Pavilion Dance Centre Dance Handbook 2023-2024

Welcome To The Pavilion Dance Centre!

We feel the education that dancers receive from the art of dance is unmatched. The satisfaction we get from watching so many amazing kids grow up and learn to love and appreciate dance is immeasurable! We want to provide unique opportunities for our dancers, and help them to experience many disciplines of dance. We want our dancers to strive for and achieve high goals, and at the same time have fun! We want the experience dancers have here to be a lasting part of growing up… it is our hope that the lessons they learn, their love for dance and the friendships they make at the Pavilion Dance Centre will last a lifetime!

About the Recital Program

The Pavilion Dance Centre recital program offers dancers an opportunity to perform in both Winter and Spring recitals! Recital class tuition rates cover the entire recital season (September 2023-June 2024) and includes a $75 costume fee for Preschool through level 1 classes and an $85 costume fee for level 2, junior, teen and adult classes. Costume fees are non-refundable for any reason after December 1, 2023. Recital students are required to register only one time per year and begin classes in September, after Labor Day. Class placement is based on age, technical level and experience. Our instructors are highly trained professionals who work hard to ensure proper level placement of our students during the first month of classes in order to maximize the experience for each student. The PDC program is designed to develop well-rounded dancers as we offer both recreational combination classes in addition to the option of taking individual disciplines. Each style of dance is unique and offers advantages to a dancer’s training. Core disciplines such as; ballet, modern/contemporary, jazz and tap are strongly recommended. PDC instructors will focus the first few months on introducing and practicing new dance vocabulary and technique, followed by learning choreography for both Winter and Spring recitals.

Recital Participation

“Dances from the Heart” Winter Recital takes place at Elk Grove High School in the theatre during the beginning of February. Students enrolled in recital classes will perform in one of the three shows. There are no technical or dress rehearsals for the Winter Recital. More information will be available late Fall. The 2024 Annual Spring Recital will take place June 8-9, 2024 at Harper College Performing Arts Center in Palatine. Classes are categorized into specific recitals to balance and present a variety of ages and dance styles. Each recital will have a mandatory “all day technical rehearsal” in the theater prior to the show dates.

Technical rehearsal will be June 7, 2024 and is mandatory for dancers in level 1, level 2, Junior, Teen and Adult classes to attend and required for the safety of all parties backstage. It gives students an opportunity to dance on the stage with lights and sound, practice safe entrances and exits during blackouts and rehearse proper spacing. More information on technical rehearsal and Spring Recital times will be available in Spring 2024.

Non-Recital Program Information

The Pavilion Dance Centre’s non-recital program includes three sessions throughout the year; Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. Registration is required at the start of each session. The non-recital sessions are a shorter time commitment that do not include a recital performance or costume fee. Our non-recital sessions are a great way for a new or beginner level student to experience dance on a short term basis or for recital students to supplement their dance training. Parents are welcome to view their non-recital student’s progress during the last week of each session.

Registration

Resident registration begins August 7, 2023 at 9am. Non-Resident registration begins August 10, 2023 at 9am. For your convenience, dance registration may be done online by visiting elkgroveparks.org. *All online and scheduled payments will be Electronic Funds Transfers (EFT). If choosing our EFT payment plan, recital fees will be divided into 9 payments debited monthly on the 15 Sep-May. To opt-out of EFT payments, classes must be paid in full at the time of registration. As always, the Customer Service staff at the Pavilion are happy to assist you with your registration and can be contacted at 847.437.9494 When registering, please ensure that ALL contact information (name, phone number, home address and email) is accurate. This allows Pavilion Dance Centre to contact you in the case of an emergency or class cancellation. Additionally, your contact information will be added to the dance communication list for important program updates and reminders.

Performance and Competition Companies

Mini Company This super talented group of dancers, ages 6+, will shine on stage with their high energy and continually inspire audiences with their contagious enthusiasm performing at community events, local dance competitions winter and year end recitals. Mini Company dancers take a mandatory ballet and jazz class and attend a 60 minute weekly rehearsal.

Junior Performance Companies This dedicated and passionate group of dancers, ages 9+ 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 year end recitals. Junior level Company dancers take a mandatory ballet class, one additional elective class and attend a weekly 60 minute rehearsal.

