Summer Dance

Music and freedom of expression through dance can create a solid foundation in many other facets of life. Dance helps build stamina, flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination. Dance improves cognitive skills, while building confidence and self-esteem, as students express themselves through creative movement.

Aspen Dance offers a variety of dance classes for various age levels. Through an exceptional and progressive dance curriculum, dancers explore various forms of dance while gaining proper technique and skills.

Our recital dance program begins in early September and culminates with the annual dance recital in early May. Non-recital dance classes allow dancers to dabble in a variety of dance mediums without the long-term commitment. Non-recital dance classes culminate with parent observation during the final class.

Classes are held at the Sullivan Community Center – 635 N. Aspen Drive. For more information regarding dance, please contact Julie Freels.

Early Childhood Dance

Creative Movement
Children are introduced to basic dance and creative movement through imaginative games, songs, music, and rhythmical patterns. Coordination, motor skills, flexibility and confidence are developed at this stage of dancing. A parent or caregiver actively participates alongside the child.

2-3 years
Option 1	Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes and hair tightly secured.
Option 2	Fitted white t-shirt, black stretch pants and black ballet shoes.
Parent/Caregiver Attire	Comfortable clothing and clean-soled dance or gym shoes.

Pre-Hip Hop
An introduction to movement in a fun, high-energy setting. Dancers learn hip hop, as well as jazz with a little funk, set to age-appropriate music. Lessons develop agility, endurance, rhythm, creativity and spunk!

4-7 Years
Recommended Attire	Comfortable clothing (leggings or athletic pants) and hip hop sneakers.

Acrobatic Dance
Acrobatic Dance combines gymnastics and classical dance techniques. Students learn the basics of acrobatics, beginning tumbling skills and creative movement positions while building strength, balance, flexibility, coordination and self-confidence. Skills advance following a progressive curriculum.

4-7 Years
Recommended Attire	Leotard or fitted shirt, leggings or shorts, and bare feet.

Ballet/Tap 1 Combo
Children are introduced to basic ballet and tap movements while giving them a passion for dancing. Coordination, rhythm, and flexibility are developed at this stage of dancing.

3-4 Years
Option 1	Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes, and black tap shoes.
Option 2	Fitted white t-shirt, black stretch pants, black ballet shoes and black tap shoes.

Youth Dance

Ballet/Tap 2 Combo
Children are introduced to basic ballet and tap movements while giving them a passion for dancing. Dancers learn ballet positions, combinations, and progressions. Tapping becomes more precise as dancers explore quicker combinations.

5-6 Years
Option 1	Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes, and black tap shoes.
Option 2	Fitted white t-shirt, black stretch pants, black ballet shoes and black tap shoes.

Ballet
Ballet technique is emphasized with repetition of exercises at the ballet barre, center work, and across the floor progressions. Correct posture, strength, flexibility, grace and rhythm are emphasized. The technique and level of difficulty will increase with each level of ballet.

7-12 Years
7-8 Years	Introductory class-no experience necessary.
9-12 Years	For dancers who have completed one to two sessions Ballet Level 1.
Option 1	Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes.
Option 2	Fitted white t-shirt, black stretch pants and black ballet shoes.

Tap
Tap dance involves manipulating your feet to create sounds and rhythms. Tap technique is emphasized. As the level of the dancer advances, combinations and speed of movement increase.

7-12 Years
7-8 Years	Introductory class-no experience necessary.
9-12 Years	For dancers who have completed one or two sessions Tap Level 1.
Option 1	Black leotard, black tap shorts or capris, black tap shoes.
Option 2	Fitted white t-shirt, black stretch pants and black tap shoes.

Hip Hop
Coordination, quick thinking, and rhythm are developed during this high energy class. Students learn the fundamentals and intermediate skills of Hip Hop including basic choreography and break dance movements. Dancers also have the freedom to develop their own styles through freestyle movement.

7-12 Years
7-8 Years	Introductory class-no experience necessary.
9-12 Years	For dancers who have completed one or two sessions Hip Hop Level 1.
Recommended Attire	Comfortable clothing (leggings or athletic pants) and hip hop sneakers.

Pom-Pom Clinic
Children, 5-10 years, will learn pom-pom routines, cheers and moves to perform to a variety of different songs. Dabble in arts and crafts projects including making a hair scrunchie, yarn pom-poms for your shoes and a banner to represent our group. Receive a t-shirt, water bottle, goody bag, and a set of pom-poms to keep. Class will conclude with our participation in the Vernon Hills Annual Independence Day Parade on Tuesday, July 4th. A $20 materials fee is due to the instructor on the first day of class.

Pom-Pom Clinic Assistant
Enjoy all of the fun of being a part of the Summer Pom-Pom Clinic while also taking on a leadership role. Assistants, 10-18 years, will help the instructor organize and prepare craft projects, assist younger participants in activities, and lead them in cheers and dance routines! This is great experience for future leaders and camp counselors. Class will conclude with our participation in the Vernon Hills Annual Independence Day Parade on Tuesday, July 4th. A $20 materials fee is due to the instructor on the first day of class.

Adult Dance

Adult Dance Medley
Adults, 15 + years, will learn the basics of ballet, tap and jazz. New and experienced dancers welcome.