2015 - 2016 season - City of Lake Forest

40
years
Dance
2015 - 2016 SEASON
Member of the Cecchetti Council of America
Member of the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters
Member of National Dance Education Organization
Chapter of National Honor Society for Dance Arts
Lake Forest Dance Academy
www.LakeForestDance.com
About Us
The Lake Forest Dance Academy is proud to celebrate our 40th
year of providing quality dance programs for all ages!
We offer a variety of classes including Dance Play, Creative Dance, Ballet,
Modern, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap and Pom. We offer challenging programs
designed for the serious dance student. We also provide classes for children,
teens and adults who simply love to dance or just want to experience the
rewards of this artistic discipline.
Why Choose Lake Forest
Dance Academy?
Founded in 1974, Lake Forest
Dance Academy is the oldest
established dance studio in the
area, with a classical ballet, jazz
and tap; to hip hop, to the cutting
edge of today’s contemporary
dance scene!
LFDA is the only local studio that…
• offers induction into the National
Honor Society for Dance Arts
• offers a complete certification in the
Cecchetti Method of Ballet
• provides you with the most costeffective, comprehensive dance
program available
• has highly educated and trained
faculty dedicated to total student
development!
Live It! • Dance It! • Love It!
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Everyone and anyone can and should dance!
2015-2016
SEASON
Dates to Remember:
Audition Opportunities:
Auditions for 2016-2017 Performance Companies &
Pom Force Team Tryouts:
May, 2016
Special Events:
Company Cares Workshop:
Sunday, October 18, 2015 from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
No Attendance Day:
Friday, October 30, 2015
Be a part of a fun and exciting day of movement!
Lake Forest Dance Academy is excited to be holding
this event with classes taught by guest artists,
company directors and company members. This
day of dance will get your body and spirit moving!
Proceeds from this workshop will benefit a charitable
organization. A day of movement that truly matters!
Thanksgiving Break: NO CLASSES
Wednesday, November 18 - Saturday, November 28, 2015
Cecchetti Council Midwest Winter Workshop:
February 2016
Observation Week:
Monday, December 14 - Saturday, December 19, 2015
Lake Forest Dance Academy will be host to the
Cecchetti Council of America Midwest Committee
Winter Workshop in February 2016. Chicago area
Master teachers and national guest artists will give
Cecchetti graded ballet classes as well as classes in
other dance disciplines. Don’t miss the exciting event!
Watch for details!
First Day of Regular Classes:
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Winter Break: NO CLASSES
Monday, December 21, 2015 - Saturday, January 2, 2016
Spring Break: NO CLASSES
Saturday, March 19 - Monday, March 28, 2016
Photo Day:
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Last Day of Regular Classes:
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Performances:
Holiday Extrava-Dance-A:
Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 4:00 pm
Company Benefit “Passion to Dance” Performance:
March 2016
PreSchool Dress Rehearsal & Photo Day:
Saturday, April 23, 2016
PreSchool Recital:
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Mandatory Recital Rehearsals:
May 7-13, 2016
Preschool
Workshops:
Explore the enchanting world of dance! These
delightful workshops will bring to life the story and
characters of favorite dance stories. Learning
dance skills and technique, developing creative and
imaginative expression and working on associated
arts and crafts projects will be part of each workshop.
Choreography, music, books and video will be used
to enhance the experience. An informal performance
will be given at the end of the workshop!
One Day Workshops:
Mary Poppins
Monday, October 12, 2015 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Ages: 3-6 Code #: 40539901
All Things Frozen
Monday, January 18, 2016 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Ages: 4-8 Code #: 40539902
Spring Recital Weekend:
May 13-15, 2016
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Dance Academy
Half Year Program
HALF YEAR CLASS SESSIONS
Preschool and Adult Classes
Session 1: September 9, 2015 – December 19, 2015
Session 2: January 4, 2016- April 23, 2016
PROGRAM FEES are paid per student for each session. See class schedule
insert for fees. Recital fee of $40 will apply on the second session.
We hope
that you
join us
in our
Happy
Dancing!
PreSchool Academy
Classes
Lake Forest Dance Academy is a member of the National Dance Education Organization and
as such employs and implements the sets of standards developed by the organization. These
standards provide a continuum of learning and teaching dance for infants through professionals.
The Standards for Dance in Early Childhood are based on neurological development, motor
development, social development, and cognitive development as well as artistic learning.
We base our program for infants through six years of age on these guidelines of what children
should know and be able to do in the arts-making processes of performing, responding to and
interconnecting dance.
Our program follows the belief that dance can and should play in the development and learning of young
children; that all children have a right to enjoy dance and that they will receive numerous benefits from
participation in dance education. We use a conceptual approach to dance curriculum and instruction; we
don’t just teach steps and routines. We educate children in the use of their body, moving through space and
time with energy, to explore and discover; to create and to share. This facilitates the learning process, as the
child connects linguistic, kinesthetic, spatial, temporal, and energetic concepts in action and idea.
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PreSchool
Academy Classes
Our Fall sessions of PreSchool Academy classes culminate in an informal studio
showing on the last day of classes in December. PreSchool Academy Winter/
Spring classes culminate in a spring recital on stage in costumes on April 24, 2016!
Dance Play is interactive movement, dance games and wonderful music making
this a perfect introduction to dance class. Favorite songs, colorful scarves, huggable
teddy bears...join us and experience the pure joy of movement! Caregiver must be
present. Nannies, daycare givers as well as moms or even dads are welcome to join
in the fun. Children must be two years old by 9/1.
Creative Dance captivates your child and his/her love of movement in a wonderful
exploratory dance course. This class introduces the basic elements of movement: time,
space, energy, relationships and the coordination of our bodies. Locomotor and rhythmic
skills are taught with an approach that emphasizes the child’s natural creativity. Fun props
and stories are used! Children must be three years old by 9/1.
Intro to Irish Dance is offered to preschool students who are taking Irish dance for the first
time! Dancers will learn basic skills and beginner dances such as the traditional Irish Jig.
(Dancers are not required to purchase shoes or socks yet). Children must be four years old by
9/1.
Pre Ballet 1 introduces beginning ballet steps and positions. French terminology, rhythmic skills,
creative concepts and short dance sequences combined with lots of hopping, skipping and
galloping make this class the perfect fit for your active child and his/her love of music and
movement. Children must be four years old by 9/1.
Pre Ballet 2 builds upon the basic ballet steps and positions introduced in Pre-Ballet 1. French
terminology is also introduced. This class is the one for active kindergarteners who love music
and movement. (Pre-Ballet 1 is not a pre-requisite). Children must be five years old by 9/1.
Pre Hip Hop is the class for your child who loves music videos and can’t stop moving to the
beat! They will learn the most basic elements such as posture, rhythm and isolation in this high
energy and fun introduction to the hip hop genre. Children must be five years old by 9/1.
Pre Tap 1 is an introductory tap class which is just the venue for every child who loves to tap their toes and
make music come alive! They will also begin to understand timing and rhythm. Coordination of mind and
body is developed through familiar nursery rhymes and fun sound games. Children must be four years old
by 9/1.