Ignite 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 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. 2022-23 Ignite Jr. dancers were awarded 1st place and the National Champion title for their novice junior large group piece "Listen To Your Heart" at Ovation Nationals this past June.

Mini Company

Junior Company

Ignite Jr.

Ignite Sr.

2023-2024 Recital Class Calendar

Aug 7

Aug 10

Resident Registration begins

Non-Resident Registration begins

Sep 11 - Sep 16 Recital dance classes begin

Oct 23 - Oct 28

Dancers are measured in class for their recital costumes

Nov 20 - Nov 25 Thanksgiving Break (NO CLASSES)

Dec 25 - Jan 6 Winter Break (NO CLASSES)

Jan 8 - Jan 13 Makeup Week (NO CLASSES, unless notified for prior cancellation)

Jan15 - Jan 20 All Recital dance classes resume

Early February Winter Recitals (all Company and recital classes participate)

Mar 25 - Mar 30 Spring Break (NO CLASSES)

Apr 1 - Apr 6 Makeup Week (NO CLASSES, unless notified for prior cancellation)

Apr 8 - Apr 13 All Recital dance classes resume

June 3 - 6 Recital Picture/In-Class Dress Rehearsal Week

June 7 ALL DAY TECH DAY at Harper (mandatory for dancers in level 1, level 2, Junior, Teen and Adult classes)

June 8 - 9 Spring Recitals (all Company and recital classes perform both days)

Fall Non-Recital Class Calendar

Aug 7

Aug 10

Resident Registration begins

Non-Resident Registration begins

Sep 11 - Sep 16 Fall Non-Recital dance classes begin (10 week session)

Nov 13 - Nov 18

elkgroveparks.org/pavilion_dance_centre

Last Week of Fall Non-Recital Session

PDC Program Benefits

Designed with Families in Mind

We provide quality dance training in a positive, nurturing and enthusiastic environment. Our instructors are 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. Having four dance studios in one facility, we are able to accommodate numerous classes in one evening for all the dancers in your family.

Viewing Week

In-person Parent Viewing Week will take place once a year, during our 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 of 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 9 years old and enrolled as a dancer at the Pavilion Dance Centre for the current year. Due to limited class sizes, Teaching Assistants will only be assigned to classes with dancers ages 3-4 and 4-6 years. If you are interested in this role, please email your availability by September 1, 2023 to Jessica at jbeirich@elkgroveparks.org.

Picture Day/In-Class Dress Rehearsal

Students will have the opportunity to have professional class and 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 (with the exception of Saturday classes.) Picture Day and In-Class Dress Rehearsal for Saturday classes will take place between Mon-Thu, exact times will be available Spring 2024.

Boogie Babies An introduction to pre-ballet for 3-4 year olds attending class without a parent. Students will develop coordination and confidence as they develop large motor skills, gain flexibility, learn basic ballet steps and express themselves through creative movement.

Boppin’ Babies An introduction to jazz/hip hop for 3-4 year olds attending class without a parent. This high energy class will have students movin’ and groovin’ as they learn basic hip hop steps while focusing on facial expressions, coordination and boppin’ to the beat!

Dabble in Dance (non-recital) Designed to introduce students to a variety of dance styles in just a few short weeks, your preschooler will have the opportunity to explore basic concepts in ballet, creative movement, jazz, hip hop and more!

Kiddydance A ballet and tap combination class for 4-6 year olds. Students will experience both dance forms each week in class.

Mini-Broadway Jazz An introductory jazz class for 4-6 year olds with an emphasis on learning simple choreography to music from popular musicals. This fun, upbeat class incorporates props and basic staging to help tell a story through music and movement.

Tiny Tappers is a form of dance characterized by using the sound of one’s tap shoes hitting the floor as a percussive instrument. Through the exploration of both classical and rhythm tap technique, students will build confidence and coordination as they use their feet to create sound.

Kinder-Ballet An introduction to ballet for 4-6 year olds. Ballet is a classical dance form that emphasizes placement, strength, coordination, flexibility and grace. Students will experience basic ballet concepts and steps through circle time, stretching, barre exercises and movements traveling across the floor.

Leaps & Bounds (non-recital) Is your child ready to take a “leap” and join a dance class without a parent for the first time? This class is designed to introduce your leaps and bounder to dance through music, creative movement and the fundamentals of dance!

