Barrington Dance Academy

Barrington Dance Academy offers Creative Movement I and II, Pre Ballet I and II, Junior I, Junior II, Junior III, Junior IV, Intermediate I, Intermediate II, Intermediate III, and Intermediate IV. The classes include basic ballet steps, creative movement, gross motor skills, themed sessions, in-studio performances at the end of each term, barre work, ballet, character dance, jazz dance options, pre-pointe, pointe introduction, and training in ballet, pointe, and jazz dance.

Programs

• Creative Movement I — Age 3 by the start of the term; preschool age students who are age 3 and turning 4 during the year · One class per week · Combines basic ballet steps, creative movement, and gross motor skills; themed sessions; in-studio performances at the end of each term.
• Creative Movement II — Age 4-5 · One class per week · Combines basic ballet steps, creative movement, and gross motor skills; themed sessions; in-studio performances at the end of each term.
• Pre Ballet I — Age 5-6/Kindergarten · One class per week
• Pre Ballet II — Age 6-7/1st Grade · One class per week
• Junior I — Age 7-11, by placement only · One class per week · First study of classical ballet; includes barre work, ballet, character dance, and a jazz dance option.
• Junior II — By placement only · Two classes per week required · Continues building skill in technique, placement, terminology, focus, and flexibility. Includes ballet, character dance, and a jazz dance option.
• Junior III — By placement only · Two classes per week required · Refines technique and begins the study of pre-pointe. Includes ballet, character dance, pre-pointe, and a jazz dance option.
• Junior IV — By placement only · Three classes per week required · Focuses on technique and alignment, with first introduction to pointe work, with instructor permission. Includes ballet, pointe introduction, character dance, and a jazz dance option.
• Intermediate I — By placement only · Three classes per week required · Refines technique in ballet, pointe, and jazz dance.
• Intermediate II — By placement only · Three classes per week required · Refines technique in ballet, pointe, and jazz dance.
• Intermediate III — By placement only · Three classes per week required · Refines technique in ballet, pointe, and jazz dance.
• Intermediate IV — By placement only · Four classes per week required · Focuses on obtaining the technique and artistry to progress to the Advanced level. Ballet, pointe, and jazz are included in the training.

At a glance

• Ages: 3–18 years old

About the provider

Barrington Dance Academy has been in operation since 1984 and was established by Director Mary Brennan, who still directs the academy. The source names faculty members Mary Brennan, Roberta Pfeil-Begley, Karen Janet, Pamela Johnson Tanis, Elizabeth Francesconi, Jessica Till, and Katelyn Hanna. It also states that Mary Brennan founded the first dance committee for the Barrington Area Arts Council and served as its co-chair for many years, was a member of the Illinois Arts Council Dance Panel for four years, and served on a committee that created dance curriculum for the State of Illinois Public School System.

What families say

“My daughter started at BDA when she was 6 and has grown immensely in the last 4 years. It pushes her to try new things and her confidence has grown so much! The teaching staff is absolutely amazing. She loves classes and performances alike. We have been lucky to find a dance studio community; we plan to be around for a long time!” — The Garner Family

Last updated August 23, 2026.