PAID ADVERTISEMENT Building on Trust and Growing with Optimism Having heard from a few Crystal Lake dance families Iwho were excited about the recent studio expansion of Engage Dance Academy, I decided to stop by 5186 Northwest Highway and check in with co-owners, Courtney Kramer Petrocci and Marc Petrocci, It was sunny outside and even sunnier inside. When asked to describe the new space, Marc's enthusiasm was evident. "It's a dream come true for us. The new 1400 sq. foot studio space is huge and bright so our dancers can push themselves to greater heights with improved stamina. As professional ballet dancers and teachers, we knew it was paramount that we install a superior quality floor. Our industry leading Harlequin floor helps the dancers reach lofty goals while being protected against injury. In addition to the new dance space, we now have two extra bathrooms and a cross-training area. This new studio is a dream dance space for any professional dancer or student." Courtney emphasized that it was important for Engage to grow but they wanted to do it in a space which really benefited their students and instructors. When COVID hit, they thought this dream would have to go on the back burner until a distant future. However, that future is now and, not only has the school remained open, it is flourishing and expanding. Courtney described this journey of hard work as - "building on trust and growing with optimism." Both Marc and Courtney agree Engage Dance Academy would not be the strong organization it is today without its tremendously talented, flexible, and respectful Staff. Piloting through COVID and Zoom classes last year, without canceling a single one, and now back in studio stil traversing through the ever-changing environment had to be challenging. Staying up to date with the latest CDC guidelines and providing their dance families with complete transparency about Engage policies has been to our belief of smaller class sizes for maximum one on - adult, to pick and choose from many unique offerings key to earning and keeping family support. I asked about one aftertion. We are able to run multiple classes at including K-Pop and Aerial Siks without a huge time feedback from their family group. Marc replied "Our once starting with a Baby Ballet at 9am on weekdays & commitment. families have trusted us to continue to teach, nurture and weekends through our most advanced students ending inspire their dancers through such an uncertain time, and at 9:30pm seven days a week. We have dance class times Marc and Courtney expressed how Engage would not our whole staff has worked tirelessly to continue to earn that fit different family schedules making us a studio for be expanding today without the love and support of the that confidence each day. The comment we hear all the time from both dancers and parents are thank you' for the Engage Dance Academy prides itself on being a triple t was great to hear about a local business growing with consistency we have provided. In a time of uncertainty, track studio focusing on the wants and needs of all optimism through yet another wave of this pandemic. the dance world remained- regular classes, successful lovers of dance. Engage Dance Theatre, their pre- Engage is currently taking fall enrolment and will be performance and progression in their technical growth professional dance company, pernorms three dance holding open auditions for their annual Nutcracker held Photography by Ron McKinney everyone." Engage Dance Families. concerts a year including their enchanting holiday at the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake. For more tradition The Nutcracker, and features partnering classes information go to engagedanceacademy.com or call and love of dance." With new space comes new opportunities. Courtney with professionals from Milwaukee Ballet. Engage Comp explained "With four gorgeous studios Engage has the Crew is their award-winning competition team. Their ability to increase class offerings and stil hold strong (815)477-0033. Open Division Program allows dancers, ages 18month Written by Anne Dyson 5186 Northwest Highway Suite 115, Crystal Lake, IL Tel: 815-477-0033 Fax: 815-477-1580 Email: engagedanceacademy@outlook.com www.engagedanceacademy.com ENGAGE DANCE ACADEMY PAID ADVERTISEMENT Building on Trust and Growing with Optimism Having heard from a few Crystal Lake dance families Iwho were excited about the recent studio expansion of Engage Dance Academy, I decided to stop by 5186 Northwest Highway and check in with co-owners, Courtney Kramer Petrocci and Marc Petrocci, It was sunny outside and even sunnier inside. When asked to describe the new space, Marc's enthusiasm was evident. "It's a dream come true for us. The new 1400 sq. foot studio space is huge and bright so our dancers can push themselves to greater heights with improved stamina. As professional ballet dancers and teachers, we knew it was paramount that we install a superior quality floor. Our industry leading Harlequin floor helps the dancers reach lofty goals while being protected against injury. In addition to the new dance space, we now have two extra bathrooms and a cross-training area. This new studio is a dream dance space for any professional dancer or student." Courtney emphasized that it was important for Engage to grow but they wanted to do it in a space which really benefited their students and instructors. When COVID hit, they thought this dream would have to go on the back burner until a distant future. However, that future is now and, not only has the school remained open, it is flourishing and expanding. Courtney described this journey of hard work as - "building on trust and growing with optimism." Both Marc and Courtney agree Engage Dance Academy would not be the strong organization it is today without its tremendously talented, flexible, and respectful Staff. Piloting through COVID and Zoom classes last year, without canceling a single one, and now back in studio stil traversing through the ever-changing environment had to be challenging. Staying up to date with the latest CDC guidelines and providing their dance families with complete transparency about Engage policies has been to our belief of smaller class sizes for maximum one on - adult, to pick and choose from many unique offerings key to earning and keeping family support. I asked about one aftertion. We are able to run multiple classes at including K-Pop and Aerial Siks without a huge time feedback from their family group. Marc replied "Our once starting with a Baby Ballet at 9am on weekdays & commitment. families have trusted us to continue to teach, nurture and weekends through our most advanced students ending inspire their dancers through such an uncertain time, and at 9:30pm seven days a week. We have dance class times Marc and Courtney expressed how Engage would not our whole staff has worked tirelessly to continue to earn that fit different family schedules making us a studio for be expanding today without the love and support of the that confidence each day. The comment we hear all the time from both dancers and parents are thank you' for the Engage Dance Academy prides itself on being a triple t was great to hear about a local business growing with consistency we have provided. In a time of uncertainty, track studio focusing on the wants and needs of all optimism through yet another wave of this pandemic. the dance world remained- regular classes, successful lovers of dance. Engage Dance Theatre, their pre- Engage is currently taking fall enrolment and will be performance and progression in their technical growth professional dance company, pernorms three dance holding open auditions for their annual Nutcracker held Photography by Ron McKinney everyone." Engage Dance Families. concerts a year including their enchanting holiday at the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake. For more tradition The Nutcracker, and features partnering classes information go to engagedanceacademy.com or call and love of dance." With new space comes new opportunities. Courtney with professionals from Milwaukee Ballet. Engage Comp explained "With four gorgeous studios Engage has the Crew is their award-winning competition team. Their ability to increase class offerings and stil hold strong (815)477-0033. Open Division Program allows dancers, ages 18month Written by Anne Dyson 5186 Northwest Highway Suite 115, Crystal Lake, IL Tel: 815-477-0033 Fax: 815-477-1580 Email: engagedanceacademy@outlook.com www.engagedanceacademy.com ENGAGE DANCE ACADEMY