Teeny Boppers A fun, high energy introduction to hip hop for 4-6 year olds. This class is designed to enhance musicality and performance qualities. Students learn to associate facial expressions with movement while having a great time boppin’ and hip hoppin’!

Class Descriptions

YOUTH - ADULT

Ballet A classical form of dance focusing on proper body alignment and fluid movement. Barre, center floor and across the floor progressions are all used to develop proper technique. Ballet is the foundation upon which most dance forms are based. Students will learn to execute movement with proper technique and a sense of musicality. Benefits Grace, poise, discipline, strength, flexibility.

Baton Twirl & Pom This fun and energetic beginner level class combines both twirl and dance activities. Participants will learn the skills of baton twirling, along with dance movements incorporated into pom and twirl routines. The purchase of a baton will be required. Cost of a baton is $35. Participants will be measured for a baton the first day of class.

Diamonds Our baton and poms competition team. Participants must have been asked to join Diamonds before registering. A $65 costume fee will be collected in November for competition.

Baton Private Lessons Private baton lessons are available at both the beginner/intermediate and advanced levels. Call or email the dance office for available times.

Pre-Pointe/Pointe A supplemental class for advanced ballet level dancers that incorporates exercises to strengthen one’s core, feet and ankles in preparation for dancing en pointe. Dancers must be recommended to register for Pre-pointe/ Pointe classes by a PDC ballet instructor. Students must also simultaneously be enrolled in an Advanced Ballet class. Pre-pointe students will wear ballet shoes to class. Dancers in pointe class will wear their custom fitted pointe shoes. Dancers in pre-pointe will individually progress and be approached by their instructor to take a pointe test, consisting of both written and performance portions. Upon passing they will move into the pointe class.

Combination Classes Students experience both forms of dance in class each week.

Hip Hop This popular, energetic form of dance allows dancers to perform with freedom of movement, adding in their own personalities. This class is inspired by today’s latest music and hippest trends in dance. Age appropriate hip hop music and movement is used for each class. Benefits Self-confidence, coordination, social interaction, musicality, endurance.

Modern/Contemporary An expressive form of dance that incorporates a fusion of many dance styles. Many times this style tells a story through choreography and dance phrases. Dancers are also encouraged to explore their emotions and movement through improvisation. A strong ballet and jazz foundation enhances the quality of movement. Benefits Expressive and emotional outlet, self-confidence, body and spatial awareness, strength, endurance.

Jazz Set to upbeat, popular music, this class combines stylized movement with technique. Jazz dance is based on ballet principles. Each jazz class consists of warm-up using isolated movements, across the floor progressions, and current choreography. Benefits Self-confidence, coordination, strength, flexibility, endurance.

Private Lessons The Pavilion Dance Centre offers students the opportunity to perform a solo in the Winter and Spring recitals. Private lessons provide an excellent opportunity to enhance technique through one-on-one instruction throughout the year. Private lesson times are scheduled in either 30 or 60-minute increments. Lesson times are limited. Enrollment will be on a first come first serve basis. Call or email the dance office for available days, times and instructors.

Tap A style of dance using special shoes to create different rhythms and sounds. Tap is great for developing musicality and coordination skills. Benefits Rhythm, coordination, pattern recognition, memorization skills, problem/puzzle solving.

Students are recommended to repeat a level to ensure optimal growth and development.

Levels

Combo/Single Discipline Level 1/Beginning A beginning level class for 6-9 year olds.

Combo/Single Discipline Level 2 A beginning to advanced beginner level class for 7-10 year olds.

Intermediate or Advanced For students who have completed 1-2 years of Level 1 or Beginning level classes. Placement into an Intermediate or Advanced level class is by recommendation only.

Junior For students ages 9-13 years old. Placement into Junior Levels beyond Level 1 is by recommendation only, if new to our program, please contact the dance office for initial placement recommendation.

Teen For students ages 13-17 years old. Placement into Teen Levels beyond Level 1 is by recommendation only, if new to our program, please contact the dance office for initial placement recommendation.

Adult For students ages 18+.

2023-2024 PDC Schedule

Instructors subject to change

Recital fees reflect a 33 week dance year and include a costume fee. Non-recital fees reflect a 10 week Fall session.

