Indies Only: Woman Teaching Oswego to Dance With Flair

Angela Flaherty has taught Oswego’s children to dance for more than 15 years.

Flaherty’s studio, Dance with Flair, opened at its current downtown location in 2008. Previously, Flaherty worked with poms squad and dance club and she taught dance lessons through the Oswegoland Park District from 1993-2004. Beginning June 2005, Flaherty used space at SPOT 4 Kids to teach classes on weekends.

Flaherty’s motto is “to provide a place where kids can learn to dance in a relaxed atmosphere.” Her philosophy is, “every dancer has flair.”

“I love the little kids’ excitement,” Flaherty said. “I have students who followed me when I left the park district, so I’ve been teaching them since age 3. I’ve loved watching them develop.”

Flaherty teaches all classes offered at Dance with Flair except a few adult classes. She teaches about 20 classes each week and said “each class is a new group of students with a new energy and a different dynamic.”

“Dancing is my passion and I love sharing it with my students,” Flaherty said.

Celeste Kras’ daughters have taken lessons from Flaherty since she taught with the park district.

“When Angela left the park district to go it on her own, we didn’t even have to think about following her. The girls wouldn’t want to take dance with anyone else. ...She is patient and so easy going,” Kras said.

“I would recommend to anyone that is looking for a fun more relaxed dance atmosphere for their child,” Kras said.

Flaherty offers classes for all ages and at many levels.

Bellydancing and Zumba classes are offered to adults. The Bellydance class explains the history of Bellydancing in addition to working your abs, Flaherty said.

Flaherty’s son inspired her to teach special needs dance classes.

“I’m very flexible with the kids,” said Flaherty.

A parent or sibling attends class with the special needs student and the class provides the chance to “spend time together and help each other,” Flaherty said.

Flaherty also works with homeschooling groups to coordinate classes around their schedules.

Dance with Flair's classes include: Broadway, Bitty Bop and toddler classes, Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Combo Classes, Lyrical, Pom Technique, Dance for Gymnasts, Bellydance and Zumba. Classes are taught Tuesday to Saturday, and begin at $40 per session.

Dance with Flair offers dance-themed birthday parties, which include learning and performing a dance routine, invitations, goody bags, and a party room for cake and gifts.

The stuido is “really a family-run business,” Flaherty said. Her husband, Shawn, is her business partner. Flaherty described her oldest daughter as her “personal secretary.”

“Everyone in the family is involved —even the grandparents,” Flaherty said.

Late registration for spring session is ongoing. The summer offers a flexible schedule with varieties of classes and the traditional session begins in mid-September, Flaherty said.

Dance with Flair is located at 168 S. Adams St. For more information, call 630-201-4305 or email dancewithflair6@yahoo.com