COME SEE OUR STUDIO. SCHEDULE A TRIAL CLASS!
Meet the Owner
Darcey Sunken
Darcey Sunken has 30 plus years of experience in the dance world. At just the young age of 2, Darcey began dancing at her local studio where she grew to not only love dance but also teaching. During her teenage years she quickly realized that owning her own dance studio someday would be a dream!
In 2009 Darcey followed her dreams and opened The Next Step Dance Studio. From 2009-2013 she owned and operated the studio. In the Fall of 2013 Darcey took a break from being the owner and decided to take on the role of studio director. BUT....... a few years down the road, Darcey once again followed her dreams and retook ownership of the studio in 2020.
Darcey is supported by her husband Tyler and two children.
Our Staff
Melissa Dougall
Studio Manager/Instructor/Studio 4 Mini's Director
Regina Davis
Studio Director/Instructor
Jessica Matthews
Studio 4 & NSDS Premiere Ballet Co. Artistic Director
Jessica Matthews has been dancing and teaching in the Chicagoland area for the past thirty years. While she is classically trained in all genres of dance, gymnastics and tumbling; her emphasis is on ballet, contemporary, and jazz. Jessica attended Illinois State University as a dance major, was a company member to the Illinois State Dance Theatre, and has traveled the country to perform in the American College Dance Association. Jessica has danced for Brian Brooks, Eddy Ocampo, Joffrey Ballet, and Hubbard Street Dance Company. She has taken classes from American Ballet Theatre, Joel Hall, Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Company and Lou Conte. Through Jessica's teaching career she has been recognized both regionally and nationally for her choreography and costuming. She has earned myriad chorography awards, was awarded 2015 Teacher of the Year, and was named 2016 Choreographer of the Year. Under her directorship her students have equally shared in great success as they too have won numerous judges awards, first place overall awards, and grand champion awards on the regional and national competition circuit. Additionally, Jessica is a dance competition judge for Starpower, Revolution, and Believe Talent competitions. Jessica is currently the Artistic Director of the Studio 4 performing arts company in Central Illinois. The art of dance and performance has given Jessica many wonderful opportunities which have thus far defined her as an individual, and she is excited to share her knowledge and love of dance!
Sarah Kennedy
Instructor Staff Coordinator/Instructor/Summer Camp Director
JoAnn Cavanaugh
NSDS Billing
Miss Eva
Instructor
Miss Evanna
Tumbling Coach
Gabby
Instructor
Miss Jacee
Instructor & Studio 4 Choreographer
Jessica D.
Front Desk Admin
Jon
Ballroom Instructor
Lacey W.
Front Desk Admin
Miss Morgan
Private Lesson Director/Adult Class Instructor
Miss Natalie
Instructor
Miss Tahvia
Instructor/NSDS Premiere Ballet Co. Instructor
Mr Ty
Instructor
Heather
Fine Arts Club Teacher
Maggy
Front Desk Admin
Devin
Instructor
Victoria
Bloomington Park and Rec. Instructor
What We Believe
We believe in providing fun and educational classes for all ages and levels.
We believe each child should be given personalized attention and proper instruction.
We believe in providing a nurturing environment for children to grow.
We believe every child is different, which means they have different goals.
We believe in family and unconditional support for everyone who chooses to call our studio home.
Happy Parents and Dancers
The Next Step Dance Studio
1 Auto Row Dr #400
Bloomington, IL 61704