• spring 2024 dance recital tickets

    THE DOWNERS GROVE SCHOOL OF DANCE

    Our dance classes are centered around offering dances of all ages and abilities a chance to learn different styles of dance with an emphasis on safe and correct technique. We strive to create a safe and supportive environment that allows all participants an equal opportunity to grown and learn both artistically and physically, while having fun! Dance classes take place in dedicated dance rooms at the Lincoln Center. Studios feature dance floors, mirrors and ballet barres.

    Register Online

    SPRING DANCE RECITAL

    Date

    Saturday, June 1, 2024

    Location

    TBA

    Recital Shows

    The Recital will be divided into multiple shows. More information will be emailed to parents in the Spring of 2024.

     

    Tickets

    Tickets will be available to purchase in the Spring. More information will be emailed to parents at a later time.

     

    tickets

    Class Attire

    Overall, attire should allow the student to move freely & comfortably without need for readjustment, and allow the dance teacher to see and correct the dancer's form and lines so that we can teach & practice dance safely! A leotard & tights, or dance pants/leggings/athletic shorts paired with a t-shirt are good choices. Please see below for suggested shoes:

    • Ballet: leather or canvas ballet shoes
    • Tap: black tap shoes
    • Jazz: leather or canvas jazz shoes
    • Hip Hop: hip hop shoes or clean sneakers that are worn only for class
    • Combo Ballet/Tap: both ballet & tap shoes
    • Combo Ballet/Hip Hop or Ballet/Jazz: ballet shoes are fine; a change of shoes is not needed
    • Combo Jazz/Hip Hop: jazz shoes are fine; a change of shoes is not needed. For pre-dance classes (ages 3-6) ballet shoes may be substituted for jazz shoes

    All classes: Midriffs must be covered. Skirts and tutus are optional. Hair should be pulled back so that it stays out of eyes & off the face. Bows or non-functional hair accessories should not be worn. Bracelets, necklaces and dangly earrings should not be worn due to safety concerns.

    Visit shopnimbly.com/DownersGroveParkDistrict to see suggested options for tights & shoes, and gain access to Revolution Dancewear's full stock of class wear, footwear & accessories!

    Class Progression

    Introductory or "pre-dance" classes focus on learning through movement, developing balance, coordination, and other fine- and gross-motor skills. Dancers are introduced to age-appropriate techniques and vocabulary.

    Classes then progress to more disciplined and advanced techniques while promoting positive attitudes, poise and self-confidence. We follow an adaptive curriculum - the techniques and lessons focused on in each level of classes are unique to the group of students in the class at that time.

    Dancers are continuously evaluated, and your child's instructor will provide you with recommendations on which classes to take from session to session; you should expect your dancer stay in the same level of class from Fall to Winter-Spring for 1 to 2 school years. Dance classes are divided into age categories, but dance instructors may recommend moving your dancer to a different level after the first few classes of a new session.

  • Imagine Dance Team

    Imagine Dance Team focuses on strengthening the foundations of a dancer's technique and confidence, while also providing opportunities for personal growth, leadership and teamwork in a fun and supportive environment. It is our hope that dancers will not only create a strong foundation for dance, but also create lasting friendships & memories!

    Auditions

    Join our dance company and grow as a dancer!

    Auditions for the 2023-2024 season will be held Monday, May 8, 6:00pm in the auditorium at the Lincoln Center.

    2023 audition form

    Click the button above to download an audition form for your dancer! Audition forms are also available in the dance rooms.

    Auditions are a no-cut process; we are open to dancers of all levels and experiences! The primary reason for holding auditions is to meet the interested dancers and see how they might work together. Depending on the number of dancers auditioning and different skill levels, dancers may be split into groups, or we might offer the chance for dancers to participate in more than one dance. During the audition process, dancers will learn and perform a short combo, as well as demonstrate basic skills and techniques.

    During the summer, dance team members will be asked to take at least one dance class (not camp) and participate in a summer workshop from 8/15-8/17, 4:00-6:30pm.

