OUR APPROACH
At the Bentley Academy, our mission is to provide a supportive and inspiring environment where dancers can develop a true appreciation for the art and culture of Irish Dance. Through the beauty and challenge of this unique dance form, students will not only enhance their fitness and technical skills, but also gain confidence, learn about Irish heritage, and—most importantly—have FUN! Our classes are designed to help dancers grow stronger, feel healthier, and leave each session feeling empowered and motivated to pursue their goals. We believe in nurturing both the dancer and the individual, one step at a time.
Owner/Founder
Jeanine Bentley, T.C.R.G.
Jeanine began her dancing career at age 6 and fell in love with the dance. She competed until she was 18 in both solo and ceili dancing making it to the Open Championship level and placing at the World Championships. After competing, Jeanine toured across Canada, the UK and Europe, performing in live Irish dance shows. Jeanine has been teaching since 2013 and has been TCRG certified since 2016. Her dream of beginning her own Irish dance academy has come true.
Jeanine began her dancing career at age 6 and fell in love with the dance. She competed until she was 18 in both solo and ceili dancing making it to the Open Championship level and placing at the World Championships. After competing, Jeanine toured across Canada, the UK and Europe, performing in live Irish dance shows. Jeanine has been teaching since 2013 and has been TCRG certified since 2016. Her dream of beginning her own Irish dance academy has come true.
Instructor/Director of Dancer Development
Jamie Arendas
Jamie started Irish dancing at eight years old, and has competed as a soloist, ceili dancer, and choreography dancer. She has competed at feiseanna, the Midwest Oireachtas, and the World Championships. Jamie is working toward her TCRG and has completed 6 grade exams. She has been teaching Irish dancing for four years, and continues to share her love for the dance with children of all ages. Jamie is a grade school teacher in Downers Grove, and resides in Naperville with her husband and Yorkie.
Jamie started Irish dancing at eight years old, and has competed as a soloist, ceili dancer, and choreography dancer. She has competed at feiseanna, the Midwest Oireachtas, and the World Championships. Jamie is working toward her TCRG and has completed 6 grade exams. She has been teaching Irish dancing for four years, and continues to share her love for the dance with children of all ages. Jamie is a grade school teacher in Downers Grove, and resides in Naperville with her husband and Yorkie.
Instructor/Operations
Laura Bentley
Growing up immersed in Irish dance, Laura developed a lifelong passion for movement, discipline, and community from an early age. With years of experience both on and off the dance floor, she has worked with a variety of performing arts schools, supporting dancers, instructors, and families through high-quality programming and operations. Outside of the studio, Laura serves as the Director of Operations and a therapist for a nonprofit organization, where she combines leadership, organization, and compassionate care to support meaningful work in the community. This unique blend of artistic background, operational expertise, and people-centered experience allows her to bring a thoughtful, well-rounded approach to her role at Bentley Academy. Laura is passionate about creating a positive, supportive environment where dancers can grow with confidence—both as performers and as individuals.
Growing up immersed in Irish dance, Laura developed a lifelong passion for movement, discipline, and community from an early age. With years of experience both on and off the dance floor, Laura has worked with a variety of performing arts schools, supporting dancers, instructors, and families through high-quality programming and operations. Outside of the studio, Laura serves as the Director of Operations and a therapist for a nonprofit organization, where she combines leadership, organization, and compassionate care to support meaningful work in the community. This unique blend of artistic background, operational expertise, and people-centered experience allows her to bring a thoughtful, well-rounded approach to her role at Bentley Academy. Laura is passionate about creating a positive, supportive environment where dancers can grow with confidence—both as performers and as individuals.
Instructor / Injury Prevention Coach
Ashley Dunne, PT, DPT
Ashley started dancing around age 9 and continued through high school. She had to stop competing earlier than she wanted due to an injury. The experience inspired her to become a doctor of physical therapy. She’s taken a lot of continuing education courses specific to dance medicine in order to help Irish dancers stay healthy. She taught dance for a little while a few years ago and is excited to be back. She’s a mom of two children and loves yoga!
Ashley started dancing around age 9 and continued through high school. She had to stop competing earlier than she wanted due to an injury. The experience inspired her to become a doctor of physical therapy. She’s taken a lot of continuing education courses specific to dance medicine in order to help Irish dancers stay healthy. She taught dance for a little while a few years ago and is excited to be back. She’s a mom of two children and loves yoga!
Instructor
Shannon Arnold
Bio coming soon!
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Instructor
Bridget Downey
Bio coming soon!
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