Dance Is for
Every Body.
An adult-only dance studio in Southern Illinois — where movement meets confidence, community, and joy.
“The Dance Barre Southern Illinois is a community where adults are invited to pursue their desire to grow as a dancer, regardless of experience, skill, or body type. We are here to acknowledge progress big and small, appreciate our strong and capable bodies, and celebrate where we are on our own individual journeys — in dance, and in life.”
OUR PHILOSOPHY
What We Care About
The most important thing to us is you. Not where you came from, not how long it's been, not what your body looks like or what it can't do yet. What matters is that you showed up — and we will meet you exactly where you are.
At The Dance Barre Southern Illinois, every class is a space where adults are seen, welcomed, and celebrated. We believe movement is for every body. We believe it is never too late to begin. And we believe the studio should feel like the best part of your week — a place where you build strength, find community, and surprise yourself with what you are capable of.
THE EXPERIENCE
What You Can Expect
Here is what you will find when you walk through our doors:
- A welcoming team that recognizes and celebrates the progress of every individual — because every step forward matters,no matter how small.
- A diverse community of adult dancers of all ages,backgrounds, and abilities, each on their own personaljourney and cheering each other on.
- Knowledgeable instructors trained in their disciplines who will encourage, challenge, and safely guide you through every class.
- You may come for the movement and the technique — but you will stay for the friendships, the sense of accomplishment, and the laughter that comes from trying something new in a judgment-free space.
OUR STORY
How The Dance Barre Came to Southern Illinois
The Dance Barre began in Bryan, Texas with a simple and powerful idea: adults want to dance. Not to perform, not to compete — just to move, to grow, and to belong to something. What started as a single studio quickly became something much larger than a place to take classes. It became a community of transformation.
When the opportunity arose to bring that same vision to Southern Illinois, the mission was the same: create a space where adults — of every age, every background, every experience level — could find the joy of movement in a supportive, judgment-free environment.
Southern Illinois's first adult-only dance studio opened its doors with one program and one promise: that every person who walked in would be met with encouragement, celebrated for their progress, and never made to feel like they didn't belong. That promise hasn't changed. And we are just getting started.
Part of The Dance Barre family of studios. Learn more about The Dance Barre in Bryan, Texas →
OUR PEOPLE
Meet Your Instructors
Our Southern Illinois team brings deep training, genuine warmth, and a shared belief that dance belongs to everyone. Every instructor at The Dance Barre Southern Illinois is chosen not only for their technical expertise but for their ability to make adults of all levels feel capable, confident, and welcome.
Lydia Craft
Ballet · Jazz · Modern · Contemporary · Musical Theater
Lydia is a dedicated dancer and choreographer with 17 years of training rooted in ballet and enriched by jazz, modern, contemporary, and musical theater. She brings both technical precision and creative flair to every class. Currently pursuing a degree in Biological Sciences at Southern Illinois University, Lydia also serves as Costume Coordinator and choreographer for the Southern Illinois Dance Company. Her goal at The Dance Barre is to inspire confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong appreciation for dance in every student.
Hannah Craft
Ballet
Hannah began her dance journey at age four and has performed in productions including The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. Her teaching philosophy is simple: ballet is for everyone. Hannah believes each dancer brings something unique to the studio and is passionate about helping adults find confidence and joy through movement. Her classes emphasize patience, alignment, and personal growth — creating a space where new and returning dancers alike can thrive.
Kristin Hurst
Ballet · Jazz · Modern · Contemporary · Latin
Kristin is a lifelong student of dance with training spanning ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary, and Latin. Classical ballet has always held a special place in her heart. With three years of experience teaching students of all ages and skill levels, and a personal history of dancing recreationally and performing with studios across the country, Kristin brings genuine joy to every class. At The Dance Barre Southern Illinois, she is excited to share that joy with adults who are ready to begin their own dance journey
Payton Regan
Ballet · Jazz · Modern · Contemporary · Musical Theater
Payton brings more than 17 years of dance experience across ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary, and musical theater. A History major and Mythology minor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Payton serves as Secretary of the Southern Illinois Dance Company and performs with the Marching Salukis Color Guard. Her teaching style is supportive, encouraging, and focused on progress over perfection — exactly the spirit of The Dance Barre.
CAREERS
Join Our Team
We are always looking for passionate, experienced instructors who love teaching adults in a supportive, empowering environment. If that sounds like you, we would love to meet you
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