Dance

Dance

Get moving to the music

Ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, poms ... there are many different styles to explore! Dancing is fun, creative, exhilarating, and a great way to express yourself.

No matter what your age, whether you’re beginner or advanced, the Park Ridge Park District has a class for you. All lessons are led by professional instructors who will help guide, motivate, and inspire you.

Ascension Dance Company

A competitive dance and performance team program.

Learn more

Non-Recital Dance Programs

1100111 / Adult/Tot Predance

An excellent chance to expose your child to the magic of dance. Through games, songs, exercise and activities, your child learns how to participate in a group environment, as well as strengthens his/her movement patterns. A fabulous time for adult and tot!
1100111-1 - Adult/Tot Predance (LS)
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Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
1/10/2025 - 3/21/2025
9:30 am - 10:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
18m-3y w/Adult
1100111-2 - Adult/Tot Predance (LS)
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Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
1/7/2025 - 3/18/2025
10:05 am - 10:35 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
18m-3y w/Adult

1100112 / Baby Ballet

This beginner ballet class is an introduction to the world of dance. Dancers learn steps and terminology. This class is geared for all boys and girls who love to dance. This class is without adult.
1100112-1 - Baby Ballet (CR)
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Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
1/7/2025 - 3/18/2025
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3 w/o Adult

1100113 / Teeny Tiny Tots

This beginner ballet class incorporates steps and terminology with fun and exciting music. Participants enjoy using hula hoops, beanbags, and maracas. Participants are welcome to wear dance attire or comfortable clothes.
1100113-1 - Teeny Tiny Tots (LS)
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Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
1/7/2025 - 3/18/2025
9:30 am - 10:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-4
1100113-2 - Teeny Tiny Tots (LS)
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Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
1/10/2025 - 3/21/2025
10:05 am - 10:35 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-4
1100113-3 - Teeny Tiny Tots (CR)
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
1/9/2025 - 3/20/2025
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-4

1100114 / Storybook Ballet

This beginner ballet class incorporates steps and terminology with fairytale music. Participants enjoy using tiaras, wands, and horses.
1100114-1 - Storybook Ballet (CR)
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Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
1/9/2025 - 3/20/2025
11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
3y-5y

1100115 / Ballet

Dancers are introduced to ballet, skills, terminology, rhythm, and coordination. Lessons are practiced and developed through creative movement and music in a supportive and playful environment.
1100115-1 - Ballet (LS)
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
1/10/2025 - 3/21/2025
10:45 am - 11:30 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
3y-6y
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Recital Dance Programs

5100217 / Jazz

Have fun dancing to the latest music in an upbeat and exciting class! We focus on physical alignment, rhythm, and simple dance technique. Dancers are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes (no jeans) and jazz shoes.
5100217-1 - Jazz (LS)
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
9/12/2024 - 5/8/2025
5:00 pm - 5:45 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
8-11

5100220 / Ascension

5100220-1 - Ascension Dance Team
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Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
9/9/2024 - 5/10/2025
5:45 pm - 6:30 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
8-18 yrs

5100225 / Leaps, Turns & Conditioning

This class is designed for intermediate dancers who want to accelerate their technique from into advanced level dance. Class will start at the barre and will help dancers to apply selected barre concepts each week to various turn and leap exercises at center and across the floor. The last fifteen minutes of class will be used to apply these concepts to a contemporary dance routine. No class Oct 14, Nov 25, Dec 23, Dec 30, Jan 20, Feb 17, Mar 24
5100225-1 - Leaps, Turns & Conditioning (LB)
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Availability
Cancelled
Res/NonRes
9/9/2024 - 5/5/2025
7:45 pm - 8:30 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
11-17

5100235 / Pointe and Pre-Pointe

This class will focus on ballet and barre exercises to help strengthen dancers in preparation for pointe work. Dancers will be individually evaluated for key indicators for pointe readiness and class will be tailored to their individual needs. It will include footwork exercises , turnout, leg conditioning, posture/alignment and select pointe or demi-pointe activities at the barre. PLEASE NOTE: Prerequisite for this activity: dancers must be registered for Leaps, Turns & Conditioning, Activity code 5100225. No class Oct 14, Nov 25, Dec 23, Dec 30, Jan 20, Feb 17, Mar 24
5100235-1 - Pre-Pointe (LB)
Register
Availability
Cancelled
Res/NonRes
9/9/2024 - 5/5/2025
8:30 pm - 8:45 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
11-17
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Meet Our Instructors

Lori Buckely
Dance Instructor

Lori began working for the Park Ridge Park District in 2001. She specializes in tap, ballet (classical, lyrical, contemporary), jazz, and hip hop. Dancing for over 20 years, Lori completed the Northeastern Illinois University dance minor program with a focus on classical ballet and jazz styles, dance performance and dance education. Lori is dedicated to making dance fun while teaching so that dancing can be enjoyed for years to come.

Carol Rogers
Dance Instructor

Carol began her dance career at the age of 3 at the Elmhurst Park District. By the age of 12, she was studying with the DuPage Dance Academy, and by the age of 17, she was a lead teacher. Carol has taught at many studios in the suburban area. She has completed the Little Peoples Creative Workshop, which certifies her to teach dance to children ages 3 to 6.

Hannah Rogers
Dance Instructor

Hannah started dancing at the age of 2 at the Park Ridge Park District. She took dance here until she was 19 years old and was a teacher’s assistant for several years throughout her time as a student. She also spent a few short years taking classes at Expressions Dance Studio. Hannah started working at the West Chicago Park District in 2013 as a dance teacher’s assistant and later became a teacher. Hannah loves to teach kids and encourage them to do things they never thought they could do. She loves to see the smiles on their faces when they figure out a step they have been working on, or even just playing freeze dance.

Lindsay Skarbek
Dance Instructor

Lindsay brings her specialties in tap, jazz, hip hop, creative movement, lyrical, and contemporary styles to her students. Lindsay participated in many dance conventions and competitions while in Orchesis and Poms at Maine West High School. She has performed with Synapse Art Collective, The Ruth Page Dance Center, and The Dance Center-Columbia College. "Dance is one of the deepest and truest forms of expression. I believe that everyone has the ability to dance. As a teacher, my goal is to help students learn and grow as dancers, and just as important, learn and grow as people and friends."