Pre Tap 2 builds upon the material learned in Pre Tap 1 which is just the venue for every child who loves to tap
their toes and make music come alive! They will also further understand timing and rhythm. Coordination of
mind and body is developed through familiar nursery rhymes and fun sound games. Children must be five years
old by 9/1.
Pre-Ballet w/ Modern is a combination class which teaches both ballet steps and positions and creative concepts
thru basic modern dance skills. For the creative spirit! Children must be four years old by 9/1.
Pre-Ballet w/ Tap is a combination class that teaches
both ballet steps and positions and beginning tap skills.
Let your dancers make music and rhythm with their feet!
Children must be four years old by 9/1.
Dine & Dance Pack a lunch and twirl your way to dance
class! Our staff will supervise your little dancers as they
enjoy their lunch before and/or after dance class.
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Adult Academy Classes
Our Adult program offers classes suited to the beginner wanting to explore the world of movement as well as the
experienced dancer wanting to get back into class. Our instructors teach flexible material suited to the needs and
abilities of the participants. Everyone can and should dance!
Adult Tap will provide a foundation in basic vocabulary of tap steps and terminology. Through a variety of
combinations dancers will work on principles of timing, rhythm and technique.
Belly Dance C students will learn the ancient art of Raks Sharki (dance of the east). Intermediate steps and
combinations as well as common musical rhythms will be taught. There will also be instruction on finger cymbals, veil,
Saidi cane, Isis wings and gypsy skirt work.
Interested in Adult Ballet, Jazz, Latin Jazz, Modern or Hip
Hop? Call 847-810-3948 to inquire about opportunities.
Awards
ANIDA SEDALA MEMORIAL MERIT AWARD
Lake Forest Dance Academy established this award in honor of Anida Sedala (1927-2001), former Director of the
Academy (1974 -1995). Anida moved to the United States from Nokia, Finland in 1949, opened a ballet studio
in Lake Forest and was on the faculty of the Gus Giordano Dance Center in Evanston for over 30 years. Anida
was founder and Artistic Director of Lake Shore Dance Theatre and a devoted advocate of the Cecchetti
Method of classical ballet. In 1956 Anida and her sister Pirkko founded the Cecchetti Council of America’s
Midwest Committee. Anida coached many teachers and became a nationally recognized Cecchetti Method
adjudicator. The recipient of this award is a Cecchetti student exhibiting dedication, potential and love of dance.
The annual award consists of tuition for one ballet class for one full season (September-May).
Hannah Franzen
Erin Pattie
2015 Anida Sedala Memorial 13th
Annual Merit Award Recipient
2015 Raising the Barre 8th
Annual Award Recipient
RAISING THE BARRE AWARD
This award is presented to the dance student who has shown extraordinary leadership and dedication to Lake Forest
Dance Academy as well as technical achievement and performance skills in multiple dance disciplines including
Ballet, Jazz, Modern and Tap. Nominated by the entire faculty and Directors, this award consists of tuition for one
dance class for one full season (September – May).
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN MODERN DANCE AWARD
The Modern dancer must understand and incorporate the use of time, space, energy and
relationships in all aspects of performance. Highly developed skills in creative improvisation
and strong versatile technique are looked for in determining nominations for this award. It
is an exceptional dancer who will receive this award. This award consists of tuition for one
modern dance class for one full season (September-May).
Kathryn Lotharius
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2015 Outstanding Achievement in
Modern Dance 3rd Annual Recipient
Dance Academy
Full Year Program
FULL-YEAR CLASS SESSIONS
Recital Classes
Session:
September 9, 2015 - May 15, 2016
PROGRAM FEES are paid PER STUDENT for each class. See class schedule insert for fees. A fee of $65 for each Recital
Class will be applied to your first payment. No Recital Fee for Pointe I, Pointe II, Strength Conditioning for Dancers and
Choreography.
1st Payment:
50 % of the Total Fee will be due at the time of registration.
2nd Payment:
All transfers, drops and / or additions need to be completed by November 1, 2015 at which time the 2nd payment will
be determined, bills will be mailed and the balance due by December 1, 2015. Discounted class rates will be offered to
registrants with two or more classes.
All Full Year Classes participate in our
Annual Spring Recital May 2016.
As a member of the National Dance Education Organization, Lake Forest Dance
Academy embraces the Professional Teaching Standards of Dance in the Arts
including the mastery of dance content, skills and knowledge in relationship to
education and community and the implementation of reflective practice. Our
curriculum is based on a creative, conceptual approach which develops the joy
and passion of dancing as it connects linguistic, kinesthetic and spatial concepts
in the teaching and learning of technical skills and choreography.
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Ballet Academy Classes
Our ballet program is a carefully designed curriculum that takes the student from Introductory (Ballet
Standards A & B) through Intermediate and Advanced levels of instruction. Our school also offers
Graded Cecchetti Ballet Method Classes as well as Contemporary Ballet classes. All ballet classes
are designed to endow the human body with all of the qualities essential to dance: balance,
poise, strength and flexibility. Training in ballet is necessary to improve development in all
Ballet Standards A is an
dance forms. French terminology, alignment, control and coordination are stressed throughout
introductory ballet class
every level offered.
for 6&7 year olds. Students
Cecchetti 1 through Cecchetti 5 classes offer
the student a firm foundation in classical
ballet technique, language and theory as
well as offer opportunity for certification
by the Cecchetti Council of America. The
Cecchetti syllabus develops strong classical
lines, solid anatomical placement, as well
as beautiful jumps, leaps and beats. The Cecchetti Method
of Ballet is endorsed because of its careful regard for the
laws of anatomy, its teaching of movement theory and the
foundation it can provide for all styles of dance. Once the
Graded syllabus has been accomplished, those students
wishing to be certified (with the instructor’s approval) may
take the examination. Chicago area exams are held in
early winter and spring. Examination is entirely optional and
will incur added fees. Examination and certification is not
mandatory for advancement in Cecchetti classes.
learn ballet terminology and
placement as they develop
poise and musicality. Classical
ballet is introduced in a fun and
creative environment.
Ballet Standards B is a classical ballet
class for 7&8 year olds. Students learn
proper placement and French terminology
at the barre and in the center. Good
posture, poise and musicality are emphasized
within a fun and creative environment based
on the Cecchetti Ballet Syllabus.
Ballet 1 covers the basic fundamentals of classical
ballet and is a good beginning level for the 8 year old
and up. Balanced exercises at the barre and center
are introduced to gain strength, good posture, placement
and discipline. French terminology, correct body alignment
and proper technique are emphasized as well as introduction
to turns leaps, skips and jumps across the floor.
Ballet 1C is a continuation of Ballet 1 with greater emphasis on the
student’s development and coordination and execution of steps
and combinations of steps. Good posture and alignment become
more established, barre and center work continue to develop the
student’s technique, strength and flexibility. Basic body positions, turns
and free movements crossing the floor continue to challenge the beginning
ballet student.
Ballet 2 includes all barre and center work from Ballet 1 & Ballet 1C with
increased speed and execution of proper technique of steps and combinations of
movements. Coordination of arms with legs and feet, as well as greater emphasis
on turns and combinations of movements across the floor are introduced at this
advanced beginner level.
