Inspired by her time studying and dancing under George Balanchine, the “Father of American Ballet” and founder of the New York City Ballet, Elise Flagg’s passion for dance and approach to dance education is deeply influenced by her experiences with Mr. Balanchine.
“EFAD has made dreams into realities for its dancers! Elise and JacLyn are so nurturing to the girls; working with them and giving “hands on” experience so that they can be the best dancers they can be. They expect a lot from the girls, but give them so much in return. All of the dancers across levels know one another and address each other by name. My girls feel at home at EFAD and we love our EFAD family!”
Johanna and Jason Patterson
“We fell in love with EFAD 4 years ago. In those four years my daughter’s self-confidence, poise, grace and technique has improved tremendously. She is growing into a disciplined and confident young woman who has learned the value of hard work and dedication. She has a second home at EFAD and looks up to her dance teachers Miss Elise and Miss Jaclyn. Her teachers are amazing and have impressive backgrounds and instruction that they bring to their students. With a strong knowledge of technique they have created a supportive and positive environment that allows their students to grow in their dance artistry, build friendships and learn skills that will help them be successful in life. My youngest daughter also started at EFAD recently and is following her older sister’s footsteps. Both of my daughters have had amazing experiences and we are so thankful to be a part of the EFAD family.”
The Bulak Family, Geneva
“Dancing at EFAD is great! I like the styles that you can choose from: Jazz, Contemporary and Ballet. I like the teachers. I think that they are really nice. I also like that we do a showcase every year. I like it because I get to wear fun costumes and I always love the dances that we perform. That’s why I like EFAD.”
Madison B., Age 7
“Being at EFAD is one of the best experiences of my life. Since the minute I got there I felt a part of the EFAD family. My dance skills quickly improved. EFAD does a great way of teaching and I’m interested in the styles of dancing EFAD offers. EFAD teaches their dancers discipline to make them better and it has really helped me the years I’ve been there. It’s made me a much better dancer. I also just love the teachers. Miss Elise and Miss Jaclyn are the best teachers I’ve ever had in my dancing life. They do a great job of helping kids improve by giving corrections, exercises to do at home and just being fun to hangout with. EFAD is a great studio and I’m so lucky to be a part of it.”
Katie B., Age 11
“EFAD is filled with positivity and creativeness. We couldn’t have found a better dance studio for our daughter.”
Winfield Family
“It’s hard to express what Elise Flagg Academy of Dance means to me and my family. There’s something so magical about a place that can push you to your limits while also making you feel loved, safe and respected.
Not only does EFAD continue help my daughter grow as a dancer, studying at this studio continues to help her grow as a human being. Through her dance instruction, my daughter learns about integrity, commitment, hard work and self-esteem.
All of this is achieved while also providing the best of instruction by teachers that are passionate about dance, as well as dance instruction. EFAD’s founder and artistic director, Elise Flagg, brings an insanely impressive career and life story with her, sharing her experiences dancing under Balanchine and traveling around the world, with some of the biggest names in dance. JacLyn Allott brings this infectious energy and joy to the studio, along with some of the coolest choreography out there! I am so thankful for both of these women, as well as the other EFAD instructors, for everything they do to make my daughter’s dance experience as amazing as it is. We are so lucky to be a part of the EFAD Family!”
The Cortez Family, Geneva
“Elise Flagg Academy of Dance is a big family, where we are all surrounded by great instructors and kindness.
We are very fortunate to be able to have this level of instruction where we live. My daughter has improved so much and because of Elise and JacLyn her love for dance just keeps growing!”
H. Faith, St. Charles
“I feel our training is not only about technique but is how to artistically live, breathe, and think the art of dance. We are taught so well! Not only dance but life lessons! For example, when someone volunteers to go first for a variation they are taught bravery. Taking corrections and applying them the second we receive them makes us eager to learn! On most occasions when I’m upset, sad, or happy I don’t cry, I dance and let all my emotions out. Our technique teaches us how to properly dance and then we are able to add our emotions and dance our hearts out!”
Maddy, Former Student
“I am so grateful to have had Elise as a teacher. She has such a wonderful, positive spirit that makes her a joy to work with. The way she teaches gave me a clean foundation for ballet technique and good core strength. She also takes an excellent approach to the mental side of ballet. I credit working with her to be one of the main reasons that I have been able to have a professional career in ballet!”
Therese, Former Student
