Dance Creations Dance Studio (DCDS), was founded in 1991 by Janet Cripe, to offer a wide variety of dance instruction to dancers age two through adult. A family orientated dancing environment DCDS offers Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, and Gymnastics. Our staff strives to make each and every student feel important by instilling a sense of accomplishment and self-worth allowing them to reach their personal best. We provide our students with a quality dance education so that all of them, whether they study with us for one year or ten, will leave the studio with a love and appreciation for the art of dance. An annual spring performance is held so that our dancers have the opportunity to perform for family and friends. All students are eligible and encouraged to participate in the performance. Dance Creations Dance Studio is located at 1401 East Cottonwood Street in Springfield, Illinois 62703. Janet Cripe - is the Owner/Artistic Director of Dance Creations Dance Studio. She is the driving force that makes the students at DCDS excel and strives to offer the best in dance education. At a young age, Janet began dancing at the Vitina Sansone School of Dance were she later assisted Vitina Sansone in all aspects of dance studio management. Having trained for more than 30 years in Ballet/Lyrical, tap, jazz, hip hop, she has studied with some of the best instructors in the industry including Gus Giordano, Bob Rizzo, Scott Benson, Paula Abdul and the late Al Gilbert to name a few. She is an Early Childhood Specialist of the Duluth School of Ballet and finds true inspiration in her student’s daily. Janet has 22 years of teaching experience, and is well known for her high standards in quality dance training. A member of the Professional Dance Teachers Association she continues training at seminars and workshops to revitalize practical teaching methods. In 1996, the Dance Creations Dance Studio competition team was established, and has grown to over 50 members. Janet has received many awards from regional and national dance competitions including Best Choreography, Best Concept, Most Entertaining and Top Studio. Six members of the original DCDS competition team were among the cast of the 1996 FedEx Orange Bowl performance cast. Janet has seen many DCDS students receive countless dance scholarships from nationally known dance conventions and Statewide Universities. Several of the students have also studied at The Edge In Los Angeles, Ca. Janet is married to Bill and has two children.
Jennifer Allender- joined the staff at DCDS in 1995. Her commitment to children and passion for the art of dance are clearly evident. She offers a wealth of knowledge and experience in classical ballet training, pointe, and gymnastics with over 18 years teaching experience. Jennifer began dancing at the age of 4, studying with the Vitina Sansone School of Dance. Training in dance included emphasis on classical ballet, pointe, jazz and acrobats. She was a member of the Springfield Ballet Company, under the direction of Grace Luttrell-Nanavati, during the 1984-1985 Season. Jennifer became a member of Midstate Gymnastics Academy Competition Team in 1984 and was a 1985 USGF State Champion. She was one of a few area gymnasts qualifying and competing in the 1987 and 1988 Prairie State Games. In 1988 she was a Class II Optional All-Around State Qualifier and Competitor. She taught gymnastic classes at Midstate Gymnastics Academy as well as classical ballet and tumbling at Vitina Sansone School of Dance. She earned a B.S. in Education from Illinois State University with an Endorsement in Early Childhood. She is beginning her 14th year as a special education teacher at Owen Marsh Elementary School. She is married to Rick and has three children.
Holly Rae Blandford- started her career in dance at the age of three under the direction of Ms. Bonnie Blasingame in Edwardsville, Illinois. With more than 25 years of dance experience, she enjoys sharing her passion for dance, her quest for physical challenge, and her love of education with students of all ages. She is trained in and teaches ballet, tap, jazz, and modern dance. She has performed on stage in both Saint Louis and Springfield, and has choreographed numerous performances. Holly Rae earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in dance with a double-major in psychology from Webster University. She also earned a master’s in education from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She resides in Springfield with her husband, Justin, and her dog, Button.
Rebecca Davis- aka Miss Becky brings an explosive personality and style to DCDS. Miss Becky, native to Belleville, Illinois, has been dancing for more than 20 years. Since graduating from Lindenwood University in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in English education, she teaches Sophomore English at Springfield High School. Miss Becky has studied at the Broadway Dance Center in addition to her hometown studio The Adam’s School of Dance. She has studied all dance genres and choreographed for the Lindenwood University Dance Department. She was also named Captain for the Lindenwood Lionettes Dance team. Recently, The Universal Dance Association has awarded Miss Becky The Exceptional Coach Award as she is the Springfield High School Poms Coach. Lyila Devlin- Lyila Devlin is a native of Topeka, Kansas where she studied at the Dance Factory under the direction of Lisa Michaelis. In 2006 she was choreographer and assistant director for The Blackburn College Summer Repertory Theater. She choreographed and performed in the summer production of Rock Revue. While competing both regionally and nationally, Lyila studied at The Joe Tremaine Dance Academy in Los Angelos, California. Lyila has traveled to Australia with Dance International, U.S.A. She was among 50 dancers from the US on tour in Sydney and Cairns to perform and to study alongside Australian dancers. Lyila has a BA in Mass Media, Public relations and electronic art. Lyila enjoys working with all age groups and skill levels. With great enthusiasm, she comes to DCDS with a focus on working with dancers to built strength, technique, and learn new skills. Lyila joins the team at DCDS embracing the art of dance.
Gwen Meeker - Gwen Meeker is an alumni dancer from DCDS. Gwen is well known for her intensity and passion for the art of dance. She has studied all genres of dance, and is an incredible choreographer. She has studied with internationally known instructors such as Brian Friedman, Mia Michaels, Dave Scott, Shane Sparks, Chris Judd, Tamara Squires and Liz Imperio to name a few. In 2000 Gwen attended The Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angelos, California. Currently attending Lindenwood University with a major toward Dance Management, Gwen is highy regarded as one of Springfield’s best. While attending Dance Creations Dance Studio, Gwen competed in both regional and national dance conventions/competitions where she won several convention scholarships. She has also been awarded numerous over all high score awards as well as most entertaining and a perfect score! As Gwen pursues a future in dance studio management, she shares her excellence in technique and diverse ability with the students of DCDS as well as the Turning Pointe Academy of dance in Maryville, Il. Gwen is an award winning choreographer!!
Karen Pruitt - The former Karen Williamson is an alumni dancer from DCDS who began to study dance at the Sansone School of Dance under the direction of Janet Cripe. She has studied ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and tumbling. She was a member of the original DCDS competition team. While competing with Dance Creations Dance Studio she became an all star dancer and cast in the 1996 Fed/Ex Orange Bowl Half Time performance in Miami, Florida. As a UDA All Star dancer, Karen performed in the 1999 New Years Parade in Paris, France. She has also been awarded numerous awards at nationally known dance competitions. Karen has a Bachelors degree in Recreation & Park Administration. She also was the assistant director of the Nelson Center Summer Camp Program. Her enthusiasm and high energy is mirrored by the students at Dance Creations Dance Studio. - 
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