School of Dance - Classes & Descriptions

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The West Chicago Park District School of Dance offers a wide variety of instruction opportunities for all ages. Below you will find descriptions for the many classes we offer at different times throughout the year. Please see our brochure for specific class offerings, dates and times, and fees. If you have any questions about any of the classes please contact Chelsea McKone, Recreation Coordinator.

Creative Movement Classes

Focuses on teaching young children movement and imagination while helping to develop basic motor skills.

Mommy/Daddy & Me Dance & Tumble (ages 1-3)

Through the exploration of song and movement, dance and tumbling will be introduced and a great bond will be established between parent and child.  Class will incorporate games, songs, play, instrument and props with the parent being a large part of the learning process through interaction, participation, and of course play.  Wear comfortable clothes that allow movement for both parent and child.  Class price is per couple and includes a CD of music to carry on what you learn in class at home and to sing along to in the car.

Salsa Tots (ages 1-5)

Designed for walking tots who are ready to sing, dance and play to tropical songs and lively Latin rhythms that parent and child can both enjoy. Tots are introduced to basic Spanish vocabulary and dance. They learn to explore different cultures, music and most importantly build confidence. Salsa Tots is the perfect class for parents who want to spend quality time with their child in an activity that merges fitness, movement and lots of fun!

Combination Classes

A combination class combines more than one dance discipline and allows the student to gain confidence in the basics of both. 

Pre Dance (ages 4-5)

A combination class that introduces both ballet and tap in a fun environment. This class will cover the basics of both styles and aid in development of rhythm and coordination. Leotard, ballet, and tap shoes required. Level: Beginner

Kindercombo (ages 5-6)

A combination class that covers ballet and tap techniques. Pre Ballet, and Pre Dance graduates welcome. Leotard, ballet, and tap shoes required. Level: Beginner

Jazz/Tap (ages 6-12)

This class will introduce technique in both jazz and tap in a fun environment. We will encourage creativity while learning. Children will be introduced to arm, leg and feet positions, gentle stretches and appropriate body alignment, while exploring jazz & tap technique and terminology. Basic skills are repeated each week to develop a strong foundation for the dancers.

Ballet

Classical dance form emphasizing grace, strength, flexibility and technique.

Pre Ballet (ages 3-4)

Children will be introduced to the basic ballet positions and their terminology, along with creative expressions through the exploration of movement and imagination. Class etiquette, following directions, and rhythm will be taught. Level: Beginner

Beginner Ballet (ages 6-12)

A formal instruction to the basic ballet steps and terminology will be taught, along with the development of rhythm and coordination. Leotard and ballet shoes required. Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Teen Ballet (ages 13-16)

Through the traditional ballet class structure of barre work, center exercises and traveling across the floor, or teen Ballet class will help you dance your way to a stronger body, improved posture, flexibility, balance and core strength. Leotard and ballet shoes required. Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Jazz

Fast paced dance form, isolating individual parts of the body to contemporary music while increasing coordination, flexibility and strength. Enhances rhythm, balance, and coordination.

Just Jazz 1 (ages 6-12)

An energetic and fun class consisting of isolated warm-ups, across the floor progressions, and dance combinations.  Work on your turns, leaps, rhythm, performance skills and more.  Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Adult Jazz (ages 18 and up)

Always wanted to learn how to dance or get back into it again?  Then this class is for you!  A relaxed and encouraging approach to movement in ballet and jazz, while you learn or refine your basic skills and develop good technique.  This is a great class for anyone looking to build or enhance technique, increase overall strength, endurance, flexibility and to have fun doing it!

Tap

Upbeat dance form using your feet to create and enhance rhythm, coordination and sound.

Totally Tap 1 (ages 6-12)

Technique will be taught through warm-up, rhythm exercises, short combinations of steps, and across the floor work which is then put together into longer combinations.  Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Specialty Classes

Classes offered to students who wish to enhance their technical ability or explore additional dance forms.

Breakdancing (ages 6-16)

A high energy class that will incorporate some hip-hop moves and help you to learn the fundamentals for breakdancing, an athletic style of dance that has been around for decades. Students will work on strength, balance, flexibility and coordination.

Musical Theatre Dance (ages 6-12)

Incorporating dancing, singing, and acting skills, this class will focus on performance, musicality, and learning fun routines!  New choreography and combinations taught each week will encourage character development, performance skills, and how to tell a story through dance. Technique will be taught during warm-up and across the floor exercises.  Come prepared to move, show your personality, and most importantly have fun! 

Poms I and II (ages 6-14)

Step up and join the fun of learning pom and precision dances. Learn the latest in pom routines and kick lines in this exciting class. Proper warm-up, stretching and across the floor exercises will be done along with kick line drills. Dance routines and choreography will vary each session, but all will be full of fun and class spirit!

Hip-Hop

Energetic street form of popular, urban, youth style culture of dance that uses rhythmic body articulation. Emphasis is on attitude and finding one’s individual style.

Jr. Hip Hop (ages 9-12)/Teen Hip Hop (ages 13-18)