Vaughan Dance Academy

Vaughan Dance Academy is a Dance Studio in Plainfield, IL, located at 24116 Lockport St. Established in 1972 by Sandra Vaughan, it is the first dance academy in Plainfield and is now managed by her daughter, Samantha Vaughan. The studio offers classes for all ages and levels, including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Modern, and Tumbling. Specialized programs include Mommy and Me for two-year-olds, Tiny Tots for three-year-olds, and Pre-dance for children aged four to six. The academy is also the home of INNOVATION Dance Company, a national award-winning competitive team established in 1993. The studio has been voted One of the Best Dance Studios in Will County for seven consecutive years and has taught over 1,000 students.

Samantha Vaughan has managed the academy since 2004, continuing the legacy her mother began. She holds a BA in Dance from Columbia College Chicago and a BS in Accounting from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her training includes work with the Joliet Ballet Society and instruction from notable figures in the ballet world. Instructors include Blair Vaudelle, who holds a B.F.A. in Dance Performance from Northern Illinois University and has worked with Ballet Nouveau and the Sarasota Ballet. The teaching staff includes professionals trained at institutions such as Columbia College Chicago and Northern Illinois University. The curriculum focuses on instilling poise, self-esteem, and grace through disciplined yet caring instruction.

The academy emphasizes student retention and community connection, treating students and families like family. It offers competitive audition opportunities through INNOVATION Dance Company and provides recital showcases for its students. The school maintains three registration cycles annually and supports families with scheduling and financial assistance to ensure broad participation. INNOVATION Dance Company has received recognition as ADCC's Three-Time Regional Studio of Excellence and KAR’s Elite Studio of Excellence, along with PAC's Best in Show awards for choreography and performance.

Vaughan Dance Academy holds a rating of 4.60 based on customer reviews. Its reputation for fostering a supportive and positive influence on students’ youth is reflected in its high rating and consistent local acclaim.

For over fifty years, Vaughan Dance Academy has been Plainfield’s premier destination for dance education, combining professional training with a nurturing family atmosphere to cultivate the next generation of dancers.

Vaughan Dance Academy sits on Lockport St, just steps from the Downtown Historic District and West Lockport Street. It is located about a tenth of a mile from Village Green Park and West Main Street, and roughly two-tenths of a mile from the Plainfield Area Public Library.

BizScoreAI awarded the business a Technical score of 80 out of 100. This strong technical foundation ensures the website is secure and readable by search engines without errors. The business ranks number 3 of 5 Dance Studio businesses that BizScoreAI has scored in Plainfield.