Dance
Welcome to the new Downers Grove School of Dance!
The School of Dance has been created to bring a well-rounded yet affordable dance program to the Downers Grove community. The program is designed to meet the needs of the beginner and seasoned dancer from preschoolers to adults. Dance is exercise, a social gathering and an art form. Our goal is to provide an enjoyable, safe and nurturing environment while sparking creativity in all of our dancers.
Our dance year will encompass three sessions: one 14 week fall session, one 19 week winter/spring session, and one 9 week summer session. The objective of the fall and winter sessions is to prepare the students for a spring recital by focusing on both technique and combinations. Our very young dancers follow shorter session schedules.
CLASS ATTIRE is ballet, jazz or tap shoes depending on which class you are registered for. Leotard and tights and/or bike shorts and t-shirt are recommended.
School of Dance Program Features
|
|
|
|
For questions regarding our dance program, please contact Allison Jacobs, Recreation Supervisor at 630-963-1300.
Meet our instructors:
Cynthia Soumar is a professional teaching artist, specializing in performing arts training and direction for young students and adults. As an experienced dance teacher, Cynthia instructs classes in Creative Movement, Ballet, Tap/Broadway Tap, Jazz, Theater Dance for Actors, and also works as a professional choreographer for theater productions and Show Choirs. Cynthia teaches Theater classes in Acting, Movement, Creative Drama and Musical Theater as well as working as a Director and Choreographer around the Chicago area. She leads intensive instruction in auditioning and performance, and works as a private coach in performing arts disciplines. In addition to teaching classes in Downers Grove, Cynthia is currently on the faculty of The Childrens’ Theatre of Western Springs, Metropolis Performing Arts Center Outreach, Jo’s Footwork Studio, and teaches at Clarendon Hills Middle School.
Louise Modine has been dancing for 27 years where she began her dance life here at the Downers Grove Park District as a member of the "Off Main Street Dance Company". She has been teaching dance for 15 years at Angie's Dance Studio and here at the Downers Grove Park District. She studied dance at NIU where she received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education in 2001. She received her Masters Degree in Education at National-Louis University in 2004. She taught sixth grade here in Downers Grove and now dedicates her time to raising her children and teaching dance. Her true passion involves teaching children and incorporating the grace and beauty of ballet.
