The dance recital program begins in September and concludes in May with the annual spring recital. The first half of the program focuses on skill development and technique. Dancers will begin recital choreography the first week in January when back from winter break. Parent observations will be held at the end of a class once a month so you can keep up with your dancer’s progress. Recital classes will be listed in the Fall Activity Guide. Please register at least two weeks prior to the class start date. Monthly payment plan is an option. To register: click here
Seasonal dance classes are on a seasonal basis. Sessions are short and provide young dancers the opportunity to try different disciplines of dance before making the commitment to the Dance Recital Program. Parent observations will be held at the end of class on the last class of the session. Please register at least one week prior to the class start date. To register: click here
Showcase classes run June through August and conclude with the annual summer showcase. This is a great preview to the dance recital program because of the shortened session length. Parent observations will be held at the end of class once a month so you can keep up with your dancer’s progress. Showcase classes will be listed in the Summer Activity Guide. Please register at least one week prior to the class start date. To register: click here
For more information, contact:
- Dance Coordinator Samantha Newman at 630-513-4394
or dancecoordinator@stcparks.org - Dance Company Instructor Heather Carpenter at dancecompany@stcparks.org
- Recreation Supervisor Rosie Fasching at 630-513-4334 or rfasching@stcparks.org
- Assistant Superintendent of Recreation Katie Miller at 630-513-4390
or kmiller@stcparks.org
Spring 2019 Recital Information
Dress Rehearsal & Picture Day: Friday, May 10 ♦ Norris Cultural Arts Center
Spring Recital: Saturday, May 11 ♦ Norris Cultural Arts Center
Parents will receive the recital information packet the week before spring break.
Parent Newsletters
September (link coming soon)
October (link coming soon)
The St. Charles Dance Academy Company Team is an entry point into the world of dance performance by offering dancers the opportunity to build strength and poise, increase flexibility and balance, and improve self-confidence all while in a team environment. There are two levels beginning with Co. I and then Co. II. Dancers will be placed appropriately according to their age and ability. Dance Teams participate in 3-4 dance competitions, 4-5 community performances and in the annual park district spring dance recital.
Auditions are held in May and August. Those selected from the May auditions are invited to join for the summer and following fall-spring seasons. Dancers must be six years old by September 1 of the upcoming fall-spring season. Advanced registration is required. All students auditioning should dress for a dance class (leotard, footed tights, ballet or jazz shoes and hair pulled back). To register: click here
For more information, contact:
- Dance Company Instructor Heather Carpenter at dancecompany@stcparks.org
- Recreation Supervisor Rosie Fasching at 630-513-4334 or rfasching@stcparks.org
Meet Our Instructors
Samantha Newman
Ms. Samantha is the Program Coordinator and Lead Instructor for the St. Charles Dance Academy. She has a bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts Studies from Brigham Young University with an emphasis on playwriting and costume and makeup design. Ms. Samantha grew up in a South suburb of Chicago and began dance training at age 3 in Ballet, Jazz and Tap, with a primary focus on Tap. Ms. Samantha has taught Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Modern and Creative Dance to children, teens and adults of all levels at studios in Utah and Illinois since 2005. She continues her dance education through Chicago area teacher workshops several times a year. Ms. Samantha is proud to bring to our program her enthusiasm and love for dance and performance, her background in theatrical production, and her years of experience in dance arts education to all ages and levels. She lives in St. Charles with her husband and two children.
Heather Carpenter
Ms. Heather has been dancing for over 25 years and teaching for over 10. She has been invited to train at classes, conventions and workshops in Michigan, Illinois, California, New York and London. She danced competitively for most of her youth and performed in numerous on stage productions, finding her passion for teaching and choreography at a young age. In addition to a career as a professional dancer, Ms. Heather has been instructing recreationally and competitively first in Michigan and now at studios throughout the Chicago area. She is also the artistic director of a contemporary dance company in Chicago and is known for her innovative, unique and theatrical concepts. Ms. Heather is thrilled to be able to share her experience and passion for dance with the members of the St. Charles Dance Company Team.
Lora Vodicka
Ms. Lora is a proud Summa Cum Laude graduate of Illinois State University with a B.S. in Theatre Education and extensive dance & fitness background. At Illinois State University, she danced in various shows and with multiple companies including The Who's: Tommy, Evita, West Side Story and the Illinois State Dance Theatre. Ms. Lora also choreographed ISU's production of How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying as well as many other High School and Community productions. She received her AFAA Group Fitness certification in 2013 and became a Licensed Zumba and Barre Fitness Instructor. With over 25 years of dance and theatre experience and 13 years of teaching under her belt she has developed strong classroom management skills, creative lesson plans and a true passion for education. Ms. Lora is very excited to share her knowledge of dance, theatre and fitness with St. Charles Park District.
Allison Cole
Ms. Allison is a graduate of St. Charles East High School and a current student at NIU, where she is continuing her dance and performance education. She started dancing at a young age here at the St. Charles Dance Academy and competed with the Company Team. Ms. Allison has experience in musical theater, lyrical, ballet, tap, jazz and hip-hop. She has been teaching with us for over 4 years and enjoys sharing her passion of dance and performance with her students.
Olivia Wiggins
Ms. Olivia studied dance at the St. Charles Dance Academy for 14 years and competed on the Company Team. She's also studied at area studios for the past several years. Ms. Olivia is experienced in child care and greatly enjoys teaching young children. Another passion of hers is working with animals; you might see her if you are ever out at Primrose Farm. Ms. Olivia is excited to continue her experience with the Dance Academy as an instructor and to share her passion for dance with young students.
Quinlan Kyp-Johnson
Ms. Quinlan developed her love of dance from a young age at her local park district dance program! She has experience in ballet, Irish, jazz, and ballroom, with a primary focus on hip hop and modern dance. Ms. Quinlan studied film making at Columbia College in Chicago and works as a freelance artist. She is currently a Board Member and Resident Filmmaker and Photographer at the local horse rescue organization Casey's Safe Haven. Ms. Quinlan believes that dance is a powerful tool on the path of self-awareness both physically and emotionally. She is excited to share self-expression with her students!
Stefani Paladino
Ms. Stefani is a student at St. Charles East High School. She has been dancing with the St. Charles Dance Academy for many years, currently competes with the Company team, and enjoys performing in local musical theater productions. For the past few years, Ms. Stefani has been shadowing and assisting the senior instructors here at the Dance Academy through our Junior Instructor Program. Ms. Stefani brings kindness, patience, enthusiasm for working with young children, and her love of dance to our program.
Hailey Doornbos
Ms. Hailey is a junior at St. Charles North High School. She has been dancing since she was three in the Kane County area. Hailey has competed with a local studio's dance team for four years and has taught in the St. Charles North Star Kids Preschool for two years. Hailey brings her strengths in dance, classroom management, and working with young children to the St. Charles Dance Academy.
Sheila O’Connor
Ms. Sheila has been involved with Irish Dancing since she was 6 years old. She has been with the Weber School of Irish Dance from the beginning and will begin her 27th year as a teacher with them this Fall. Ms. Sheila frequently visits Ireland and has a deep love and knowledge of the art form and cultural history and significance of Irish dance. She is also a school teacher who works with elementary age students with learning disabilities. The Weber Dancers have been working with the St. Charles Park District for over 21 years, and Ms. Sheila is looking forward to another exciting year of dance.