In December hundreds of dancers ages 2 to 18 will take to the stage at the Norris Cultural Art Center for the St. Charles Dance Academy’s Winter Showcase. The dancers showcase their mastery, artistry and passion for dance.
Dancers like Betsy Dirck, 13, who has been dancing since she was 3. She said the best part of the Winter Showcase is the festive costumes. For Ryann Hatheway, 12, the best part of the event and dancing in general, is time with friends.
“I love the family that we have created with our instructors and dancers. We have an awesome dance family where we are all there for each other no matter what,” Hatheway said.
From toddlers to adults, there’s always room on stage for new members in the St. Charles Dance Academy, which is managed through the St. Charles Park District.
“We have seen quite a bit of growth in our programs,” explained Rosie Edwards, Assistant Superintendent of Recreation for the St. Charles Park District.
Edwards is the administrator for the St. Charles Dance Academy and works with Kristin Balsamo the Dance Program Coordinator. The St. Charles Dance Academy includes seasonal dance classes, a recital program and a dance company that includes two performance teams and a competition team.
The seasonal dance program offers weekly classes, roughly a month at a time, and serves as a wonderful introduction into the different dance genres. Classes like Dance with Me are perfect for toddler and their adult to enjoy movement and music together while A Little Jazz and A Little Ballet are opportunities for an introduction into the genre for students starting at age 3.
This fall the seasonal dance program is offering an adult hip hop class, where those 16 and older can explore the exciting dance genre.
The recital program introduces students to performance classes with opportunities to showcase their talents in the Winter Showcase and the Spring Recital. Classes begin in the September and registration is accepted through late winter provided there is space in the class Edwards said, making it possible for students who play a fall sport or have a fall activity to join the program. The recital dance program concludes in May at the annual spring recital.
In the dance company, dancers can audition for the performance teams and a competition team. In the performance teams, students have more opportunities to take to the stage for local events and there is an additional showcase. The competition team participates in three regional competitions as well as attending conventions to further advance their studies and grow their craft.
“Our competition team has received a number of awards and placed in the Top 10 in competitions,” Edwards said.
The St. Charles Dance Academy is equivalent to a private dance studio in talent and instruction, while maintaining affordable rates for classes and programs, Edwards said.
The dance academy offers dance camps during school breaks in the winter, spring and summer, providing students with a fun way to stay active.
Edwards said the program is also proud to have alumni return as instructors. This fall instructor Allison Cole celebrated her 10th anniversary with the St. Charles Dance Academy. She was a student in the company when she transitioned to ballet and tap instructor at 16.
For many of the young dancers, they grow up together starting out in classes as toddlers and advancing together. Lilly Puri, 11, started dancing at 2 and joined the competition team at 5. She said Jazz is her favorite genre and her teacher pushes them to grow and become better dancers while the friendships make it even better.
“I love going to dance, and one of my favorite things about it is seeing all my friends,” Puri said. “They encourage me and cheer me on.”
For more information or if you have questions about the St. Charles Dance Academy you can reach out to Kristin Balsamo, the Dance Program Coordinator by calling 630-513-4394 and emailing her at kbalsamo@stcparks.org.