About

The DanceXpress offers a wide variety of dance styles and genres that come with over 30 years of educational training and can be taught right in the convenience of your own location, bringing you a high quality dance experience combining correct terminology and execution with fresh ideas, inspiration and fun.

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Sophia Ritchey MDE

Specializations
Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary Modern

Former studio owner , competition team director, studio manager, and event coordinator (i.e. recitals, performance showcases, demonstrations, parades, talent shows, and more).

In June of 2004 became owner and director of The DanceXpress Dance Studio (which opened in 1986 as Dorene’s DanceXpress under the direction of Dorene Wackerfuss). Ms Sophia started dance lessons at age 5 with Bonath Twins School of Dance and has been choreographing, performing, and teaching ever since. She is a graduate of Northern Illinois University where she performed in residence and on tour with Northern Dance Theater. With a B.A. Degree in theater dance, she has been teaching a wide variety of dance for over 25 years. Having been a member of CNADM (Chicago National Association of Dance Masters) since 1995, Ms Sophia earned her CDE (Certified Dance Educator) accreditation in 2005 and has just earned her MDE (Master Dance Educator) status in March of 2017; and she continues as an active member of CNADM. Ms Sophia was also Director and choreographer for TDX competitive dance team. 

The philosophy at The DanceXpress Dance Studio is to teach dance in a caring, attentive, and positive setting.  We strive to be a safe haven for students to grow in their dance abilities. Our goal is to develop a student's progress through proper technique, terminology, and supportive guidance. Dance training has benefits for all ages, even for those who will never have a career in dance.  The exercise, self-confidence, and presentational skills are useful throughout life.

The DanceXpress services the northwest suburbs of Chicago including Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Prospect Heights, Rolling Meadows, Palatine, Wheeling, Schaumburg, & many other Chicago areas.