    Regularly scheduled practices will begin in September; registration for fall practices will open in July. For the 2023-2024 season, we will be joining the Illinois Park District Drill Conference and attending 3-4 competitions, as well as performing at community and Park District events from December-May.

    Check out the current 2022-2023 Handbook for more info about Dance Team:

    handbook

    Questions? Please reach out to Amy Shearer at ashearer@dgparks.org


  • Private Lessons

    Private and semi-private lessons are 45 min in length. Pricing is as follows:

    • Private - $37/lesson
    • Semi-Private (2 students) - $22/lesson/student
    • Semi-Private (3 students) - $15/lesson/student

    Days, times and styles are subject to instructor availability. To schedule a private lesson, please email Amy Shearer at ashearer@dgparks.org.

  • MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS

    Aimee

    Dancing most of her life, Aimee is extremely passionate about sharing her love for the art of dance with others. She is a 2020 graduate of Millikin University where she studied music and dance. There she trained under esteemed artists Laura Chiaramonte, Angela Miller, and Sean Morrissey, led Millikin's premiere hip-hop dance crew, Physical Graffiti, and performed with the Alabama Ballet. She has also taken classes from world renowned dancer/choreographers Austin Lim, Mia Michaels, and Stephen "Twitch" Boss.

    While she has been trained in a variety of genres from ballet to musical theatre, her favorites include tap and hip hop. She has taught and choreographed for all ages with various theatre productions, dance concerts, camps and classes. Through teaching, she hopes to continuously share the love and joy that dance has brought her.

    Bailey

    Bailey has been dancing for 20 years and has been involved in theatre for 15 years. Growing up a competition dancer, she was able to experience many opportunities with numerous choreographers and teachers. She is a recent graduate of Illinois State University, where she attained two bachelor's degrees in Dance Performance and Political Science with a minor in Musical Theatre. During her final year of college, she had the pleasure of being cast in Laina Reese Carney's piece in Elevate, the faculty fall dance concert and as an ensemble member, dance captain and Chutney understudy in the ISU production of Legally Blonde. Bailey was also very fortunate to be a TA for the Musical Theatre dance class and director of the student organization, Freestage's, Talent Show. She has choreographed for numerous high school and community theatre musicals and has taught various styles of dance for the past 9 years. Bailey also has experience in the technical side of theatre such as lighting, stage makeup, special effects makeup, costuming, and stage management. Bailey is so thrilled to be working with the park district and all the fun that will come along with it.

    Michelle Dawson - Dance Kids USA

    Dance Kids USA, formed in 1995 by Michelle Dawson, is a mobile dance school offering pre-dance classes for your budding dancer as well as parent-tot classes. Michelle also teaches adult tap classes in cooperation with the Park Districts of Woodridge and Lisle. Michelle began dancing at the age of 3, and never stopped. In 1989, she began teaching at Park Districts, schools, studios and child care centers across the area. Michelle studied dance at the College of DuPage and Roosevelt University, and has continued her education by becoming a licensed Pilates and Zumba instructor, in addition to attending classes and workshops. Michelle has continuously demonstrated her love of dance and teaching by creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in her classes; she is truly dedicated to the enrichment of each child.

    Shasta "Puanani" Hud - Hula Classes

    Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai'i, Shasta began to dance hula at the age of five, and continued dancing throughout her teen years with Auntie Lucy Lee, and later in her early twenties with Auntie Rose Joshua. It was in her early twenties that she was selected, among a group of Hawaii's most talented dancers, to represent Aloha Airlines and travel the world spreading the Aloha Spirit through Hula.

    Shasta went on to form her own troop, Hula 'O Puanani, and began teaching in 1994 to all ages: from keiki (students) as young as 5, to teenagers, young adults and gracious ladies (45+). Auntie Shasta continues to expand and share her knowledge of hula by attending workshops throughout the Midwest as well as back home in Hawai'i, and is part of the Hula Association of the Midwest. She is proud to teach what she has learned and share her "Aloha" and passion for hula with her Haumana (students). Through her and her Haumana, she continues to carry on the spirit and beautiful tradition of Hula!

    VIEW UPCOMING CLASSES