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Dee Dee Gallagher-Johnson has been the owner of Barrington’s Bataille Academie of the Danse for 30 years.
Johnson talked to Barrington Suburban Life reporter Tarah Thorne about her goals for the Academie and its fun, diverse environment.
What is the history of the Bataille Academie of the Danse within the Barrington community?
In 1969, Bataille Academie opened under the direction of Leona Bataille. Ms. Bataille committed herself to teaching her love of dance until her retirement in 1987, when I, her former student, became the director. Since then, several former students have returned to teach at the studio.
What types of classes are taught? What is the dance experience of your instructors?
Bataille teaches many styles of dance, including ballet, jazz, tap, acrobatics, pointe, partnering, boys-only classes, competing/performing groups and adult Piloxing and Zumba.
The instructors have many years of teaching experience, as well as professional experience. Most have college dance backgrounds or the equivalent in experience. Many are members of the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, a professional dance teacher organization.
There are two Bataille Academie locations in Barrington. What sets each apart?
Our main location in downtown Barrington has three studios and has remained in the same place for 45 years. In 2008, we needed to expand and we built out our annex location with two studios, on Lageschulte Street, with state-of-the-art sound in the classroom and amenities such as video TV screens so parents can watch the classes from the waiting area.
Where have we seen Bataille Academie dancers within the community? Do your dancers appear at any local events?
Bataille is very committed to community involvement and giving our talents back into Barrington. We have been performing this season in the Fourth of July Parade, Grove Carnival, Cruise Nights and Art in the Barn. We also have recently performed at a Chicago Bulls game and Walt Disney World. We will be performing at Chriskindl Fest at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6.
What are your plans for the future of Bataille Academie?
We are so excited about our upcoming 50th anniversary in the near future.
For now, we want to continue to provide a fun, balanced and disciplined environment for our dancers to reach all their dance goals. We want all of our students to have an opportunity to dance recreationally or to train to be a professional, wherever their dreams may take them.