Ballet 2C continues the study of Ballet 2 with more concentration on pirouettes, turns,
adage and allegro and combinations of movements. Coordination of arms with movement
of legs, feet and head positions, are emphasized as well as the continued development of
speed, execution of proper technique and control musicality, poise and grace.
Ballet 3 is an intermediate class with longer combinations, greater variance of tempo and an
introduction to beats, and multiple turns. Placement, alignment and previous technique is required in
order to accomplish work at this level. Most students spend at least 3 years at this level.
Ballet 3C continues the study of Ballet 3. For serious dancers wishing to pursue pointe work, twice weekly
classes are required for this level and above. Students taking two ballet classes at this level are eligible for
added PrePointe classes at the discretion of the teacher.
Ballet 4 is an advanced intermediate class which continues the study of classical ballet including barre, center,
adagio, petite allegro and grand allegro. Students on pointe must commit to a minimum of two ballet classes
weekly and register for Pointe 1.
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Ballet 4/5 is an advanced ballet class with more difficult barre and center work exercises. Barre and center combinations
increase in length and vary in tempi. Adagio and allegro become more intricate and gain momentum. Multiple turns and
various leaps, jumps, and combinations continue to challenge the advanced dancer. Grande allegro and pointe work are
included at this level as well.
Ballet 5 is an advanced class which continues the study of classical ballet including barre, center, adagio, petite allegro
and grand allegro. Students on pointe must commit to a minimum of two ballet classes weekly and register for Pointe 2.
PrePointe is a supplemental class for serious students who wish to pursue point work. Students must be concurrently
registered in Ballet III and a second ballet class.
Pointe 1 is a supplemental class for serious students who have been approved for pointe work by their teacher and who
want to take classical ballet to the next level. Students must be concurrently registered in Ballet 4 and a second ballet class.
Pointe 2 is a supplemental class for serious students who have been approved for pointe work by their teacher and who
want to take classical ballet to the next level. Students must be concurrently registered in Ballet 5 and a second ballet class
Teen/Adult Ballet 1 covers the same basic fundamentals of classical ballet as Ballet 1, but is geared towards the older
dancer who may progress a bit faster and may include the continued syllabus Ballet 1C. The teachers of this level are
careful to teach the basics and keep the students interest by varying steps and music.
Teen/Adult Ballet 2 covers the same barre and center work as Ballet 2 and 2C, but is geared for the older dancer who
may be able to progress a bit faster. Turns and combinations are explored with a concentration on transitional steps and
reinforcement of poise, grace and proper placement.
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Jazz Academy
Classes
Our academy jazz classes blend the technical styles of ballet and modern; while teaching
principles of correct placement, line and movement quality in an upbeat, ever moving
environment. Jazz dance showcases individual style, and originality, unique movements,
fancy footwork, big leaps and quick turns. Various music styles
will be used in our energetic and fun classes. C level classes offered.
Intro to Jazz is designed to transition the child from Preschool Dance to the Graded
Levels. This class will challenge the child who has studied on a preschool level while
also serving to introduce beginning students to the jazz dance form.
Jazz 1 provides a strong technical foundation while exploring rhythm and
movement dynamics through energetic exercises and choreography.
Jazz 2 provides a deeper understanding of jazz technique including a
focus on pirouettes in various styles. Strength is enhanced through
leaps, jumps and core work.
Jazz 3 is the stepping stone for more advanced jazz and
contemporary work. It further explores jazz technique and
introduces the contemporary/lyrical style into the exercises
and choreography. Concurrent registration in a Ballet class
is required at this level and above.
Jazz 4 consists of intermediate jazz and contemporary/
lyrical work. This class presents material at a
challenging pace. Concurrent registration in a
Ballet class is required at this level and above.
Jazz 5 consists of advanced jazz and
contemporary/lyrical work. This class focuses
on more complex floor work and leaps
and turns in various combinations. This
level demands a mature approach
to the understanding of movement.
Concurrent registration in a Ballet
class is required at this level.
Teen/Adult Jazz 1 classes are
designed for older students
with little or no dance
background who would
like to begin the study
of jazz dance.
What are C level classes? In order to keep
the integrity of our leveled curriculum we
offer continuing classes (1C, 2C etc.).
These classes are for students who have
completed at least one year of a level but have
not yet mastered the skills required to progress to
the next level. The C level curriculum moves faster
and works on specific areas of development in an
effort to prepare the dancers for advancement.
Most students will spend at least two to three years
in any given level.
C
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Teen/Adult Jazz 2 offers
continued jazz dance
study in a professional
environment focusing on
leaps and turns. This is a great
class for adults interested in a
basic jazz dance class.
Teen/Adult Jazz 3 offers intermediate
jazz for teen and adult dancers.
Teen/Adult Latin Jazz combines the solid
skills and technique of Jazz dance and the
sizzle of Latin Jazz and you’ve got a great
class with trendy music and fun routines. This is
a perfect class for trying out new dance forms or
brushing up on your moves.
Jumps and Turns 1 is an extension of our
Jazz 2 and Pom 3 syllabi and is available to
students by teacher recommendation. We will
continue to work on flexibility, strength and tricks.
Jumps and Turns 2 is an extension of our level 3 Jazz syllabus.
Here dancers continue to move forward with layering multiple
tricks in fast combinations.
Jumps and Turns 3 is an extension of our level 4 Jazz syllabus. Dancers
will continue to grow with rapid moving combinations filled with
direction changes, level changes, multiple turns and leaps.
Jumps and Turns 4 is an advanced skills class.
Tap Academy Classes
Tap dance is an upbeat form of American dance that was influenced greatly by African rhythms and Irish dance styles. It is
characterized by using tap shoes and the floor as a percussive instrument. Our tap program focuses on principles of rhythm,
musicality, tap history, and performance quality. Instructors have a variety of tap expertise and will lead students in tap
technique through traditional and current tap steps and styles. Students will explore the dance and performance aspects of
broadway tap, the musical side of rhythm tap and everything in between. C level classes offered.
Intro to Tap provides a technical foundation for the beginning tap dancer with a focus on the sounds that make up various
tap steps. Students will develop an understanding of rhythm and musical skills. They will learn basic tap steps such as shuffles,
flaps and paradiddles through a variety of center, across the floor exercises and choreographed combinations.
Tap 1 will give students a basic vocabulary of tap steps and terminology. They will begin to explore music theory and the
history behind steps and dances they learn in class. Through a variety of combinations they will work on principles of timing
and technique.
Tap 2 will continue to explore intermediate variations of previously learned material, and begin to work on a variety of
turning steps and time steps. Students will learn to count tap steps and continue to work concepts of musicality.
Tap 3 will give students a greater understanding of music theory with an emphasis on dynamic qualities such as polyrhythm,
tempo, shading and time signature. Focus on more advanced movement and vocabulary, as well as concepts of
improvisation will be explored at this level of study.
Tap 4 students will continue to work on more advanced tap technique by applying principles of clarity, speed and rhythm.
More complicated variations of previously learned skills will be developed, challenging students with a variety of pullback
and wing variations, as well as traditional dances dating back to the 1930’s.
