RECITALS

Our annual recitals are held in June and are open to all students. Although not mandatory, this is a very rewarding experience and a chance for students to display their accomplishments. Participants wear their appropriate dance shoes and are required to purchase a costume and tights.

Class Act Dance Troupe, Inc (CADT) was formed in 1986 to provide an opportunity for students to participate in additional performances and various competitions. CADT is a separate, not-for-profit corporation and consists of three troupes, ranging in age from eight to eighteen. 

Dance Etc. (for ages 9 to 12), Dance Etc. II (for ages 5 to 8), and Dance Etc. Teens (for ages 13 and up) are designed for those students desiring additional performance opportunities, but not quite ready for or desiring the commitment or level of Class Act Dance Troupe.  Members meet once a week and perform at community performances with CADT.

The Teaching Assistant program provides the staff with the most capable and qualified assistants and, at the same time, offers additional opportunities for students to improve their skills. Students ages 10 and up may enter the program as Class Demonstrators and may progress to become a Teaching Assistant. Members of the program are selected by the staff and must meet specific criteria. The staff, parents, and students all benefit from this program.

We encourage students to attend the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters conventions held in Chicago in the summer and fall. CNADM has been in existence for 90 years, and all of our instructors are active members of CNADM. Deb has attended the convention for 20 years and serves on the Executive Council and in the office of President Elect.  Amy has also served on the CNADM Board of Directors.  There are many opportunities available for the students at the summer session including Ballet Forum, Dance and More... and the Student Honors Program.  As students of active CNADM members, our students are eligible for CNADM scholarships and discounted rates.  We recommend students be at least nine years old with one or two years of experience before attending. Information will be distributed to those students who are age and level appropriate.

We also hold workshops and master classes in the studio with actors from Wagon Wheel Theater and prominent dance instructors from the Chicago and Indianapolis areas. Participation in these unique opportunities is strongly recommended.

The curriculum for our early elementary classes is designed with Theme Weeks to provide children with a fun-filled way to explore the world of dance and inspire their imaginations.

We offer birthday parties designed for ages 4 through teens in four fun themes! Let us take care of all the details to make a memorable birthday experience that will have your child "dancing for joy!" We do all the work - you have all the fun! Check with the office for additional information.

CONTINUOUS YEARS OF STUDY AWARDS

Each year at our annual recital, eligible students receive continuous years of study awards beginning with their 5th year. A student must take five consecutive years of dance to be eligible for a 5th year award. For instance, if a student takes three years of dance, discontinues lessons and then returns, it would be considered their first year of study again. This does not, however, effect placement level in a class. When we calculate the number of years a student has taken class, a year is considered from September through May.

Along with our standard classes, we offer a wide variety of classes for our summer session including ballet technique, turn technique, street funk and conditioning. Summer is a great time to try a new class or further your education for a class you're currently enrolled in.

Our dance camps enable students to experience a variety of classes not usually offered throughout the year. 3½-4½ year old students delight in the magical land of Princess Camp while our 4½-7 year old students enjoy themes such as Butterfly Princess, Jungle Safari, and Mermaid Adventure Camps. Each summer brings new and exciting themes.  From yoga to hip hop and pedicures to manicures, it's a makeover from head to toe as our 7-12 year old students discover new aspects of dance in Spa Day. The learning atmosphere, combined with the innovative projects we design, make these camps a favorite of everyone who attends!

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

Our scholarship program was developed to offer opportunities to students ages 9 through 18 through financial assistance and also encourage students through the recognition of their abilities and achievements.

Three scholarships are granted in honor of former students Jacquline Egolf, Ashleigh Bruner and Lori Rigsby and a fourth is granted in memory of a great "dance-mom", Cindy Crane.  Each scholarship will cover the tuition for one class for the following annual season.

The Cindy Crane Memorial Dance Scholarship is also granted annually by the Crane Family.  This scholarship was created in memory of Cindy and as a way to inspire dancers who share her passion for dance in the same way her life inspired us all.  We are grateful for the generosity of the Crane family in choosing to offer this scholarship, as it will continue to remind us of Cindy's giving spirit.

Classes are closed, but to provide opportunities for you to observe your child in class, we invite parents to watch the last 10 minutes of class during the weeks listed on the enclosed calendar. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend. We also encourage students to bring blank cassette tapes for the teacher to record their music on and parents are welcome to videotape during observations to aid in practice at home. Please limit the observers to parents only.

Student progress reports are distributed to the parents twice a year during parent observation weeks. This is our way to keep the parents informed of their child's progress, goals and achievements. If for some reason you do not attend observation, please come into the dance school personally to pick up the evaluation in the office. It will not be sent home with your child. Please feel free to ask questions - we're happy you are interested! If you have individual questions or wish to speak with the teacher at length, leave your name and number in the office in order for teachers to keep their other classes on schedule.

An Avon representative from the area offers a fund raiser for our students and parents each August. Participants earn a percentage of their sales to use for costumes, lessons or merchandise. Complete information is distributed during our fall registration.

In September and again in celebration of National Dance Week in April, each student is invited to bring a friend to participate in their dance class. It's a great way for students to show their friends what dance is all about!

Each month students are recognized through our student-of-the-month program. Teachers select students who continually show improvement in their class and meet a list of criteria such as, good attendance, consistent effort, respect and a positive attitude. The recipients receive a certificate and their names are displayed in the studio.

Every student has moments of accomplishments the instructors want to acknowledge. Therefore, each studio has a treasure chest filled with small prizes that every student will have an opportunity to receive throughout the semester.