Our dance classes are centered around offering dances of all ages and abilities a chance to learn different styles of dance with an emphasis on safe and correct technique. We strive to create a safe and supportive environment that allows all participants an equal opportunity to grown and learn both artistically and physically, while having fun! Dance classes take place in dedicated dance rooms at the Lincoln Center. Studios feature dance floors, mirrors and ballet barres.
Class Attire
Overall, attire should allow the student to move freely & comfortably without need for readjustment, and allow the dance teacher to see and correct the dancer's form and lines so that we can teach & practice dance safely! A leotard & tights, or dance pants/leggings/athletic shorts paired with a t-shirt are good choices. Please see below for suggested shoes:
- Ballet: leather or canvas ballet shoes
- Tap: black tap shoes
- Jazz: leather or canvas jazz shoes
- Hip Hop: hip hop shoes or clean sneakers that are worn only for class
- Combo Ballet/Tap: both ballet & tap shoes
- Combo Ballet/Hip Hop or Ballet/Jazz: ballet shoes are fine; a change of shoes is not needed
- Combo Jazz/Hip Hop: jazz shoes are fine; a change of shoes is not needed. For pre-dance classes (ages 3-6) ballet shoes may be substituted for jazz shoes
All classes: Midriffs must be covered. Skirts and tutus are optional. Hair should be pulled back so that it stays out of eyes & off the face. Bows or non-functional hair accessories should not be worn. Bracelets, necklaces and dangly earrings should not be worn due to safety concerns.
Visit shopnimbly.com/DownersGroveParkDistrict to see suggested options for tights & shoes, and gain access to Revolution Dancewear's full stock of class wear, footwear & accessories!
Class Progression
Introductory or "pre-dance" classes focus on learning through movement, developing balance, coordination, and other fine- and gross-motor skills. Dancers are introduced to age-appropriate techniques and vocabulary.
Classes then progress to more disciplined and advanced techniques while promoting positive attitudes, poise and self-confidence. We follow an adaptive curriculum - the techniques and lessons focused on in each level of classes are unique to the group of students in the class at that time.
Dancers are continuously evaluated, and your child's instructor will provide you with recommendations on which classes to take from session to session; you should expect your dancer stay in the same level of class from Fall to Winter-Spring for 1 to 2 school years. Dance classes are divided into age categories, but dance instructors may recommend moving your dancer to a different level after the first few classes of a new session.
Private Lessons
Pricing is as follows:
- 30 minute lesson - Res $33/Non-Res $50 per lesson
- 45 minute lesson - Res $37/Non-Res $55 per lesson
- 60 minute lesson - Res $40/Non-Res $60 per lesson
Days, times and styles are subject to instructor availability. To schedule a private lesson, please email Sarah Blazer at sblazer@dgparks.org.
Autumn Dobbeck Rosado
Ms. Autumn hails from Elgin and has been training in dance from a young age, studying ballet, pointe, jazz, modern, and contemporary. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Illinois and is currently pursuing her MBA.
Autumn has taught at studios across the Chicago suburbs, spent two summers as a camp counselor at Interlochen’s Center for the Arts, and choreographed multiple musicals for area park districts. She currently teaches ballet, jazz, modern/contemporary, and ballet/tap at the Downers Grove Park District, as well as classes at the Bolingbrook Park District. Autumn loves how dance combines her passion for movement and music, but even more so values the relationships she builds with her students. She considers it an honor to help them grow as both dancers and individuals, and she is excited to get to know all her dancers this session.
Trinity Graham
Trinity Dominique is a native of Chicago's western suburbs. Since the age of four, dance has been mentally, physically, and emotionally rewarding for Trinity. She is growing and maturing her skills with every dance and teaching experience. Following her father’s footsteps, Trinity graduated from Columbia College Chicago with her B.F.A. in Dance. Since then, she has followed her passion teaching jazz, hip hop, ballet, modern, poms, and tap at schools, park districts, and dance studios around Chicago and the Chicagoland area.
