Seasonal Classes
The Seasonal Classes are specifically designed for early-stage dancers looking for a beginner level class. This program invites participants to engage in condensed sessions as a way to experiment, explore or jump-start their involvement in the park dance program. All classes concluded with a Family Observation Day.
DiscoverDance with Me
Age
Walking - 3 yrs + Guardian Participation
Description
Explore the joy of movement with your child and discover the many benefits of early childhood dance classes. We will dance, sing, and play in both one-on-one activities and group activities. Through circle activities, open exploration, and gross motor development exercises, children will blossom with class as they grow with their caregiver during this precious time together.
Dress Code
Girls, boys and guardians: Comfortable clothing, ballet shoes or bare feet
DiscoverDance Tots
Age
2 - 3 yrs
Description
Watch your child’s independence and confidence soar, as our dancers explore and discover the benefits of a more structured dance class. Following directions, waiting for our turn, and collectively problem-solving will encourage emotional and social development. Live singing, musical play, and sensory props will have these little ones moving and grooving with their friends and eager to return to class each week!
**2 yr olds are Strongly Encouraged to have previous experience in DiscoverDance with Me prior to joining DDT
Dress Code
Girls & boys: Comfortable, fitted clothing and bare feet
DiscoverDance Kids
Age
3 - 6yrs
Description
Discover the magic of imaginative play with live singing, structured explorations, and skill development. Our Discover Dance classes offer an outlet for creative expression, physical growth, and social interaction. Children will explore the essence of movement that will lead to the discovery of multiple styles of dance.
Dress Code
Girls & boys: Comfortable, fitted clothing and bare feet
Park Studio Classes
The Park Studio program track is a studio program designed around the Park District community culture. This track is for dancers of all ages and experience levels who are looking for a full season commitment with a final recital. Within this program, participants can engage in core studio-level dance classes as well as hybrid, combination classes. All Park Studio classes will participate in the Spring Recital. Costume Fees not included. In the event of inclement weather or Covid-19 shut downs, classes will be held virtual on Zoom.
Ballet/Tap Combo
Level
A, B, & I
Description
Ballet/Tap Combo is the most popular combo for dancers. Classes include stretches, barre work, class etiquette, basic technique of each style, games and learning choreography in both ballet and tap.
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard, tights, ballet & tap shoes
Boys: Comfortable, fitted clothing and ballet & tap shoes
Hip Hop/Jazz Combo
Level
A, B, I, II & III
Description
Jazz music and dance evolved over the years into the popular style of Hip Hop! Dancers will learn basic jazz and hip hop technique along with popping, locking, and many other cool tricks and moves to energetic pop music.
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard, tights, and jazz shoes
Boys: Comfortable, fitted clothing and jazz shoes
Ballet
Levels
A
Description
Designed for either beginner or season ballerinas, ballet will focus on the core movements and techniques of classes and modern forms of ballet. Classes include stretches, barre work, class etiquette, center work, across the floor, games and choreography.
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard, tights, and ballet shoes
Boys: Comfortable, form fitted clothing and ballet shoes
Ballet/Lyrical
Levels
II & III
Description
Ballet/Lyrical Combo will focus on the core movements and techniques of classical and modern forms of ballet. Classes include stretches, barre work, class etiquette, center work, across the floor and choreography.
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard, tights, and ballet shoes
Boys: Comfortable, form fitted clothing and ballet shoes
Tap
Levels
II & III
Description
Tap will focus on the fundamentals of this percussive style of dance and will allow dancers to focus on their skills, technique and rhythm. Classes include stretches, class etiquette, center work, across the floor and choreography.
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard, tights, and tap shoes
Boys: Comfortable, form fitted clothing and tap shoes
Musical Theatre
Levels
I&II, II&III
Description
Learn jazz technique and skills specifically used in theatrical dance. Plus learn routines and scene work to popular shows and perform them for families on the last day of class. No previous dance or theatre experience needed. All levels welcome.
Dress Code
Girls and boys: Comfortable, form fitted clothing and jazz shoes
MPD Company
Age
7-16 yrs
Description
The Performing Company provides dedicated dancers the opportunity to study Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Lyrical and Jazz more in depth. This performing group is a year-round commitment. Our focus will be creating, leading, and guiding dancers on a disciplined and rewarding path that will instill the fundamentals of dance. Company members are required to take 1 technique class the entire season (Sept 2022-May 2023) in addition to company rehearsal. Rehearsal & Performance Schedule will be available at the first class. Some rehearsals and performances will be during times outside of regularly scheduled rehearsal time. No audition necessary. All experience levels welcome.
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard, tights, or comfortable, form fitted clothing and color matching jazz shoes
Boys: Comfortable, form fitted clothing and color matching jazz shoes
Summer Dance Combo
Levels
A, B, I, Minis, Junior, Senior
Description
We will explore different styles of dance during this summer session including tap, ballet, jazz & hip hop. Each class will include technique, concept exploration, movement games and choreography. This is a great way to sample many styles of dance.
Dress Code
Girls & Boys: Comfortable, form fitted clothing and ballet OR jazz shoes (tap shoes not required, but can be used during certain classes)
Color Guard
Age
10+ years
Description
Color Guard is an exciting artform that combines athletic dance, musicality and flag spinning. Each class will include dance technique, strength building, flag drills and choreography. This is a great way to learn the basics of color guard to prepare for high school marching band and winter guard. All dancers will receive color guard padded gloves and a practice flag to keep.
Dress Code
Girls & Boys: Comfortable, form fitted clothing and sneakers
Dance Parties
Dance Parties are a condensed 1 day session of dance technique, movement games, crafts, a mini-performance and much more! Participants of all levels are encouraged to get involved through these camp-style classes that are designed to help participants fill their evening with fun, educational, and movement oriented programming. Wear comfortable form-fitted clothing and dance shoes or bare feet. Feel free to dress to match the theme too! Please bring a water bottle.
Surfin USA (4-8 years)
Jazz dance technique, movement games, and choreography to a Beachy theme!
Adopt A Pet (4-8 yrs)
During this very special Dance Party participants will adopt a pet, create a collar, train their pet and learn a special Hip Hop dance routine with them. All dancers will take home a stuffed animal dog or cat to keep!
Disney (4-8 yrs)
Ballet dance technique, movement games, and choreography to Disney music!
Budding Ballerina (8+ yrs)
Ballet dance technique, movement games, crafts and choreography. Great for your budding ballerina!
Hip Hop (8+ yrs)
Hip Hop dance technique, movement games, and choreography to fun, age appropriate music!
Ballet Workshop (9+ yrs)
Ballet dance technique, strength exercises and choreography. Great for all dancers interested in improving their dancing over the summer.
Tap Workshop (9+ yrs)
Tap dance technique, strength exercises and choreography. Great for all dancers interested in improving their dancing over the summer.
Lyrical Workshop (9+ yrs)
Lyrical dance technique, strength exercises and choreography. Great for all dancers interested in improving their dancing over the summer.