Welcome!
In 2001, Mary Pilalis founded Center Stage Dance Studio and created Aspire Dance Company, building what has become one of the Chicagoland suburbs’ premier competitive dance programs. Aspire is known for its versatility, strong technical training, memorable choreography, and commitment to developing confident, well-rounded dancers. Over the years, the company has earned numerous top honors, including Studio of the Year recognition.
Mary has been a respected member of the Chicago dance community for decades. She began her training with Yvonne Palmer and continued her education at Lisa Boehm School of Dance, Lou Conte Dance Studio, and Joel Hall Dance Center. She continues to train today, including studying with renowned tap educator Jay Fagan.
Known for her creative and distinctive choreography, Mary has built an especially strong reputation in tap and musical theatre, with her work consistently earning entertainment awards and top overall placements. She takes tremendous pride in the many Center Stage and Aspire alumni who have gone on to professional careers, including performances on Broadway in Cats, Wicked, and Hamilton, appearances in feature films such as West Side Story, television programs including America’s Got Talent, and careers as dance educators and coaches throughout the Chicagoland area.
Today, Studio Director Nicole Majewski continues to build upon that foundation by combining a love of dance with her extensive background in education and leadership. Nicole earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Illinois State University with endorsements in middle school education and mathematics. She has also pursued graduate studies in Curriculum and Instruction earning a Master’s Degree and ESL endorsement through Concordia University.
Before stepping into studio leadership, Nicole spent several years as an elementary school teacher. Her experience as an educator strongly influences her approach at Center Stage. She believes the best dance training happens when talented teachers are supported by a strong, thoughtful team and when every dancer is challenged, encouraged, and given the tools to grow.
Together, Mary’s artistic legacy and Nicole’s passion for education and team development continue to shape Aspire Dance Company. Our goal is not only to create exceptional dancers, but to provide an environment where students develop discipline, confidence, teamwork, resilience, and a lifelong love of dance.
At Aspire, we are proud of where we began, excited about where we are going, and committed to always aiming higher.
Our Story.
Center Stage Dance Studio is a family owned business founded by Mary Pilalis, a dance professional for decades in the Chicagoland area. Center Stage is home to the Aspire Dance Company, Center Stage Performing Company, and recreational classes in Dance Movement, Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Tumbling, Lyrical, Contemporary and Hip Hop. From beginners to pre-professional dancers, there are opportunities for every student to learn, grow, perform and compete.
Our professionally trained faculty are passionate about dance and about creating environments where kids build confidence, character and friendships that last well beyond their time at the studio. Many of them have been at Center Stage for over 10 years, building the culture of excellence in dance in an environment that feels like family. For over 20 years we have been serving families in the western suburbs of Chicago by providing high quality dance education in a wide variety of styles.