My daughters have been participating in classes at Principle Dance since it opened in 2007 and have enjoyed their experience. I have been very impressed with the quality of the entire program. Beginning with the director, Heather Overbeck, she is professional, organized, creative, talented, and has a clear vision of how her program works. She has developed a curriculum for the dance classes which begins with learning the basics and progresses toward perfecting technique all while maintaining a fun and age-appropriate atmosphere. She effectively and consistently communicates with parents and is always receptive to suggestions, comments. The instructors at Principle Dance are also outstanding! They are professional, motivating, and creative. My children love them all! The performances are always impressive with beautiful costumes (which are not a huge expense to the dancers) and wonderful music. I am always amazed at how calm and poised Heather and the teachers are during the rehearsals and performances. Although we were a little disappointed that the studio relocated, we think the new space is wonderful. The set up allows for two studios, two bathrooms, a viewing area for parents to watch and a nice reception area where the office manager, Rachel sits. The parking lot allows ample parking spaces and is constantly partrolled by security. It is still takes less than 15 minutes for us to drive there from Riverside. My daughters have done ballet, jazz, and tap and have loved everything. They have tried many other activities, but dance at Principle is the activity they enjoy the most and always want to continue. read more

My daughter has been dancing for fourteen years and this dance studio is the best out there! We started with basic ballet but currently she takes ballet, point, jazz, modern, tap and hip hop. The teachers and staff are amazing. I can't tell you how much they have positively impacted my daughters life. They teach girls to grow and develop into strong, independent, self motivators who can think outside the box and multitask all with grace and style. Don't get me started on Ms. Rachel!!! If I were deserted on a desert island I would want her as my plus one. There is nothing this Wonder Woman can't do efficiently and with a smile. I have asked her so many questions throughout the years and she has never once not had a satisfactory answer for me. This studio is organized, shows run smoothly and the teachers really care for there students. Ms. Heather has always been willing to work with both myself and my daughter. I would highly recommend Principle Dance to anyone looking for a well organized, professional studio with a dedicated team of teachers who your child will remember for the rest of their lives! read more

My girls have been with Principle Dance for about 5 years. They all LOVE their instructors! I've found them to be great at nurturing enthusiasm, while at the same time keeping an emphasis on proper technique. With friends at other dance schools, they seem be drawn in by how flashy what the kids are learning is, but at Principle, I can tell that the girls are learning foundational skills that are going to benefit them in the long run. By no means do you have to think your kids are going to be serious dancers, only, if they go here. There is plenty of time for dance that is more 'play' or 'creative movement' during a class, but the instructors are working from a curriculum that is consistent from class to class, instructor to instructor, and not a hodge-podge of whatever a teacher is feeling that day (which was some of our experience before coming here). I also think that the front desk staff does a great job. Just the other day, they were sweet enough to pass on a message from my daughter to one of her friends, since we weren't able to make it to class. read more

My daughter absolutely LOVES this dance studio! She has been with Principle Dance for 6 years and has had a wonderful experience. Every teacher she has had has been kind, nurturing, encouraging, AND very professional. They have challenged her to strive to be the best dancer she can be. The director of the studio is very involved in what is happening in the studio and very responsive to any concerns. She works tirelessly to make sure the environment is positive and encouraging for all the students. She works to bring in outside professional dancers to run workshops and provides the opportunity for the higher level dancers to work towards eventually being professional dancers or teachers. Each student is treated with care and respect and that is expected throughout the studio even between the students. I have recommended this school to my friends and would recommend it highly to anyone who asks. read more

Principle Dance is a great dance studio! The instructors are top-notch and my 2 daughters love their classes each week. We have been loyal 'customers' since the school opened and it's wonderful to see the development and joy that continues to be nurtured in my kids, along with their friends at Principle. Rachel at the front desk is knowledgeable, friendly and always helpful with registration, shoe fitting, or getting questions answered. I was not sure how we would handle the location transition, but so far, so good! There is ample, well- lit parking which was hard to come by at the Riverside location. I also can say that I always see some sort of security vehicle driving around and that I have even been asked to 'keep it moving' by security when dropping off curbside! Bottom line: Principle Dance provides a positive learning dance experience for all levels (and ages) of dance students. read more

Principle Dance is wonderful! What an awesome first dance experience for our two kids. Our older daughter is in her second year and the level of instruction she has received and the joy in dance that has been fostered is outstanding. We have brought family and friends to the recitals, and everyone has been so impressed by the performances of all the dancers. We originally had our toddler in another dance program, and after seeing how that compared to what our other daughter was experiencing at Principle Dance, we quickly switched her into the Early Childhood program at Principle Dance. Everyone is so kind, friendly and caring. A great community! Says my six year old, "It's a great school because I learn so much and have so much fun!" read more

Both of my daughters have attended Principle Dance for a number of years and taken multiple classes (e.g., ballet, jazz, point, and modern). Their dance instruction is fabulous and provided by professional dancers. The instructors understand the body, flexibility, and have a passion of dance as an art form. The recitals are always well choreographed, creative, beautifully staged, and age appropriate. Parents are always well informed about schedules and expectations and the teachers are all very approachable. The teachers also foster collaboration and consideration among the students. It has be wonderful to watch the dancers grow, grain strength, poise, and expression over the years. Wonderful choice to engage in art of dance! read more

