Dance Connection

Dance Connection offers 2-Cute for ages 2–3, PreBallet for ages 3–4, and Combo Level 1 for children who are 5 years old by the start of the session. It also offers Combo Levels 2–3, Hip Hop for ages 6+, Jazz Funk for ages 11+, Jazz and Tap at Levels 4–7, Ballet at Levels 2–7, Pointe, Lyrical at Levels 2–7, and Contemporary for ages 11+.

Programs

• 2-Cute — ages 2 - 3 years
• PreBallet — ages 3-4 yrs
• Combo Level 1 — 5 yrs old by start of session · Weekly class focusing on Ballet, Tap and basic Jazz technique. Dancers learn and perform two routines for the recital.
• Combo Levels 2-3 — Jazz and Tap combination classes that build technical skills each year. Each combo class performs two routines in recital: a Jazz dance and a Tap dance.
• Hip Hop — Ages 6+ · High energy, athletic form of dance. Students must be at least 6 years old and are recommended to have some background in dance before joining.
• Jazz Funk — Ages 11+ · Fusion of Hip Hop styling with classical Jazz technique.
• Jazz — Level 4-7 · Classical Jazz Technique studied more intensely beginning at Level 4. Students must test into upper level classes.
• Tap — Level 4-7 · More intricate and articulate Tap technique develops beginning at Level 4. Students must test into upper level classes.
• Ballet — Level 2-7 · Beginning at age 7, dancers are encouraged to take a separate Ballet class per week in addition to their combination classes. Dancers Level 4+ must test into Ballet and Pointe.
• Pointe — Advanced level skill. Dancers must train through the Ballet 5 class for at least one year before becoming eligible for consideration.
• Lyrical — Level 2-7 · Ballet-based style that incorporates Jazz and Modern techniques and pedagogy. New students should start with Lyrical 3.
• Contemporary — Ages 11+ · Fusion of Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Lyrical techniques. Offered with teen, beginner dancers in mind.

At a glance

• Ages: 2–18 years old
• Current session: Recital Season 2026-2027 (Sep 10–May 31, 2027)

About the provider

Dance Connection, formerly Peggy Leah’s School of Dance, has served Grayslake and the surrounding communities for over 50 years. Bridget Blake has been the owner since May 2006. The leadership team includes Bridget Blake, Amy Bennett, Carlye Friedman, Nicole Johnson, Brooke Winegardner, and Jamie Hansen.

Current Students for early bird registration are Summer 26 and Recital 26 students only. New families register through the provided link. Dance Connection offers multi-class and family discounts for dancers interested in multiple classes per week. Students must test into upper level classes. Pointe eligibility requires at least one year in Ballet 5. New students should start with Lyrical 3. There are annual recital performances for multiple classes.

Last updated August 23, 2026.