Classes begin the week of September 11

WEDNESDAY

Studio 3

Tiny Tappers (4-7 yrs)

4:30-5:15pm

Mr. Tre Code 405315-03

$388 R / $438 NR

Jr. Tap

THURSDAY

5:15-6:15pm

Ms. Samantha Code 405309-02

$438 R / $488 NR

Jr. Jazz (9-13 yrs)

6:15-7:15pm

Ms. Samantha Code 405314-01

$448 R / $498 NR

Ignite Jazz

7:15-8:15pm

Ms. Samantha Code 405314-05

$448 R / $498 NR

Ignite Sr. Jazz

8:30-9:30pm

Ms. Samantha Code 405314-04

$448 R / $498 NR

5:15-6:15pm

Mr. Tre Code 405315-05 $448 R / $498 NR Teen Tap

Mr. Tre Code 405315-04 $448 R / $498 NR Adult Tap

Mr. Tre Code 405315-06 $448 R / $498 NR

Policies

The Elk Grove Park District Code of Conduct Members or any users shall abide by all rules and regulations and shall conduct themselves in a safe, considerate and reasonable manner so as not to cause disturbance or to damage equipment and property. Members or any users will display respect, consideration and courtesy to all members, users, staff and Pavilion property. The Park District reserves the right to discontinue an individual’s use or membership because of disruptive or unsafe behavior within the building. The Park District reserves the right, at any time and from time to time to add, change, modify, suspend, interpret or cancel, in whole or in part this “Code of Conduct.” Facility Managers of the Park District, whenever reasonably possible, follow a progressive discipline procedure of

warning

Patrons may be subject to discipline, including termination of membership or removed from a program without prior notice or warning, even for a first offense, for failing to observe any of the “Code of Conduct” set forth in these guidelines. The Elk Grove Park District reserves the right to discipline members or users, including termination of the use of Facilities or programs, which is not described in these guidelines.

Attendance Dance lessons are cumulative and attendance is an important part of the learning process. We encourage students to attend every class for maximum benefit; however, we understand that this is not always possible. The maximum absences allowed, from September through April without consequence will be 8. Absences above 8 without make-up classes will result in the inability to perform in the Spring Recital. No class, costume or recital refunds will be given.

Make-Up Weeks In the rare event that an instructor has to cancel a class or weather conditions warrant cancellation, classes will be held during the same day and time during one of our scheduled make-up weeks. Please reference the dance calendar for exact dates. The PDC staff will do its absolute best to notify each participant by phone or email as soon as a class has been canceled to avoid inconveniences. Please be sure your contact information is updated with Pavilion Customer Service. If all classes run during a session, there will be no class during our designated make-up weeks.

Dance Withdrawal Policy

A refund request form needs to be filled out in order to withdraw from a dance class. This form can be requested with our Customer ervice counter at the Pavilion. There will be no penalties for changes made prior to September 1, 2023. Beginning September 1, 2023 notification to withdraw/transfer is subject to a withdrawal fee ($5 min/$25 max), per the Elk Grove Park District’s withdrawal policy. Costume fees are not-refundable for any reason after December 1, 2023.

Approaching an Instructor Please be respectful of an instructor’s responsibilities to the classes he/she is teaching. Any situations, questions or concerns may be addressed with PDC staff during office hours. If you would like to speak with one of our instructors directly, please leave a message at the Pavilion Dance Centre, 847.228.3519 and the instructor will call you at his/her earliest convenience.

Belongings Please keep track of your belongings. The Elk Grove Park District is not responsible for lost or stolen items. There are cubbies available in each studio for storage; however, space is limited, so please only bring necessary belongings.

Dancers Under 6 Years of Age If your child of 6 years old or younger is taking class, please stay in the designated “Dance Waiting Areas” near your dancer’s studio during class time or have a responsible adult available in case of an emergency.

Disciplinary Actions In the rare event that disciplinary action is necessary, the student will be asked to sit and observe class or be dismissed from the room. Parents will be notified by the instructor of all actions taken place.

Entering Late In the event that you must enter a class after it has started, please stand at the door and wait for the instructor to allow entrance into the room. This will minimize distraction and show respect to fellow students and the Instructor. *If a student is more than 15 minutes late to class, they will be asked to sit and observe. A dancer’s warm up is both mental and physical and a very important learning tool. Late-comers will NOT be marked absent and can still learn through observation and participate verbally in class. This is not a punishment; it is for the safety of the dancer and shows respect to the other students in class. This policy will be enforced by all instructors.

