In 1977, Priscilla Santi began an after-school dance program in an empty classroom. Within 5 years, Priscilla moved the program to an actual studio in Western Springs, IL. It was then that Lively Arts Academy was born. In the next 15 years she ran the studio and eventually partnered with her daughter Dana to operate the growing dance academy. In 1999, the former student and teacher Candy Sipiera stepped into position as director of the studio. Using the traditions and values established by Priscilla, Candy has brought the studio to a higher level of dance education. The creation of the Lively Arts Academy Competition Team and encouraging family participation in dance routines are just some of the new traditions Miss Candy has brought to Lively Arts that make many enjoyable experiences for the whole family.

A Family Affair

No one ever gets left out of the act. Each year more adults decide to join in the fun from Jazz/Ballet to Basic Tap. It is not unusual to find sisters, brothers, dads, and daughters rehearsing heart-stopping swing routines for our competition team. Even a grandma or two has been spotted in our classes.