Tap 5 is designed for the advanced tapper who has a clear understanding of musicality and movement based tap skills.
Students will combine tap steps into more advanced rhythmic patterns and adapt choreography to a variety of styles while
giving respect to clarity, speed and precision of sound. Students will also have the opportunity to explore teaching and
choreographic skills.
Teen/Adult Tap 1 classes are designed for older students with little or no dance background who would like to begin the
study of Tap dance.
Teen/Adult Tap 2 will explore beginning/ intermediate variations of material, and begin to work on a variety of turning
steps and time steps. Students will learn to count tap steps and continue to work concepts of musicality.
This is a perfect class for adults with limited tap experience.
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Modern Academy
Classes
Modern dance is the exploration of the basic elements of dance: time,
space, energy, relationships and the coordination of our bodies. It builds on
the student’s natural creativity to develop an understanding of the essence
of all dance forms. Strong technique, strength, flexibility, and nurturing
the love of dance is the goal of our modern dance program. Styles taught
include: Martha Graham, Horton, Cunningham, Humphrey-Limon and Release
techniques as well as the Arve and GAGA techniques. C level classes offered.
Intro to Modern is designed to transition the child from Preschool Dance to the
Graded Levels. This class will challenge the child who has studied on a
pre-school level while also serving to introduce beginning students to the modern
dance form.
Modern 1 introduces the basics of modern dance and encourages creative study
through improvisation techniques.
Modern 2 deepens skills and choreographic understanding while focusing on pirouettes
in various forms as well as strengthening through core work, jumps and leaps.
Modern 3 will focus on technique and is the stepping stone for more advanced modern
work. Concurrent registration in a ballet class is required at this level and above.
Modern 4 will consist of intermediate modern technique. This is an extended time class which
presents material at a challenging pace.
Modern 5 will consist of advanced modern technique. This class demands a mature approach
to the understanding of movement and the principles of choreography.
Teen/Adult Modern 1 classes are designed for older students with little or no dance background
who would like to begin the study of modern dance.
Teen/Adult Modern 2 level classes provide the opportunity to study the basic modern dance
techniques and concepts in a professional environment. This is a faster moving class which is the
perfect course for adults as well as older teens.
What are C level classes? In order to keep
the integrity of our leveled curriculum we
offer continuing classes (1C, 2C etc.).
These classes are for students who have
completed at least one year of a level but have
not yet mastered the skills required to progress to
the next level. The C level curriculum moves faster
and works on specific areas of development in an
effort to prepare the dancers for advancement.
Most students will spend at least two to three years
in any given level.
C
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Hip Hop
Academy Classes
Hip Hop dance over a short span of time has dominated popular and dance culture through mediums
such as music videos, television shows and the internet. Hip hop classes teach the techniques needed
to master such movement styles as popping, locking, breakdancing, freestyle and other dance forms
associated with the popular music and performance artists of today.
Class will consist of a warm-up, technical exercises to increase strength and isolation and
choreographed combinations to improve style and performance quality. Intertwined into each class is
also an improved knowledge of hip hop history, musicality, body awareness, athleticism and the family
values of what is real hip hop culture. C level classes offered.
Intro to Hip Hop is designed for young boys and girls, age 6-8, to begin the discovery of the most basic
elements of hip hop such as posture and isolation in an educationally fun atmosphere.
Hip Hop 1 provides boys and girls with a basic understanding of the foundational movements and concepts
associated with hip hop dance. Students will learn appropriate posturing, movement, and style through center
exercises and choreography.
Hip Hop 2 provides a continuing understanding of hip hop technique with a greater emphasis on concepts such as
musicality, fluidity, and sharpness of movement. Warm-ups, exercises, and choreography increase in difficulty and
complexity to work dancers physically as well as mentally.
Hip Hop 3 increases the dancer’s technical ability through exploring various styles of hip hop movement and applying
them to longer more complex choreography. An increased knowledge of musicality as well as an understanding of
subtlety and dynamic variation is emphasized to increase abilities in a performance setting.
Hip Hop 4 consists of intermediate hip hop movement and a greater vocabulary of dance steps. Strength and precision
are increased through more difficult floor and coordination exercises, as well as longer combinations to increase dancers’
abilities in learning and maintaining choreography.
Hip Hop 5 is an advanced level course designed to challenge experienced hip hop dancers at a fast pace. Difficulty is
increased through more powerful floor work, intricate choreography, longer combinations and improvisation. Hip Hop V
strongly emphasizes the concept of teamwork and precision needed to perform with a mature group of dancers.
Teen Adult Hip Hop 1 classes are designed for older students who have little or no previous dance experience and wish begin
studying hip hop dance at a comfortably challenging pace.
Teen/Adult Hip Hop 2 classes are designed for older students and adults who have little experience and wish to study hip hop
dance at a comfortably challenging pace.
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Supplemental Academy
Classes
Strength & Conditioning for Dancers will focus on toning opposing muscle groups to complement and enhance technical
dance skills. These classes will promote injury prevention, endurance and muscle strength through the use of resistant bands
and other training equipment.
Choreography is designed to get your creativity flowing! You will learn different techniques and concepts to help put your
own ideas into motion. With these skills you will develop, create and perform your very own work.
Pom Academy Classes
Our Poms program is an amazing energetic one which teaches the fundamental skills and components of pom. The skills
students learn will prepare them for auditioning for their school pom team as well as other team. C level classes offered.
Pom 1 lays the foundation upon which the tricks will be learned. We focus on core strength, stretching and strengthening
the muscles along with basics of our jazz syllabus.
Pom 2 classes are designed to teach, learn and achieve all the different basic level tricks from turns, to unique jumps and
leaps. We will add difficulty by adding multiple turns and different preparations for jumps.
Pom 3 is where the dancers learn to unify as a team and look as one crisp dancer. We increase the difficulty of the jumps by
adding switches and turns; require having a clean single pirouette on both right and left sides.
Pom 4 is an advanced class to further strengthen the skills and techniques needed to prepare dancer athletes with the goal
of dancing on a team.
Irish Dance Academy Classes
From beginner to champ, students are instructed in a nurturing and caring environment. Our choreography focuses on
form and technique as well as stamina and Irish Step Dance Advanced Beginner is offered to students ages 7 and up. New
dancers will begin with the basics. Dancers who have been dancing for at least 1 year will learn more difficult dances and
can begin competing in competitions!
Irish Step Dance Advanced Beginner is offered to students ages 7 and up. New dancers will begin with the basics. Dancers
who have been dancing for at least 1 year will learn more difficult dances and can begin competing in competitions!
Irish Step Dance Novice is offered to students who have been dancing for at least 3 years. Dancers will learn both soft and
hard shoe dances and compete in competitions.
Irish Step Dance Open/PC/Champ is offered to the most advanced dancers who have been dancing for 5+ years. Dancers
compete at higher levels and wear solo dresses.
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Performance
Companies
Prelude Dance Theatre
“A performing company designed to
prepare aspiring dancers for the next
level of performances.”
