In the heart of historic downtown St. Charles, Illinois, 3rd Street Dance & Theatre Academy stands as a testament to the vision of its owner and director, Alice Williams. A lifelong resident, Williams grew up in St. Charles, and 27 years ago, she embarked on a mission to create a non-competitive dance studio that inspires students to believe in themselves, spread joy and build lifelong friendships. It’s a home where, as Alice says, “Kids can be kids, have fun, and find their best friend.”
At 3rd Street Dance, students embrace the beauty of dance without worrying about external pressures. As the only local St. Charles studio affiliated with the national organization More Than Just Great Dancing®, it takes pride in providing a quality curriculum, teacher training, and a safe and nurturing environment for its young dancers to grow and flourish. 3rd Street Dance is adamant that dance gives children a wealth of advantages. It is not merely about learning dance, and discipline, but it encourages physical fitness. Students improve their coordination, balance, and flexibility through weekly classes, setting a solid foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Dance is a creative outlet allowing students to express their emotions and individuality.
As the only studio with certified Youth Protection Association for Dance® (YPAD) teachers, 3rd Street Dance places the safety and well-being of its students above all else. “It is important to us that our costumes, music, and choreography are all age appropriate and that our dancers feel supported, safe, and comfortable not only in class but when they perform,” says Williams. Through YPAD training, their instructors are trained to deliver age-appropriate dance instruction and to establish a loving environment that supports a child’s healthy physical and emotional development. They uphold strict policies and guidelines to guarantee that their students learn and grow in a safe and encouraging environment.
Dance has a special way of bringing people together. 3rd Street Dance helps its students develop these relationships among its classmates. Students are encouraged to be kind to everyone, inclusive, and work as a team. From the moment they step into the studio, they become part of a tight-knit community where they feel respected, and supported. Beyond the dance floor, 3rd Street Dance emphasizes teaching valuable life lessons. Students learn the value of patience and hard work as they diligently practice new dance moves and routines. These essential qualities extend far beyond the realm of dance and prepare them to face challenges with determination and resilience in their academic and personal lives.
Dance has the power to bring about positive change in a community. 3rd Street Dance believes in giving back to its community and strives to make a difference through dance. Throughout the year, it organizes charity events and fundraisers, using its passion for dance to raise awareness and funds for local causes. These experiences teach young dancers the value of empathy, compassion, and the joy of helping others.
3rd Street Dance’s recitals and events are showcasing students’ talent and aims to spread the joy and beauty of dance throughout the community. These recitals inspire, motivate and bring people together leaving the audience feeling uplifted and happy with a sense of wonder and respect for the art of dance.
The studio’s non-competitive approach to dance has allowed countless children to discover the joy of movement and creativity without the fear of judgment. As Williams continues to champion the belief that “kids should be kids for as long as humanly possible,” the 3rd Street Dance legacy lives on by offering a variety of classes focusing on fun, learning, and growth for generations of young dancers to come. Join this exciting journey of development, creativity, and friendship at 3rd Street Dance.
1 Comment
My daughter danced at 3rd Street for many years and loved her time there, until Mrs. Williams hired a gender-unspecified teacher in 2022. My daughter was extremely distraught and uncomfortable. Parents were given no notice, and upon inquiry were told the single individual was a “they/them”. The school is no longer family-friendly as it once claimed, nor is it a place where “kids can be kids”, nor is it an establishment that truly supports a child’s healthy development. Parents be warned.