Food and Drink No food or drink is allowed in the classroom besides water. This includes gum and candy.

Unattended Children Dancers must be accompanied by an adult until class begins and immediately following its conclusion. Pavilion Dance Centre Instructors will not be monitoring children in between or during classes. Please be sure your child has proper supervision outside of class time.

Using the Restroom Dancers will be allowed to use the restroom during class, if necessary. Not all instructors have Teaching Assistants in class; therefore, your child may have to use the facilities alone. We recommend using the restroom before class begins to avoid distraction and missing class. When possible, please plan accordingly.

Lost and Found Lost and found items are placed in a bin in Studio 1. All items will be removed after the Spring Recital each year.

Meet Our Instructors

Ms. Samantha DeRango

Samantha DeRango is a passionate and dedicated dancer from Arlington Heights, IL. She started her serious dance training in high school. She graduated with a minor in Dance Education from Elmhurst University. Samantha has since taught dance at Rolling Meadows High School and the Elmhurst Park District sharing her expertise in hip-hop, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, ballet, and modern dance. With experience in both competitive and performance dance, Samantha’s versatile skill set and dynamic teaching style leave a lasting impact on her students. Her unwavering dedication, love for dance, and passion for sharing the art of creative expression are what most excited her about joining the Pavillion’s dance family!

Ms. Shannon Brodie

Shannon began her dance training at age four with Mim Eichmann at Midwest Ballet Academy in Downers Grove. Her passion for dance then took her to Northern Illinois University where she received her B.F.A. in dance performance. During her training at N.I.U. Shannon had the privilege of performing soloist roles in numerous ballets re-staged by Randall Newsom, including “Sleeping Beauty,” “Paquita,” and “Giselle.” She has also performed as a guest artist with Midwest Ballet Academy, Rockford Dance Company, and State Street Dance Studio. In 2007 Shannon Joined NoMi Dance company, and as a founding member, she has continued to perform with the company for the last several years. In July of 2013 Shannon was mentioned in a Review of NoMi Dance Company by Tribune critic Sid Smith who wrote: “...a collaboratively fashioned solo for Brodie, bittersweet and smart... toe work and turns, in a backstage scenario boosted by Brodie’s strength and carefully crafted nonchalance...” Shannon also performs with Winifred Haun and Dancers as a company member, and had the opportunity to perform in the Martha Graham inspired performance series “Vision Faith Desire”. Shannon has had the honor of working with choreographers such as Joshua Blake Carter, Paul Christiano, Autumn Eckman, Lizzie MacKenzie, Nick Pupillo, Ahmad Simmons and Jessica Miller Tomlinson. She has continued to share her love of dance through teaching in the Chicagoland area at numerous studios for the last 10+ years. Shannon is excited to continue to share her passion for dance with her students here at the PDC!

Ms. Ashley Valencia

Ashley Valencia grew up dancing in Centennial, CO at Centerstage Starz Theatre and Dance Studio. After high school Ashley continued her dance education by receiving her BFA in Dance from Stephens College in Columbia, MO. While in college she studied ballet, modern, jazz, tap, flamenco, Russian character, West African and choreography. She studied under Jan Miller, Deborah Carr, Mary Rotella, Christopher Morgan, Nancy Lushington, Lars Rosager among many others. Post college Ashley moved back to Colorado for a year where she danced with Damsels while teaching at her childhood studio, Centerstage. Ashley then moved to Chicago and had the privilege to dance with Matter Dance Company, Chicago Verge Dance Theatre and study with Chicago Tap Theatre. While in Chicago, Ashley also coached and taught dance technique to award winning high school color guards and dance studios around Illinois. After five years in Chicago, Ashley moved to Connecticut and taught at Get Up ‘N Dance in Bristol, CT for three years. She also danced with DanceWorks Boston, Fantango Dancers and Dimensional Dance. Ashley is excited to be back in Chicago to continue to teach and dance with our dancers at the PDC!