Prelude Dance Theatre (PDT) was
formed in 2001 to give dancers
an opportunity to enhance their training and gain
performance experience as well as share their talent
with the community. PDT performs choreography in
various techniques including ballet, jazz and modern.
Directors: Kim Fletcher-Stibal, Valerie Gonzalez, Hilliary
Vaccarello and Kristy White
Euphony Tap Ensemble
“A tap dance company that is
pleasing to the eyes and ears.”
Euphony Tap Ensemble (ETE) was
formed in 2003. ETE is designed to give
tappers an opportunity to enhance
their training and gain performance
experience as well as share their talent with the community.
Director: Jenna Jozefowski
Hip Hop Evolution
“Hip hop, the dance of the streets, is
always evolving.”
Hip Hop Evolution (HHE) was formed in
2010. HHE is designed to give dancers
an opportunity to explore varying styles
of hip hop movement while building
confidence, strength and rhythmic
precision.
Directors: Richard Ashworth and Denita Inez
Pom Force Dance Team
LFDA Pom Force was formed in
2012. Pom Force was designed
to give students ages 10-15 an
opportunity to enhance their pom
and dance skills while gaining
performance experience and
sharing their talent with the community. Skills studied
will include jumps, turns, kick-line, synchronization and
precision. Pom Force will perform in LFDA’s annual
recital along with additional performances throughout
the year.
Coach: Kristy White
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Staff Biographies
VALERIE GONZALEZ (Director) received her Master of Fine Arts degree in Dance
Performance and Choreography from New York University’s Tisch School of the
Arts. She was a guest teaching artist in the dance program of Western Michigan
University and has served on the faculty of several diverse New York, Chicago and
Wisconsin studios. She is one of the original master teachers of Dance Exchange, a
collaborative workshop with schools in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Valerie has trained
and performed with notable companies such as Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago II,
River North Chicago Dance Company, Chicago Arts Project, Joel Hall Dancers and TJ &
Co. Dance Theatre. Valerie’s experiences have allowed her to perform across the country
and internationally. She has choreographed for the Second Avenue Dance Company, TJ &
Co. Dance Theatre, Terpsichore Dance Company, Lake Forest Dance Academy’s Prelude Dance Theatre,
numerous competitive entries, high school musicals and orchesis groups. Valerie is an Adjunct Instructor of Dance
at Carthage College and is thrilled to continue to mentor students through the art of dance. She feels blessed to be
a part of the growth of so many wonderful dancers. For the past seven years, Valerie has been a Director and
choreographer for LFDA’s Prelude Dance Theatre. She has served as Manager of the Performance Companies, helping
to expand its role in the Lake Forest community and beyond. This is her thirteenth year with LFDA and she is honored to
be named Director of Lake Forest Dance Academy.
RICHARD “FUSION” ASHWORTH began dancing at the age of two, receiving most of his training at the
Legein Dance Academy of Performing Arts and conventions around the New England Area. Richard
attended the University of New York in Buffalo receiving a BFA in Dance in June 2007. During his time at
UB, Richard performed and choreographed for the university’s Zodiaque Dance Company
(Director Tom Ralabate) as well as the Zodiaque Studio Ensemble and Young Choreographers
Showcases. Richard has apprenticed for the Lehrerdance Company (Director Jon Lehrer); is a guest
principle of the Configurations Dance Theatre (Director Joseph Cipolla) and performs with the Pick of
the Crop Dance Company (Director Elaine Gardner). He has also established himself as a teacher,
joining the faculty of several dance education organizations including Dance Masters of America and
the Interdanza Organization of Mexico. Richard also participates in international hip hop battles and
has professionally busked (street performed) on street corners around the world. He is an eight time winner of Buffalo’s,
NY’s Battle at Buffalo and has received acclaim in Western New York as a Hip Hop and Funk Styles dancer, teacher and
historian. Rich is the former Rehearsal Director of Chicago Tap Theatre. He currently resides in Chicago and is a freelance
dancer and choreographer. Richard will be teaching at LFDA for his seventh year and will be directing Hip Hop Evolution
for the 2015-2016 season.
MILANA ASTORINO graduated from National Louis University with a BA in Sports Management/Exercise
Science. She received her exercise group instruction and personal training certification from American
Council on Exercise. She is a certified Zumba instructor and engages herself in dance/fitness workshops
to keep up with the latest changes and innovations. She currently teaches fitness dance classes for all
ages; and is a training coach for individuals including dancers and athletes.
ASHLEY MAY COUSSENS has been performing professionally in dance and musical theatre over the
past 10 years. Most recently she has performed with Chicago Human Rhythm Project, as well as with
the modern dance group Rephrase Dance Collective. Having worked with several winners of the
Joseph Jefferson (“Jeff”) Award and Ruth Page Award, Ashley got her start as a performer and Dance
Captain at Chicago’s former American Girl Place Theater. She has performed in the televised
McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Chicago Lights Festival Parade. A former performer and
choreographer for TONIK Tap dance ensemble, Ashley has also had her original choreography
featured in the Dance Chicago festival. In Ballet Légere’s production of The Nutcracker, she portrayed
many roles over several years, as well. Ashley is a graduate of Northwestern University, where she
studied dance and theatre. Ashley has had extensive training in many styles of dance, including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz,
modern, lyrical, contemporary, and aerial arts. She has a strong passion for empowering people of all ages and
backgrounds to find artistic expression through the performing arts, and we are thrilled to welcome her to LFDA!
LIZZIE DAVIS is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dance in London and holds a Master of Arts Degree
in Ballet Studies from Surrey University U.K. For eight years she performed as principal and soloist with the
Chelsea Ballet London where her roles included the title role in Act II Pas de Deux from Giselle, Dawn in
Coppelia and the Pas de Trois from Swan Lake, as well as many roles in the Nutcracker. She also had
the role of Marie Taglioni recreated on her by the director and former soloist of Rambert Ballet when the
Chelsea Ballet restaged the romantic ballet, Pas de Quatre. Lizzie has danced with groups in Europe and
Africa; and has taught in Africa, the U.S. and Europe, the Education Department of Birmingham Royal
Ballet, Barat Conservatory of Dance and College of Lake County amongst other North Shore schools.
Lizzie lectures on ballet/dance history as well as worship dance. Lizzie holds her Level VI Licientiate Professional Cecchetti
Teacher’s Certificate from the Cecchetti Council of America. She is excited about starting her eleventh year with LFDA and
will be LFDA’s Ballet Coordinator for the third year!
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AMANDA FERNANDEZ danced at Lake Forest Dance Academy for eight years and danced on LFDA’s
Prelude Dance Theatre for three of those years. She studied dance at College of Lake County for two
years and is currently pursuing a degree in Public Relations & Advertising at DePaul University where she
has danced with the DePaul University Dance Team. Amanda returned to Lake Forest Dance Academy
to teach and has enjoyed everything about it. She is excited to have the opportunity to teach and
share her love for dance. This will be Amanda’s second year teaching at LFDA.
