Dance Programs

Program Description

Welcome to the Elmhurst Park District Dance Program! Dance does so many things to enrich the lives of yourself or your children. It can instill confidence, improve flexibility and balance, develop rhythm, create a sense of freedom to express one’s self, provide an outlet for socialization, enhance memorization skills and so much more! The Elmhurst Park District is proud to provide such wonderful experiences for you or your child, through dance.

The Elmhurst Park District offers a variety of dance classes for children ages 18 months to adult held at the Wagner Community Center. These classes are not only fun, but teach the fundamentals of various dance styles. Most classes run for a full school year and conclude in a year-end recital. Dancers should enroll according to their age/grade as of September 1 and continue at that level for the entire school year.

To top of page

Registration and Payment Information

Registrations for yearlong dance programs are listed in our fall brochure and are registered for in August and September. Registration is held by a lottery for Elmhurst Park District residents and non-residents. Dance fees include instruction from September through May as well as various recital costs, such as: costume, tights, and four recital tickets.

Two equal payments are scheduled for the 2009-2010 school year. Payment 1 is due upon registration. Payment 2 is due by October 31. If the second payment is not made by the required deadline, you child will be dropped from the dance program and your spot will be filled from a waitlist. Auto pay is available for scheduled dance payments; please contact the Wagner Community Center for details.

To top of page

Early Childhood Dance Programs

These beginner level classes are geared for ages 18 months through 4 years. These non-recital programs are a great introduction into the wonderful world of dance. Several classes are offered and each class is designed to teach students the fundamentals of dance such as rhythm, coordination, flexibility, balance and self-confidence. Dancers will learn basic dance terminology as well as simple combinations to familiar songs. With the exception of “Me & My Shadow”, parents will be asked to wait in the lounge while classes take place. Each session will conclude with a class observation day. Throughout the year, various early childhood dance classes are offered such as:

Please visit our on-line brochure to see current class offerings.

To top of page

Youth Performance Dance Programs

Our Youth Performance Dance classes run for the school year. This program is designed for the dancer who will receive training in both technique and performance, showcasing their achievements at our annual dance recital in May. All registrants are expected but not required to participate in the recital. Since this program runs September through May, new students will not be accepted into any ongoing performance class. Once you are registered for a class in the fall session, you remain in that class through May. All fall classes will participate in the dance recital in May and Elmfest in June. Performance classes run from September 14, 2009 through May 14, 2010.

Throughout the year, various youth dance classes are offered such as:

Please visit our on-line brochure to see current class offerings.

To top of page

Adult Dance Programs

Adult classes are a great form of exercise and a great way to return to or start a new love for dance. Throughout the year, various adult dance classes are offered such as:

Please visit our on-line brochure to see current class offerings.

To top of page

Elmhurst Park District Dance Troupe

This popular yearlong program is designed for the student with previous dance experience. Throughout the year, tap and jazz steps, dance technique and routines are developed at a more advanced level. Students must have approval from their current instructor to audition for the program. Members of our dance troupe perform at local events and have the opportunity to attend dance competitions during the year. For additional information, please contact Annette Nocek, Program Manager at (630) 993-8921.

Elmhurst Park District Dance Troupe Auditions

All dancers interested in joining the Elmhurst Park District Dance Troupe for the 2010-2011 year are invited to attend the Troupe Techniques Class. This class is for experienced dancers and must have approval from their current instructor to register. Preparatory work on skill development as well as form and technique will be emphasized. Instruction will consist of 45 minutes of tap and 45 minutes of jazz.

Please visit our on-line brochure to see time and dates.

Current Dance troupe members are encouraged to sign up for Summer Dance Troupe. This class will help current members of the Elmhurst Park District Dance Troupe keep up on their dance skills while developing advanced techniques in jazz and tap. Instruction will consist of 45 minutes of tap and 45 minutes of jazz.

Please visit our on-line brochure to see time and dates.

Dancers will be asked to perform specific skills as well as dance combinations. Depending on tryout results, dancers will be divided into appropriate groups such as:

• Preparatory Dance Troupe
• Junior Dance Troupe
• Intermediate Dance Troupe
• Senior Dance Troupe
• Hip Hop Dance Troupe

After auditions, dancers will be contacted and informed of the class schedule and registering procedures.