My daughter has been at Principle Dance for almost 2 years and she is having a wonderful experience. She started when she was almost 4. The teachers are talented themselves, genuinely care about the girls, and most importantly appreciate that at the younger ages this activity is about building confidence and composure, in addition to building skills. I also really like that the older girls serve as assistants with the little ones. While we miss the easy walk to the Riverside studio, the new studio is gorgeous and well equiped. The performances are really well done, beautifully costumed and managed well so that parents and students' time is used efficiently. We plan to keep coming! read more

My children have attended Principle since it first opened and have consistently been inspired to improve and grow. Every teacher we have encountered has been patient, enthusiastic and caring while at the same time encouraging my children to grow as dancers. The owner has done a wonderful job of creating a warm and supportive environment that welcomes dancers of all ages and aptitudes. She is very proactive in making sure that older dancers continue to be challenged, including arranging visiting artist programs and intensive programs over the summer. We have always been thankful to have this caliber of a program available in our local community. read more

My daughter has been attending this dance school for 5 years. We love it! The teachers are kind and helpful. I see my daughter growing every year in her dance skills. The recital costumes use the uniforms we already have as a base and then we pay a small costume rental fee instead of having to purchase expensive costumes that will gather dust in a closet at home. The recitals are well done and have a story line to make it fully entertaining. I have always appreciated that there are no sparkly objects for sale at the school that I have to say no to. This is an excellent school and learning dance in the focus. read more

My daughter has been taking classes at Principle Dance for 3 or so years now and we are very happy with it. She is 10 years old and in Ballet 2. They do two big productions each year, with all the students, and it's been a really good experience for her to have to be part of a "team" and practice, rehearse, prepare, and perform. Most practices for the performances take place during regular classes, which I really appreciate as a working mom. In a year or so, she'll have the opportunity to get more serious about her dance -- or not -- and I appreciate this choice too. read more

My daughter has been going there for 3 years. The new location has more parking and easy to get to. The parking lot is very safe it is well lit and has security as well like most shopping areas do. The new space is great! My daughters teacher is Mrs. Sherry and she just adores her. This dance studio focuses on technique and very structured. She is learning great technique which is the sole foundation of producing great dancers. I would recommend if you live in the area to come check out this amazing dance studio that we are extremely glad we found! read more

Principle Dance is one of the best around (and we have tried a few in Oak Park)! Their customer service, communication and organization is great for parents of busy kids! Their choreography, teachers and attention to detail with classes is great for kids of all ages. We have a teen who sometimes struggles with the decision to stick with dance. Heather has been more than supportive and forthcoming with suggestions for making things the best for learning and growing in dance for our child. We are so lucky to have found Principle Dance. Highly recommend! read more

Our family loves Principle Dance. Our older daughter has been taking classes there for nearly a decade, and it has been a pleasure and joy to watch her grow as a dancer, perform, and develop friendships. The quality of instruction is excellent and we have been happy with the variety of class and workshop offerings. The annual performances are top-notch and there is a welcome focus on dance technique and artistry. Our younger daughter was so excited to watch her big sister, and now she taking classes too, and loving it. read more

This is our 7-year-old daughter's fourth year with Principle Dance. We have been very pleased with the quality of the dance instruction and the caring nature of the teachers. The new studio is spacious and offers ample parking. This year, our daughter was eligible to perform in the studio's performance of The Nutcracker. She loved it and our out-of-town guests were very impressed with the production. Principle Dance helps children build self-esteem, develop to the best of their ability as dancers and have fun. read more

As a professional choreographer (artistic director Lucky Plush Productions), I take dance education seriously, and sent my kids to Principle Dance studio for several years. Ultimately the chaotic scheduling of my kids' many activities led to a different path. It was such a hard decision, because I think Heather and the instructors at Principle Dance are highly qualified, smart, dedicated, and demonstrate the best combination of being both loving and firm to develop a strong work ethic and high standards. read more

My daughter has been with Principle for 4 years. Our experience at another studio was disappointing; quite the opposite of what we have experienced at Principle. Our daughter's technique improved dramatically during her first year. Heather, the director has been extremely accommodating without compromising quality dance instruction. She wants her students to excel and fosters a love of dance. We're very pleased with the studio and have had no issues with the transition to the new location. read more

My daughters and I absolutely love the new studio! The dance studios are large and clean. There is plenty of room for students to do homework and to wait for their next class. While the parking lot is a typical "shopping center" lot, it is not any more dangerous than the average. In fact, it is safer. Children can wait inside the studio while the parent retrieves the car. I am so happy to have supportive, energetic, and positive teachers. Congrats, to Heather and the entire staff! read more

My friend has a little girl that was performing the Nut Cracker. I went to see her since ballet is all she talks about. I was so amazed as to how beautiful the performance was, I forgot I was at a childrens show. The costumes and ballet was beyond words. I even cried aftter. I went home wanting to be a ballerina. If I had a little girl I would have her enrolled in this studio. This little girl has a blast taking classes and is truly learning how to dance like a professional. read more