Founded by Jennifer Grapes Croughan, Hinsdale Dance Academy (HDA) opened its doors on October 22, 2012, with a single studio on Chestnut Street. Rapid growth and increasing demand for HDA’s exceptional training soon led to expansion. By 2015, the Academy moved into its permanent home at 645 Blackhawk Drive, initially housing three studios. Continued growth prompted further expansion in 2018 with the addition of two more studios, and in 2021, a sixth studio was added to accommodate our thriving community.
Today, HDA proudly stands as the largest dance facility in the western suburbs, offering more than 16,000 square feet of premier dance space. Our state-of-the-art facility includes six studios with viewing windows—one of which is a 59’ x 65’ professional rehearsal studio as well as spacious dressing rooms, study and faculty lounges, waiting areas, and ample parking. This expansive footprint allows us to offer an unparalleled range of classes and programs, scheduled thoughtfully to support the developmental needs of dancers of all ages. With room to grow, HDA continues to expand opportunities while maintaining the highest standards of excellence.
HDA’s commitment to world-class training has earned national and international recognition. More than 200 HDA students have qualified for or attended the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Finals and ADC/IBC Finals, with several receiving the coveted Grand Prix Award.
In 2018, HDA was honored with the YAGP Outstanding School Award. In 2021, founder Jennifer Grapes Croughan received the Outstanding Teacher Award, and in 2024, the entire HDA faculty was awarded this same prestigious distinction—an extraordinary testament to the caliber and consistency of our training.
Through our faculty’s professional connections, HDA has welcomed master instructors from some of the world’s most respected institutions, including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, New York City Ballet, Royal New Zealand Ballet, Kirov Academy, and many others.
Since 2015, HDA company dancers have had the rare opportunity to work with renowned European choreographer Riccardo DeNigris, former resident choreographer of Ballet Augsburg. His works, presented by HDA company dancers, qualified for the YAGP Finals every year they were performed, with one ensemble earning recognition as one of the Top 24 ensembles in the world in 2021.
HDA has also produced six full-length professional ballets, including The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Giselle, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Little Mermaid, and Sleeping Beauty. Each production featured professional dancers from around the world and was performed to sold-out audiences.
Our alumni continue to distinguish themselves, dancing professionally, pursuing collegiate dance careers, and receiving invitations to study at elite institutions worldwide, including The Royal Ballet School, Paris Opera Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Princess Grace Academy, Staatsballett Berlin, American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, and many more.
As HDA continues to grow, we remain deeply committed to our founding promise: to deliver an elite, comprehensive dance education to the western suburbs and surrounding communities. We believe that excellence in dance is cultivated not only through superior technique, but also through meaningful performance experiences, mentorship, and exposure to the professional world.
Dance instills discipline, resilience, accountability, and confidence life skills that extend far beyond the studio. While not every student will pursue a professional dance career, every student deserves access to exceptional instruction. At HDA, our goal is not simply to train dancers, but to develop confident, capable, and employable young adults prepared to succeed in any path they choose.
Rooted in the Hinsdale community’s rich tradition of artistic excellence, Hinsdale Dance Academy is dedicated to inspiring and cultivating the next generation of dance artists by:
• Collaborating with distinguished artists, musicians, and arts organizations to explore the intersection of movement and creative expression;
• Providing children and adults access to the highest quality classical and contemporary dance training;
• Nurturing talented young dancers in a supportive and challenging environment while preparing those pursuing professional careers;
• Enriching the community through professional performances, educational outreach, youth engagement, and charitable partnerships.