Program Benefits
Designed with Families in Mind
We provide quality dance training in a positive, nurturing and enthusiastic environment. Our staff is committed to creating a positive experience for you and your dancer whether it is your first or tenth year dancing with us! You can expect that costumes, choreography and music choices will always be age appropriate. We pride ourselves in offering a family oriented, budget friendly and entertaining experience that your dancer will never forget!
Facilities
We are housed in the Jack A. Claes Pavilion, a facility of the Elk Grove Park District, conveniently located at the corner of Biesterfield and Wellington just off of I-290. Classes are held in our four, professionally equipped dance studios complete with either marley or wood sprung floors. With multiple studios, you will never have to worry about finding numerous classes within one evening to accommodate all of the dancers in your family. Don’t feel like leaving the Pavilion while your dancer is in class? Our comfortable and conveniently located seating areas will accommodate you and your family while you wait.
Viewing Week
In-person Parent Viewing Week will take place once a year during Spring Picture/In-Class Dress Rehearsal Week. Parents can also enjoy viewing their dancer’s progress weekly on a mounted closed-circuit flat screen TV located outside each dance studio.
Teaching Assistants
If you are interested in gaining the experience of assisting with dance classes, apply to be a Teaching Assistant with the Pavilion Dance Centre! Eligible Teaching Assistants should be at least 10 years old and enrolled as a dancer at the Pavilion Dance Centre for the current year. If you are interested in this role, please email your availability by September 1 to Jessica at jbeirich@elkgroveparks.org to apply today!
Picture Day/In-Class Dress Rehearsal
Students will have the opportunity to have professional individual photographs taken in each costume. For your convenience, most pictures and in-class dress rehearsals will be held during your child’s regularly scheduled classes. Parents are encouraged to view in-class dress rehearsals virtually this season. Exact dates/times to be released in the Spring.
Performance Companies
Mini Company
This super talented group of dancers, ages 6-9, will shine on stage with their high energy and continually inspire audiences with their contagious enthusiasm performing at community events, local dance competitions and both winter and spring recitals. Mini Company dancers take a mandatory ballet class and attend a 60 minute weekly rehearsal. Only those that auditioned and were accepted into Mini Company may register for Mini Company rehearsal.
Ignite Company
Our Nationally Award winning, high level competition company, offered at both Junior and Senior levels, is made up of dancers with distinguished technique, performance quality and style. Ignite will represent the Pavilion Dance Centre at 4+ dance competitions, dance conventions, local dance performances and may travel to compete Nationally. Ignite dancers are expected to fully commit themselves to dance as their number one extracurricular activity. Ignite rehearses up to three times a week and will experience unique performance, competition and training opportunities throughout the year. Dancers in this Company are required to take ballet, jazz and modern/contemporary classes in conjunction with their bi-weekly rehearsals. Our 2022-23 Ignite Junior dancers were awarded 1st place and the National Champion title for their novice junior large group piece “Listen To Your Heart” at Ovation Nationals.
Junior & Teen Performance Companies
For dancers ages 9+, this dedicated and passionate group has an eagerness to learn and a desire to perform and grow as a dancer. They will have multiple performance opportunities throughout the year including community events, local dance competitions and will be featured as special performers in both winter and spring recitals. Junior and Teen level Company dancers take a mandatory ballet class, one additional elective class and attend a weekly 60 minute rehearsal. Only those that auditioned and were accepted into one of our Junior or Teen Companies may register for a Junior or Teen Company rehearsal.
Thrive Dance Company
This advanced level performing Company will consist of talented, well-rounded dancers that represent the PDC at both competitions/conventions as well as community performances. Dance, whether here at the PDC or at your high school, should be your first priority in order to maintain the level of Thrive. Thrive dancers will be at the PDC a minimum of two days a week taking a 60 minute Company rehearsal as well as a Thrive only 60 minute Theory and Techniques dance class. Thrive will focus on educating our more experienced dancers with the real world, pre-professional world of dance and what that might look like for an aspiring dancer, choreographer, dance teacher, artistic director or dance collaborator. Thrive dancers will have real life, hands on experiences with what a future in dance would look like!