KIMBERLY FLETCHER-STIBAL has been dancing professionally for the past 20 years. She has toured
nationally and internationally with several dance companies including Black Box Theatre, Dance
Chicago Touring Company (“The Stars of Dance Chicago”), LehrerDance, Koresh Dance Company,
Philadanco, and Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago. At Giordano, Kim served as an Assistant Associate
Director and principal dancer for 12 years. Kim also danced for 6 years in the Radio City Christmas
Spectacular as a Radio City Rockette. Kim had the opportunity to work with many renowned
choreographers including Randy Duncan, Roni Koresh, Mia Michaels, Milton Myers, Davis Robertson,
and the father of American jazz dance Gus Giordano. Kim received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from The
University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. Kim earned her degree in dance education to combine her
passion for dance with her love for teaching. Kim’s teaching has taken her all over the world as she has
taught in several Universities and Festivals in North America, Asia, South America and Europe. Kim is now the Artistic
Director of Forum Dance Theatre. She is inspired and energized by the development of young dancers and as a teacher,
she is committed to help each of her students reach their individual potential as a dancer. Kim is happy to be a Director of
Prelude Dance Theatre and has been with LFDA for seven years.
BRITTANY GOODRICH received her B.A. in Communications and English from Lake Forest College where
she instituted the Lake Forest College Pom Squad in 2006. She has been part of the Dance Magic
Competition team where she ranked nationally, earned top awards at NDA and was chosen to perform
at the 2005 Orange Bowl National Championship. Brittany is currently the Dance Director at Lake Bluff
School of Dance. Brittany believes every child has a gift of music and dance within them and it is her gift
to bring that out and help her students shine! This is her third year with LFDA.
BRENDA GOOD HELLWIG received a B.A. Degree Cum Laude from Bowdoin College. She pursued
graduate dance courses from Columbia University and Northwestern University. Brenda directed her
own troupe, the Good Company Dancers and has choreographed and performed in such venues as
the Auditorium Theater, Symphony Center, the Harold Washington Library, Navy Pier, and the Park West
in Chicago and in several other parts of the United States; her choreography and dancing has
appeared on various television stations and in independent films and she has won grants from the State
of Illinois Arts Council and the Chicago Music and Dance Alliance. Brenda was the past Director of
Dance for the Village of Libertyville and has been a guest teacher at Adlai Stevenson High School and
Lake Forest High School. Brenda holds her Level V Professional Cecchetti Teachers Certificate; and is
currently studying the VI Level. She has been a member of the Midwest Committee of the Cecchetti Council of America
since 1997 and has served as publicity chairman of this group. She has twice earned a scholarship to the International
Cecchetti Ballet Teacher’s camp at Hope College. Brenda also teaches and performs Raks Sharki (Middle Eastern Dance).
This will be Brenda’s eleventh year with LFDA.
DENITA INEZ is a dancer, choreographer, and instructor. Denita Inez is known for her energetic style and
dynamic musicality. She is currently on staff at Lake Forest dance Academy and Dancing with Class under
May I Have This Dance. Denita is currently dancing with Noumenon Dance Experience, a jazz dance
company. She also dances alongside various dance partners. She is also an independent freelance
dancer and was a dancer for Chicago Dance Crash. Denita is known as one of the top dancers in
Chicago for Latin dancing. Denita Inez received her Bachelors of Science in Dance at Wayne State
University. She has also trained with Deeply Rooted and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. She danced
in works by Alia Simon, April Tornby, Rosa Mercedes, Samantha Shelton, Christopher Huggins, Kevin Jeff
Iega, Richard Amaro, Lisa McCall and Raymond Robinson. As a performer, Denita Inez is revered for her
musicality and unique movement style. This will be Denita’s fourth year at LFDA and third year as director of HHE juniors.
LINDSAY HOUGH, from Vienna, Virginia, started dancing at the age of 4 at a local YMCA and was
inspired to dance by Miss Pat. During her early years, Lindsay danced competitively with the
Gainesville Dance Center (formerly known as The Dansations) under the direction of Patricia Bray.
Lindsay graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Dance Performance
with a jazz concentration. While training at East Carolina University, Lindsay performed works
choreographed by Tommi Galaska and Teal Darkenwald. Lindsay has also participated in various
summer dance intensive programs and studied dance at the Gus Giordano Dance Center on
scholarship. Lindsay has had the privilege to work with choreographers, Ray Leeper, Marinda Davis
and Amber DeGaray. Lindsay performed with Inaside Chicago Dance during the 2012-2014 seasons
as a performing apprentice. While at Inaside, she worked with choreographers Richard Smith, Sarah Ford, Preston Miller
and Kirsten Harvey. Currently, Lindsay is performing with West End Dance Company and teaches and
choreographs all over the Chicago land area. Lindsay is excited to start her fourth year at LFDA!
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LISA JACOBS danced at Barat College as an
undergraduate. She has apprenticed for the Joseph
Holmes Chicago Dance Company and Deeply Rooted
Dance Productions. She is a founding member of the
Zephyr Dance Ensemble. She has taught and
choreographed tap, ballet, jazz and modern to students
of all ages including Lake County College’s Fear No Art
Festival. She was the dance director at the Jack Benny
Center for Performing Arts in Waukegan, has been a dance
counselor at the Northbrook YMCA and currently teaches at Libertyville Park
District. She also teaches private piano lessons. Since becoming accredited in
2003, Lisa has been teaching T’ai Chi Chih, a moving meditation, for the Waukegan
Park District, Libertyville Park District, at the Cancer Wellness Center in Northbrook
and Grayslake, and has given lecture demonstrations around Chicagoland. Lisa
holds a Cecchetti Council of America Grade I Teacher’s Certificate and is excited to
return to Lake Forest Dance Academy for her eighth year.
JENNA JOZEFOWSKI graduated from The University of Akron with a BA
in Dance and a minor in Business Administration. During college, she
performed with The University of Akron Dance Company and also
choreographed several tap pieces for student performances. She is
a member of the Midwest Committee of the Cecchetti Council of
America and currently holds a Grade III Teacher’s Certificate. Pro
fessionally, she has performed with Joel Hall Dancers II, RASA Dance
Chicago and Chicago Dance Crash. She is currently working as
an independent performance artist and choreographer; performing
and presenting her work in Rebound Dance Festival, Dance Chicago, and Chicago Freelance
Dance, to name a few. In addition to dance, Jenna also enjoys practicing and teaching yoga.
Jenna has recently started teaching yoga for dancers on a more regular basis and loves
using her knowledge of anatomy to help her students improve their dancing. She has completed
several yoga teacher trainings through White Lotus Foundation and CorePower Yoga, where she
teaches yoga and also coaches BootCamp programs. She looks forward to her seventh year as
Director for Euphony Tap Ensemble, and her ninth year of teaching at Lake Forest Dance Academy.
VERONICA LILJA - Veronica began Irish dancing at the age of three and had
tremendous competitive success at a young age. Under the instruction of Tim
O’Hare, she competed at her first Regional championship as a solo dancer at age
8, her first National Championship at age 9, and first World Championship at age 11.
