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 10 ♦ 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 has a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts Studies from Brigham Young University. Her emphasis was on playwriting, costume and makeup design. Ms. Samantha grew up in the Chicagoland area and began dance training at age 3 in Ballet, Jazz and Tap, with a primary focus on Tap. Ms. Samantha has taught Tap, Jazz, Modern and Creative Dance to children, teens and adults in studios in Utah and Illinois since 2005. She brings to our program years of experience in dance and working with children, a background in theatrical production, and enthusiasm for bringing dance to her students.
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. 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 many years. They are beginning their 21st dance season this year with them and are looking forward to another exciting year of dance.
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 been on a dance team and has competed for the last four years. Hailey has also taught in the St. Charles North Star Kids Preschool for the past two years. She is looking forward to teaching what she loves to the students of the St. Charles Dance Academy.
Heather Carpenter
Ms. Heather has been dancing for over 25 years, with invitations to train at various classes, conventions and workshops in Michigan, Illinois, California, New York and London. She danced competitively for most of her youth as well as performed in numerous on stage productions, finding her passion for teaching and choreography at a young age. She has been instructing recreationally and competitively for over 10 years. More recently she has instructed and choreographed at numerous studios throughout the Chicagoland area. She is mostly known for her innovative, unique and theatrical concepts and is very excited to be able to share her experience and passion for dance with members of the St. Charles Dance Company Teams.
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.
Olivia Wiggins
Ms. Olivia is a recent high school graduate. She studied dance with the St. Charles Dance Academy for 14 years, including as a member of the Dance Company Team. She has also studied at Elite Academy of Dance and Dance Arts Center of St. Charles. Ms. Olivia also has experience in child care and greatly enjoys teaching younger 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 now as an instructor, having the ability to teach young students and share her passion for dance.
Allison Cole
Ms. Allison is a graduate of St. Charles East High School who was involved in many musical theater performances. She began dancing at a young age through the park district program and later as a member of the Dance Company team. She has experience in lyrical, ballet, tap, jazz and hip-hop. She is currently a student at NIU and enjoys sharing her passion of dance with her students.