kids into the fold. The end of the year performance is really lovely and my daughter was CRAZY EXCITED to participate (however it was a bit pricey for all the’extras’, but well worth it). We will be signing up for next year as well

This is THE place to take ballet in Oak Park. Yeah, there’s a preschool too, and I personally take voice lessons there. But it’s the dance programs that put this place on the map. Run by the amazing Stephanie Clemmons, this place directs kids from 3 – 18 in the basics of ballet and some jazz and modern dance too. The in-​house Momenta company (made up of the older dancers and the faculty) put on some really high caliber performances.