Veronica became a two-time Regional champion and a two-time World medalist. At
the age of 14, while continuing her competitive career, she started teaching classes
in Lake Bluff under the direction of Tim O’Hare. Lake Bluff’s program quickly grew with
success and popularity. In 2011 and 2012, she was fortunate enough to perform with
the Baltimore, Fort Worth, Knoxville, and Ottowa Symphonies in the show “Celtic
Celebration”. In 2013, Veronica was awarded the esteemed TCRG certification in Limerick, Ireland and
brought the O’Hare School of Irish Dance to Lake Forest Dance Academy. She is excited to continue
expanding the school this fall by adding a third location in Gurnee, IL. This will be her third year with LFDA.
SANDY GOETZ RAGSDALE began her early dance training with Anida Sedala, former Lake
Forest Dance Academy Director, and with Gus Giordano. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in
Dance from Sarah Lawrence College and her Master of Fine Arts in Dance from the University
of Michigan. She was on the faculty of the University of Michgan’s Dance Department for
two years. She has performed, taught and choreographed in Paris, France, Geneva,
Switzerland and New York City as well as in the Chicago area. Sandy choreographs for
CenterStage in Lake Forest and Lake Forest High School. She is past President of the Lake
Shore Chapter of the Sacred Dance Guild of America. Sandy holds her Associate IV
Teaching certificate from the Cecchetti Council of America and is a member of the
National Dance Education Organization and National Dance Honor’s Society. She is an Adjunct Professor of Dance in
the Theater Department of Lake Forest College. This will be Sandy’s thirty second year teaching for Lake Forest Dance
Academy. Sandy was the Director of LFDA for 18 years and has been sharing her passion for dance for over 50 years in
our community!
AMY ROSE trained on scholarship at American Ballet Theatre School, the Lyric Opera of Chicago and
the Ruth Page Foundation School of Dance. She performed with Chicago Ballet in “The
Nutcracker” and “Alice in Wonderland” before joining American Ballet Theatre at the age of sixteen.
Amy danced as a soloist with ABT in principal, soloist and character roles from 1979-1992, including her
role opposite Mikhail Baryshnikov. She has guested with the Universal Ballet in Korea, Japan and China,
and performed at Jacob’s Pillow. In 1992 she joined Pacific Northwest Ballet where she was a featured
dancer on the company’s tour to Melbourne, Australia. Ms. Rose has been on the faculty for the American
Ballet Theatre Summer Intensives for the last thirteen years and has been teaching in the
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>> Graduate of London’s Royal
Academy of Dance, the Kirov
Academy of Ballet and Ballet Theatre
of St. Petersburg Conservatoire,
Rambert School of Ballet
Chicago area for twelve years. She is currently a faculty member at area
schools and is also the ballet mistress for Ballet Theater of Illinois. She has
coached students for various competitions. Amy Rose is an ABT Certified
Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT Teacher Training Intensive
in Primary through Level 7 of the ABT National Training Curriculum. This will be
Amy’s fourth year at LFDA.
>> Former American Ballet Theatre
soloist, Radio City Music Hall
Rockette and Chicago Luvabull
AMY SPECTOR graduated from The Dance Center of
Columbia College Chicago, where she received her B.A. in
dance. While at Columbia she had the privilege of
studying under renowned dance educators and
>> Past members of the Gus
choreographers such as Carrie Hanson, Darrell Jones, Jan
Giordano Jazz Company, Joel
Erkert, Krenly Guzman, Paige Cunningham, Jeff Hancock,
Hall Dancers, River North, Luna
Lisa Gonzales, and Liz Burrit as well as master classes with
various national and international choreographers and
Negra, Thodos Dancers &
dance companies. Amy has studied Gaga technique with Chicago Tap Theatre
the world-renowned Batsheva Dance Company in Israel.
Amy
has
performed
with
the
Leopold Group, Thread Meddle Outfit, Johnathan Meyer/
>> Certified members of the
Khecari Dance Theater and at Around the Coyote and Rebound Dance Festivals. Amy
National Dance Education
is happy to be teaching at LFDA for her third year.
Organization, National
Honor Society for Dance
Arts, Chicago National
Association of Dance
Masters, Dance Masters
of America and the
MARY TARPLEY began dancing under the tutelage of Frances Taylor of
Ballet Durango. She continued her training at Interlochen Arts Academy
as a dance major and graduated from The Rambert School of Ballet and
Contemporary Dance in London, UK. Mary went on to tour in Paris,
Cecchetti Council of
London and throughout Italy before returning to the States, where she
America
danced for State Street Ballet Santa Barbara, was a Soloist for Santa
Barbara Ballet, and joined the City Ballet of Los Angeles as a Principal
>> Members active
dancer and choreographer. Mary also danced extensively for Invertigo
in the regional and
Dance Theatre under the direction of Laura Karlin. Now in Chicago, Mary is a
national dance
First Company member of Chicago Dance Crash and her recent choreography has been
convention circuit
featured in Dance Chicago, Dancers Against Cancer, Tarpley Dance Ensemble, and Youspoke.
as judges and guest
org. She currently teaches at numerous studios around Chicago and is a program director for
faculty
Dance at The Den Theatre. Mary is excited to be on the staff at Lake Forest Dance Academy for
her fourth year!
>> Adjunct faculty
members of Lake
Forest College,
LESLIE TREECE holds her B.A. in Dance with a minor in psychology from Western
Carthage
Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan. After performing throughout Michigan,
College and
Ohio and Wisconsin, Leslie moved to Chicago and continued to perform at such
Northwestern
venues as Athenaeum Theatre, Northwestern University and Columbia College. Leslie
University
holds the Cecchetti Council of America Level V Teacher’s Certificate. She has been
teaching on the North Shore for over twenty years and is excited to be back at LFDA for her eighteenth year of teaching. Leslie is LFDA’s Preschool Coordinator.
HILLIARY VACCARELLO started dancing at the age of three in Madison, Wisconsin, and
continued her training with the Milwaukee Ballet and the Kirov Academy of Ballet. She
furthered her education in dance at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. There she
received her B.A in dance and was selected to perform at the Kennedy Center. Upon
graduating Hilliary joined Thodos Dance Chicago for 6 years which allowed her to perform
throughout the United States and work with renowned choreographers. She made her film
debut as a dancer in the movie “Public Enemies,” starring Johnny Depp in 2009. Her
choreography has been set on numerous high school dance programs, universities, advertising
agencies, and other productions. Hilliary is honored to be on faculty at Lake Forest Dance
Academy for nine years and continues to serve as the Company Technique Mistress.
KRISTY WHITE has been dancing and performing in Chicago since the age of six. She received her
training from such notable teachers as Laura Wade, Jeff Hancock, Eduardo Villaro and Wilfredo
Rivero as well as Chicago National Association of Dance Masters and Dupree Jazz Forum. Kristy
has performed in Dance Explosion with TJ & Company and as a member of Luna Negra Dance
Ensemble of Chicago. She has participated in the “Who’s That Girl” Benefit for AIDS and “Dance
for Dreams.” Kristy’s choreographic credits include “A Chance Dance” (TJ & Company,) Lake
Forest High School musical, competitive pom pom squads and dance ensembles. Kristy began teaching for LFDA in 1998 and continued with us for fivwonderful years, she took a brief hiatus to extended her dance career and become a certified massage therapist. Kristy is thrilled to be returning to the LFDA faculty for her fourth year as Pom Force Dance Team Coach and Prelude Dance Theatre
Trainee Director.
