Everyone that enters DeForest Dance Academy in Elmhurst and Glen Ellyn will be greeted by a friendly face with a big smile. DeForest Dance is one of the happiest dance studios in the western suburbs of Chicago. That is because owner, Ashley DeForest-Goletz, would have it no other way! Ashley's mission is a simple one.
She believes that everyone can dance! And, she has succeeded in her goal to create a fun and welcoming environment where all students can learn, gain confidence and have fun while growing a love for the art of dance. A student can come take an hour-long dance class, once a week. Or, they can audition for our award-winning competitive dance team, Steppin' Out Dance Company, and receive extensive training.
She believes that everyone can dance! And, she has succeeded in her goal to create a fun and welcoming environment where all students can learn, gain confidence and have fun while growing a love for the art of dance. A student can come take an hour-long dance class, once a week. Or, they can audition for our award-winning competitive dance team, Steppin' Out Dance Company, and receive extensive training.
Services
ASHLEY DEFOREST-GOLETZ grew up in Lombard, Illinois. She began her dance training at the age of two at Art Linkletter Dance Studio under the direction of Paula Brandl and Donna Johnson. Ashley went on to become a member of the "Steppin' Out Dance Company" where she and her team mates won numerous awards at local and national competitions.
Tuition payments are due four times during the dance year. Enrollment is accepted and processed on a rolling basis, if starting between Billing Cycles tuition will be pro-rated. A family registering two children will receive a 10% discount. A family registering three or more children will receive a 15% discount.
The Steppin' Out Dance Company (SODC) at DeForest Dance Academy is an award winning competitive dance company under the direction of Donna Johnson, and assisted by award winning choreographers Carly Brandl and Ashley DeForest-Goletz. The Steppin' Out Dance Company was established in 1989. SODC members range from ages 5 - 18 years old and compete on a regional and national level in Hip Hop, Tap, Jazz and Lyrical.
Extra Recital tickets can be purchased using our online ticket provider Brown Paper Tickets(limited quantities available). You will be directed to Brown Paper Tickets to order and pay for your extra tickets. Be sure to print out your tickets and bring them to the recital so they can be exchanged for wristbands needed to enter the ballroom.
Reviews (17)
Natalie Saraceno
Oct 28, 2020
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John Alello
Jun 03, 2019
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Sheri Rovansek
Jun 29, 2018
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Candace Benton
Jun 14, 2018
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Amanda T.
Sep 24, 2017
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Ciana Grove
Sep 22, 2017
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Dancing at deforest was the best 9 years and I miss it so much! They made it a 2nd home for me and I've never been supported by so many people before. I met so many lifelong friends and made so many memories I will never forget. I can honestly say that it shaped me and my three sisters, who also danced on SODC, into the strong independent women we are today and made us so much closer together. even though I'm in college now, I know I'm gonna visit! KILL it this season steppin out, I know you will!
Anna Moon
Sep 21, 2017
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Candace Benton
Sep 21, 2017
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Nikki Murphy Wojtalewicz
Sep 21, 2017
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Absolutely feel at home here - my 2nd family. My daughter has flourished under this studio as both a dancer and a person. She is not only a better person having found life long friends and memories to last a… life time but also dances like I would never have dreamed possible before walking in this studio. No place we'd rather be! #wearesodc
Braden Bibel
Sep 21, 2017
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Antonette Carfagnini
Sep 21, 2017
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Linda M.
Jul 08, 2017
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Li D.
Jun 17, 2017
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Might be ok for competitive teams, but for regular classes the teachers are often uninterested (texting constantly during class) and have a difficult time controlling the class. Great recital, but be prepared to pay $15 per ticket, and must purchase a ticket for the student if they want to see the show.
T. L.
Jun 20, 2013
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Oh my goodness. We are all so happy that DeForest Dance opened in Glen Ellyn. The teachers there are amazing and, unlike at some other dance programs, they actually teach kids how to dance. My daughter was just in their unbelievable dance recital. It wasn't a recital, it was more like a Broadway production. In April, we received a recital packet giving us all the information and details about the upcoming recital. When I read through the packet, I had no idea how great this recital was going to be. I brought my daughter to her assigned dressing room on recital day where she was greeted
Momma C.
Jun 13, 2013
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I agree 100% with what Kim S. Said. My child was simply a dollar amount to them. There is also a gigantic lack of communication on their part. No individual attention whatsoever. When my child started there, I was never informed of their processes and how their studio worked. After 2 sessions, my child wanted to drop out but then felt guilty about dropping out because of the recital. And the recital, just more money. Tickets are expensive and I have to buy one for my child, really? Oh, but you don't have to buy a seat for your child if they want to watch the whole performance backstage. Oh
Kim S.
Apr 20, 2013
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We sent our daughter to the new Deforest in Glen Ellyn. While it is a nice facility with fun bright colors and nice studios, we were nothing but a tuition payment here. It was completely impersonal. When searching online there is alot of fluff of all of the teachers are this or that. They danced with Dancing with the Stars or they have all these dance degrees. It was a younger class with a very nice teacher who didn't have much control over the class at all. There were children, who every week, just ran around. I understand that they were young but if these kids couldn't handle
Mrs. S.
Apr 12, 2011
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" Best Birthday Party Ever Mom!" --couldn't be said better than by my ten year old daughter.
Great experience for the parents as well, the studio takes care of everything. All I had to do was bring the cupcakes of choice for the birthday girl. My daughter got to invite her friends to learn a dance routine, have pizza, get makeovers that included a cute hair bow that all the girls were super excited about... and the studio makes goody bags. I spent the whole day wondering if I forgot to do something :) Then they perform what they learned at pick up time for the parents, so cute
Great experience for the parents as well, the studio takes care of everything. All I had to do was bring the cupcakes of choice for the birthday girl. My daughter got to invite her friends to learn a dance routine, have pizza, get makeovers that included a cute hair bow that all the girls were super excited about... and the studio makes goody bags. I spent the whole day wondering if I forgot to do something :) Then they perform what they learned at pick up time for the parents, so cute