Emma Hajny
Dancing since she could walk, Emma Hajny is a dance instructor with the Downers Grove Park District, specializing in teaching ballet, jazz, and musical theater. With a strong background in classical ballet, Emma has trained at Chicago Festival Ballet, Salt Creek Ballet, and Northern Illinois University, performing in pieces such as The Nutcracker, Les Sylphide, and Paquita. Emma has also choreographed for local theater companies such as Wheaton Drama (Titanic the Musical, Peter and the Starcatcher), Bard in the Burbs (As You Like It, Much Ado About Nothing), and Glenbard West Theater (Addams Family).
Jacquelyn Listello
With nearly 20 years of dance experience, Ms. Jacqui brings both expertise and passion to the studio. Their training includes Horton-style Modern dance, Cecchetti Method Ballet, and a strong foundation in Jazz Funk and Jazz. They began their dance journey in studio training before joining their high school Poms team and have since had the opportunity to learn from world-renowned choreographers such as Jaci Royal and WilldaBeast Adams.
As a teacher, Ms. Jacqui strives to create a supportive and inspiring environment, helping students build confidence, develop strong technique, and discover the joy of movement.
Isabella Wilson
Ms. Ella has been dancing for 19 years, including training at The Dance Shoppe in Waterford, MI and additional opportunities in New York and Los Angeles. She has competed in all styles from ages eight to eighteen. Ella’s dance journey continued at Purdue University as a member of Higher Ground Dance Company, where she choreographed tap routines and performed in multiple styles. Now a Master’s student at Midwestern University, Ella is very excited to share her lifelong love of dance by creating a supportive and inspiring environment for her students!
Shasta "Puanani" Hud – Hula Classes
Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai'i, Shasta began to dance hula at the age of five, and continued dancing throughout her teen years with Auntie Lucy Lee, and later in her early twenties with Auntie Rose Joshua. It was in her early twenties that she was selected, among a group of Hawaii's most talented dancers, to represent Aloha Airlines and travel the world spreading the Aloha Spirit through Hula.
Shasta went on to form her own troop, Hula 'O Puanani, and began teaching in 1994 to all ages: from keiki (students) as young as 5, to teenagers, young adults and gracious ladies (45+). Auntie Shasta continues to expand and share her knowledge of hula by attending workshops throughout the Midwest as well as back home in Hawai'i, and is part of the Hula Association of the Midwest. She is proud to teach what she has learned and share her "Aloha" and passion for hula with her Haumana (students). Through her and her Haumana, she continues to carry on the spirit and beautiful tradition of Hula!
Diane Cole – Dancin Feet
Diane Cole started Dancin Feet Dance Instruction in July of 1997. Dancin Feet Dance Instruction was started because as a single person Diane was frustrated with a lack of social classes that didn't require a partner. Therefore, singles are always welcome at Diane's classes.
Diane is a passionate and dedicated instructor with over 28 years of dance experience. She has taught all ages and all levels specializing in Swing, Salsa, Cha Cha, Rumba, Foxtrot, Waltz and West Coast Swing. Diane enjoys creating choreography for weddings and other occasions. She is an award-winning competitor who has competed for 20 years. Diane is known for creating a relaxed learning environment which inspires confidence. She finds the growth of the dancers very rewarding.
Michelle Dawson – Dance Kids USA
Dance Kids USA, formed in 1995 by Michelle Dawson, is a mobile dance school offering pre-dance classes for your budding dancer as well as parent-tot classes. Michelle also teaches adult tap classes in cooperation with the Park Districts of Woodridge and Lisle. Michelle began dancing at the age of 3, and never stopped. In 1989, she began teaching at Park Districts, schools, studios and child care centers across the area. Michelle studied dance at the College of DuPage and Roosevelt University, and has continued her education by becoming a licensed Pilates and Zumba instructor, in addition to attending classes and workshops. Michelle has continuously demonstrated her love of dance and teaching by creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in her classes; she is truly dedicated to the enrichment of each child.
Imagine Dance Team
Imagine Dance Team focuses on strengthening the foundations of a dancer's technique and confidence, while also providing opportunities for personal growth, leadership and teamwork in a fun and supportive environment. It is our hope that dancers will not only create a strong foundation for dance, but also create lasting friendships and memories!