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Lake Forest Dance Academy
Withdrawal and Refund Policy:
Half Year Classes: All requests for withdrawals must be received in writing at the
Recreation Center. The amount credited will depend on when the written request
is received. For withdrawal requests received in writing no later than 7 days prior to
the beginning of the class, a credit equal to 90% of the fee paid for the class will be
placed on your account. From 6 days prior to the start of class until before the 3rd
meeting of the class, a credit equal to 80% of the class fee will be placed on your
account. No refunds will be given after the 3rd meeting except in the case of
documented medical reasons or moving out of the local area.
Full Year Classes: Withdrawal requests received in writing no later than 7 days prior
to the beginning of the class will receive a credit for the class fee paid less 5% of the
full class fee. Withdrawal requests received from 6 days prior to the beginning of the
class until before the 3rd meeting of the class will receive a credit for the class fee
paid less 10% of the full class fee. Withdrawal requests received after the second class
meeting, but before December 15 will receive a credit for the second semester. No
refunds will be given after December 15 except in the case of documented medical
reasons or moving out of the local area.
Recital Fees: The Dance Academy staff must be notified in writing of a dancer’s
intention to not be in the recital by November 1 to receive a credit for the Recital
Fee. If a dancer is withdrawn from a class due to an instructor recommendation or
class cancellation, a refund will be issued for all remaining classes. If a dancer is
transferring from one dance class to another, there is no penalty.
Inclement Weather: Should the Recreation Center close due to the weather or
circumstances beyond our control, dancers should make up classes in another class
at the same level or below. Teachers may choose to schedule a makeup day should
the calendar allow.
Lake Forest Dance Academy
Class Placement Policy:
All classes higher than Level I require placement confirmation for registration.
• Class progression and advancement is determined by the LFDA faculty. This
• promotes progress and minimizes the risk of physical strain. Returning students
• receive placement information by mail. LFDA reserves the right to determine
• necessary class re-assignment for students who are not registered in the
appropriate level class.
• New students must attend a placement class prior to registration. To schedule
placement evaluations please call the Dance office at 847-810-3948.
Scholarship
Northern
Suburban
Special
Recreation
Association
The Northern Suburban Special
Recreation Association (NSSRA) is
an intergovernmental partnership
of ten park districts and two cities,
including Lake Forest. The
Association provides year-round
recreation and leisure
opportunities for children, teens,
adults and seniors with disabilities.
Individuals with physical,
cognitive, emotional, social, or
other disabilities residing in the
northern suburbs are eligible to
participate. NSSRA recognizes
that some people with
disabilities prefer to attend
Recreation Department programs
and in that case, NSSRA can
help residents with Inclusion and
Cooperative Program services.
NSSRA provides Lake Forest Parks
& Recreation Department staff
with training, guidance, help
with modifications of rules and
other areas of adaptation. When
deemed necessary, the
Association can provide extra
staff, sign language interpreters,
behavior management support,
disability awareness, mobility
training and other adaptive
assistance. For more
information about NSSRA
programs and services, please
call 847-509-9400, e-mail them at
info@nssra.org or check out their
website at www.nssra.org.
SANDY RAGSDALE DANCE SCHOLARSHIP.
Upon the retirement of Sandy Ragsdale, Lake Forest Dance Academy has established
a dance scholarship award. This is a need based scholarship and will be awarded to a dancer
who has the passion to dance and wants to take the next step but does not have the means to
do so. Interested dancers should see Valerie Gonzalez for application forms.
Scholarship Criteria: Any dancer who wants to take class at Lake Forest Dance Academy
Eligibility: 13 years or older (minimum of 7th grade)
Scholarship Award: One Full Year class of choice
Scholarship will be chosen by the Superintendent of the Lake Forest Recreation Center, Lake Forest Dance
Academy Director and Sandy Ragsdale.
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Lake Forest Dance Academy
Required Class Attire:
Strict attention to required attire is essential to good dance discipline and will be adhered to in all classes.
Students who do not meet the requirements for class attire will be asked to observe class.
ALL CLASSES: No jewelry is to be worn in class. No loose fitting garments are to be worn over leotards.
Please label all attire and shoes.
Hair is to be worn in a bun or ponytail at all times for all classes.
Preschool
Creative Dance & Dance Play: Comfortable clothes, bare feet or ballet slippers, pink leotard and tights are optional
Pre-Ballet I and II: Solid pink leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers
Pre-Ballet w/ Modern
Same as above with convertible tights
Pre-Ballet w/ Tap & Pre-Tap:
Same as above with black tap shoes (Please no laces: replace with elastic tap ties or Velcro.)
Pre-Hip Hop: Comfortable clothes and black athletic shoes
Boys - Solid white shirt/black sweatpants, black ballet and/or tapshoes
Pom
Jazz
Boys - Solid white shirt/ black sweatpants, tan jazz shoes
Tap
Solid black leotard, tan tights (no shimmer)
Black tap shoes (Tap 3 & up black tap oxford)
Black jazz pants or shorts may be worn at the
discretion of the teacher
Boys - Solid white shirt/ black sweatpants, black tap
oxford
Irish
Solid color leotard, tan tights (no shimmer)
Tan jazz shoes
Black jazz pants or shorts may be worn at the
discretion of the teacher
Comfortable shorts and t-shirt, socks or ballet slippers, Irish shoes optional for beginner classes*
Boys - Same as above
Ballet
Solid black leotard, pink tights (no shimmer)
Pink ballet slippers
Short dance skirts may be worn only at the
discretion of the teacher.
Hair is to be worn in bun
Boys - Solid white shirt/ black sweatpants, black ballet shoes
Modern
*Available through the instructor
Solid black leotard, black convertible footless
or stirrup tights (no shimmer)
Bare feet, black leggings or capris may be worn for class
Boys - Solid white shirt/black sweatpants, bare feet
Hip Hop
Comfortable clothing (athletic wear)
Black athletic shoe
**No Jeans**
Boys – Same
Solid color leotard, tan tights (no shimmer)
Tan jazz shoes
Black jazz pants or shorts may be worn at the
discretion of the teacher
Lake Forest Dance
Academy Attendance &
Dress Code Policy:
•
•
The dance office must be informed in advance of all absences. Three (3) absences, excused or unexcused, could
result in limited recital participation; this will be at the
instructor’s discretion. Excused absences are illness, injury,
bereavement, religious observance and required school
commitments. Missed classes may be made up during
the same session at the same or lower class level. Please
email LFDA@cityoflakeforest.com or call 847-810-3948 to
report all absences.
Strict attention to dress code is essential for good dance
discipline and will be adhered to in all classes. Please see
the dance brochure or our web site for the required dress
code.
www.LakeForestDance.com
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Join our dance family
th
for our 40 Season!
RETURNING STUDENTS PRIORITY
REGISTRATION JULY 13, 2015 - 8:30 AM
through JULY 25, 2015 - 4:30 PM
Lake Forest Dance Academy
of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation
400 Hastings Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Phone: 847-810-3948 Fax: 847-615-4251
www.LakeForestDance.com
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