Dance Instructors

Marilyn Anderson

Ms. Anderson teaches Twinkle Toes and has been teaching pre-school movement classes for local park districts for the past seven years. Marilyn is an Elmhurst resident and enjoys teaching young children.

Lizzie Blaszak

Ms. Blaszak has been dancing ballet and jazz at DuPage Dance Academy in Elmhurst since she was three years old. Lizzie began her teaching experience six years ago as an assistant instructor. She may look familiar to your child since she also teaches swimming lessons at East End Pool. She is the newest addition to our staff, we welcome her expertise in Ballet and Pre-Ballet.

Debbie Daly

Ms. Daly began dancing at the Elmhurst Park District approximately 20 years ago, starting with a Boogie Babies class and eventually Dance Troupe. Debbie has been teaching classes at the Elmhurst Park District for nine years.

Dyanna Daniels

Ms. Daniels has spent the last few years dancing with CBCC dance troupe through Western Illinois University, as well as performed with Diva Le Dance. Her specialties are Lyrical, Jazz, and Hip Hop.

Joanne Flom

Ms. Flom began her dance training with tap, jazz, and ballet as a child. She continued her dance training with modern and ballroom dance until she found belly dancing in 1996.  She loves to teach and perform this art form because it provides multiple benefits including developing muscle tone & confidence, improving flexibility& posture, and is a wonderful stress release. As an instructor, Joanne makes the classes fun and takes the time to break down each movement so that students can master isolation and layering techniques.

Dianne Hain

Ms. Hain began dancing at the age of 7 at Car-Mar School of Dance Studio. She performed with the Northern Illinois University Dance Troupe before coming to the Elmhurst Park District about 20 years ago. She teaches the adult tap classes and is also the dance department coordinator.

Daniela Ivkovic

Ms. Ivkovic has been dancing since she was 3 years old for groups such as Addison Trail Orchesis, and the Illinois Academy of Ballet. She has been teaching jazz and hip-hop for 10 years and is the jazz teacher for the Elmhurst Park District Dance Troupe.

Elizabeth Ramel

Ms. Ramel has been dancing with the Elmhurst Park District since she was 3 ½ years old and is a product of our dance staff. She is a member of our Advanced Dance Troupe, is a dance assistant, and is excited to be teaching her own classes this year.

Bonnie Smith

Ms. Smith began dancing in high school. She has experience in modern dance, tap, and belly dance. Bonnie enjoys working with pre-school aged children and currently resides in Elmhurst.

Yvone Spanos

Ms. Spanos began dancing at the age of four and studied with teachers including Tommy Sutton, Jimmy Payne, Edna McRae, Lou Conte, and more. Her professional career included performing at State Fairs, with the Department of Defense (USO) and on Channel 11 in a dance series. Yvonne has been teaching dance for over 25 years and is the tap instructor for the dance troupe.

Leland Tellefsen

Mr. Tellefsen has been dancing with the Elmhurst Park District since he was 4 years old and is currently a member of the senior dance troupe. His specialty is rhythm tap where he shares his talent as an assistant with the dance troupes. Leland will soon be launching a boys dance program this summer at the Elmhurst Park District

To top of page

Dance Attire

All dancers are required to wear the attire appropriate for their particular class. Hair must be secured up and away from the face. No over-sized sweatshirts or t-shirt should be worn. There is no gum chewing allowed in any class. Specific dance attire information is as follows:

To top of page

Dance Recital

Recitals provide an opportunity for our dancers to showcase what they have learned in their classes. Family and friends are encouraged to come and view the students performances over the past year.

Recital Tickets
Admission to the recital is by ticket only. Each child dancer will receive four tickets, which is part of the yearly registration fee. Additional tickets will go on sale in April for an additional fee. All tickets are non-refundable. Children ages 3 and under do not need a ticket as long as the child is sitting on an adult’s lap.

Recital DVD Purchase
The Elmhurst Park District is accepting orders on behalf of Sunrise Communications, Inc. for a reproduction of the 2010 Dance Recital. You may pick your DVD(s) up at the Wagner Community Center beginning July 19, 2010. Performances are being videotaped by Elmhurst Our Kind of Town and will air on Comcast Channel 6. The times and dates of the recital will be broadcast on the Elmhurst Community Board, which airs numerous times throughout the day. Visit www.elmhursttv.com for Channel 6 airdates as well as viewing the recitals using your computer.

To top of page