Dance

Supervisor: Kelly Smith 847-965-1200, Ext. 3006 or ksmith@mortongroveparks.com

Click here to download a copy of the 2011-12 Dance Handbook.

Dance does so many things to enrich the lives of our 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, and enhance memorization skills to name a few of its benefits. The Morton Grove Park District is proud to provide wonderful experiences for your child through dance. One of the roles of the teacher is to work with the students and the parents to create a passion and enthusiasm for dance that will last a lifetime.

Recital Classes (September-May)

For the younger dancers (3-6 years) the first half of the year is geared towards practicing techniques and developing skills. After the winter break the classes concentrate on learning the dance that will be performed at the recital. The older classes are fine-tuning techniques and developing more advanced skills, however they begin work on recital routines immediately as there are more dances to learn with more difficult combinations. For all the classes, the entire year is focused on enjoying the art of dance and enjoying the benefits the program has to offer.

The ages listed in the park district brochure are a guideline. When registering, class selection should be based on the dancer's age as of September 1 (beginning of recital dance program). A child who is 6 and will be 7 after dance begins should register for a class with age range of 6-7 or 6-8, a 3 year old should register for 3-4 class etc. Again ages are a guideline; it is the discretion of the instructor if a dancer is capable of moving to a higher level. It is the intent of the dance staff to place dancers in classes that are equal to the dancer's skill level - trust that the instructor bases any class movement on an individual basis and has the foundation of experience and education to make the assessment.

It should be noted: Ballet is the foundation for all dance, and for that reason, it is strongly recommended that students over the age of 8 who plan to continue with dance, take ballet in addition to other classes. A dancer studying jazz and tap will develop more successfully if they have a ballet background. The benefits include strength, flexibility, posture, technique, knowledge of dance vocabulary as well as the grace that only ballet training can provide. Well rounded dance experience (ballet, tap & jazz) and advanced technique and skills are pre-requisites for consideration to participate in Spotlight and Starbound Dance Company.

Summer Classes (June-August)

The summer program offers many options. For those new to dance summer provides opportunity to try dance for short term to determine if the long term recital classes are of interest. Some classes offered in the summer are different than the recital classes presenting outlets for dancers to experiment with new forms of dance. The older dancers are encouraged to continue classes through the summer to maintain their "dance muscles" and build on technique. The summer session concludes with an informal "Summer Showcase" for dancers to perform for families and friends at Harrer Park Shelter.

Dressing for Dance

The Park District suggests attire that will allow for maximum movement and the least amount of distraction. Leotards and tights are preferred for girls. Older students may wear attire that is dance specific. Jeans are not appropriate for any dance class. Dance shoes should be brought to class each week and should not be worn outdoors.

Information For Specific Classes

Recital Information

Two dance recitals (12:00pm and 3:00pm) will be held at the end of the session on a Sunday in May at the Niles West High School Auditorium. The recitals provide a wonderful opportunity for the dancers to showcase what they have learned in their classes. Participation in the rehearsal and recital is not mandatory; however, please note that class time is spent preparing routines for this end-of-the-year performance. Family and friends will be allowed to view these performances with the purchase of tickets.

Dancers will be notified concerning which recital they will be performing in by January. NOTE: Older dancers (10 years +) will likely perform in both shows. Dress rehearsals and pictures will be held Saturday before the recital. Pictures will be taken in conjunction with the dance rehearsals.

The afternoon of the recital dancers report to the balcony at Niles West High School 30 minutes before the performance. All dancers remain in the balcony or backstage during the performances. The 3-4 year old classes are dismissed at the intermission and are not included in the finale. Dancers are encouraged to stay for the finale or final bow; however, if a dancer needs to leave before the finale please inform the helping parent. All dancers will be systematically dismissed and should be picked up in the south hallway following the finale.

Costumes

The fee for one costume is included in the registration fee. Dancers will be measured for costumes in early November - when measuring take into consideration dancers will grow and it is better to have costume bigger for comfort. Forms are distributed through classes. Each class will be provided with a costume and this is what the class will wear for pictures at the dress rehearsal. It is the discretion of the teacher if an additional costume or accessories are needed for classes that perform more than one routine (example: Jazz/Tap, Variety, Repertoire and Companies). These items are not included in the registration fee and will be coordinated through the instructor and the additional fee is payable to the Morton Grove Park District. Dancers in the Repertoire class are responsible for their "Choreographer's Showcase" costume - the costume selection and purchase is the responsibility of the dancers involved. Costumes will be handed out during a parent meeting in March.

Note: Costumes come in standard sizes and may not fit perfectly. You may need to alter them. In the situation where an exchange is necessary, a $5.00 fee will be charged to cover the additional expense of the exchange process.

Recital Tickets

Tickets go on sale in January at Prairie View Community Center for a cost of $8.00 each. There is no ticket limit for the recital. If special accommodations are required (wheelchair) please make note of your needs on the Ticket Order Form at time of purchase. Tickets are only sold at the Customer Service Desk at PVCC. Tickets will be mailed approximately three weeks before the recital. After the Wednesday before the, recital tickets may only be purchased at the door the day of the recital.

Meet our Staff

• Helen Lazicki, Dance Coordinator, has been teaching at the Morton Grove Park District since 1981. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance and Theater from Barat College. She is also a member of Dance Olympics Association for dance teachers and has attended numerous dance conventions including Dance Olympus, Project Motivate and Dance Makers. Helen has also taught at college level, private studios and Montessori School.
• Lindsay Skarbek, Teacher, fifth year as instructor with Morton Grove Park District. Lindsay earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance from Columbia College in 2007. 
• Lori Andel, Teacher, third year as instructor with Morton Grove Park District. She earned her Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education from NIU in May 2009.
• Megan Foley & Shana Ariaz Assistants, this is their first year assisting with classes. Megan began dancing at the Park District in 2001 at the age of 5 and is a junior at Maine East High School. Shana began dancing at the Park District in 2000 and is a senior at Niles North High School. They are members of the Senior Starbound Company.

Dance Company

Starbound Dance Company and Spotlight Dance Company (SPOT) are extensions of the dance program for advanced dancers by invitation or audition (for dancers new to MGPD). Commitment of dancers is mandatory for participation in Company dance. The group will learn routines with advanced techniques which require attendance at classes and practices as well as dedication to group. Dancers who cannot make Company dance their priority should not register.

Spotlight Dance Company is a performance troupe. These Company dancers have the enthusiasm and skills required for the performance level of company. They are well rounded - having taken tap, jazz and ballet and Spotlight provides arena to continue to work on greater flexibility, technique, precision and stage presence to move to the competition level. Spotlight will perform at community events and recital. They do not attend the convention or competition. Spotlight is pre-requisite for Starbound.

Senior Starbound Dance Company (SSB) is the advanced competition troupe. These dancers have Company experience and have demonstrated the advanced skills, enthusiasm and confidence required for the highest competition level. They continue to work on flexibility, technique, precision and stage presence. Starbound dancers have taken advanced classes in all forms of dance - tap, jazz and ballet. Tap dance and ballet classes are required. There are some additional expenses associated with SSB.

NOTE FOR STARBOUND COMPANIES: Competition fees are not included in the class fee, fundraising opportunities are provided to the group to reduce additional costs. Other costs not covered: hotel rooms, travel expenses, meals, Starbound gear and some accessories.