Ms. Josephine (Josie) Starr

Josie was born and raised in Marshall Missouri began her dance training at Broadway Bound Dance Studio under the direction of mentor Torey Spitzig. Josie graduated with a B. F. A. in Dance and departmental honors from Webster University. She has extensive performance experience in concert and competitive dance, as well as, multiple years of teaching experience. While at Webster she had to honor of working with artist such as Xi Zhao, Gregory Dawson, Tara Webbe Filomena Cacciatore, Anotonio Douthit-Boyd, Maggi Dueker, Beckah Reed and many others. Josie has had the privilege of training with companies across the United States, some of them including Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Backhaus Dance and Visceral Dance Chicago. She has most recently danced professionally in St. Louis with Consuming Kinetics Dance Company, and Ballet 314. Her teaching journey has included positions as Instructor/Choreographer for Broadway Bound Dance Studio and Dance Productions Unlimited. Josie is thrilled to further her dance career with Inaside Dance Chicago, and cannot wait to become apart of Pavilion’s dance family!

Ms. Alecia Corey

Alecia began her dance training at the age of 3 at the Mount Prospect Park District. She was trained in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical and Modern. During her time at the park district she was a member of The Impulse Dance Ensemble and Ballet Expressions under the direction of Amy Hubert and Kimberly Klinger. In high school she continued dancing on her high school dance team as well as her Orchesis Company. Alecia graduated from Carthage College in 2022 with a B.A in Choral Music Education and a minor in Dance. During her time in college she had many opportunities to perform as a part of her dance minor program as well as her college’s dance team. She had the chance to choreograph with her college groups as well as at a local studio. She looks forward to getting to continue her dance career and getting to share her passion with future dancers..

Ms. Megan Heller

Ms. Breana Sanaghan

Ms. Breana began her dance education at the Pavilion Dance Centre when she was just four years old. She was a member of the Pavilion Dance Connection Company throughout middle school until her transition to Elk Grove High School’s Orchesis team. There she was a choreographer and costume director, and competed on the dance team her senior year. She is trained in ballet, tap, modern, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, and hip-hop.

Meg began her dance training at the Pavilion Dance Center. Over her 13 years of dance training there, she studied Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Tap Funk, Acrodance, and Modern. She continued her training as a part of the Elk Grove High School’s Orchesis Program. Meg graduated from Hope College in 2017 with a B.A. in Business Management. She was involved in the dance program at Hope College by taking classes, performing, and teaching. Meg has been a member of The Outlet Dance Company for three years. Dance has always been a passion of Meg’s and loves being back where it all started by teaching at the Pavilion Dance Centre.

Mr. Tre’ Dumas

Tre’ is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University with a B.A. in Mass Media Arts with a concentration in Speech and Theatre Arts. He has taught and performed regularly at festivals including the Chicago Human Rhythm Project, the L.A. Tap Fest, the St. Louis Tap Festival, Maui Tap Experience, Detroit Tap Festival, Third Coast Rhythm Project, Calgary Tap Summit, Chicago Tap Summit (which he co-founded), North Carolina Rhythm Tap Festival, Vancouver International Tap Dance Festival and Columbus Taps. He was featured in the North American and European tours of Riverdance. He partnered with Bril Barrett to create M.A.D.D Rhythms, and the M.A.D.D. Rhythms Tap Academy. Mr. Dumas lived in Stuttgart, Germany, where he created an all ages/all levels tap program at the New York City Dance School. He performed Duke Ellington’s classic, “David Danced” with the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, he portrayed a fiery tap dancing preacher in the vignette “Dance Like David” in director/choreographer Derick Grant’s “Imagine Tap”, and co-starred w/Dormeshia Sumbry Edwards in the critically acclaimed independent film “The Rise and Fall of Miss Thang”. He was also seen on the only aired episode of Secret Talents of the Stars dancing with R&B songstress turned tap dancer, Mya. He was also became a member of Jason Samuels Smith’s ACGI. Creator of Chicago’s newest professional tap ensemble, Jus’LisTeN, he recently accepted a position as an associate director with the Chicago Human Rhythm Project. He debuted his first full production featuring Jus’LisTeN entitled, “Tap Like Water” as part of the annual Dance Chicago performance series. Aside from his beautiful daughter, Lauren, his greatest joy lies in dancing and sharing his love and knowledge of his art form with others.

Ms. Jaclyn Schwartz

Jaclyn began dancing at the age of four and grew up training under the direction of Pavilion Dance Centre staff. She has studied Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern, Lyrical, Pointe and Poms dance team. She is a graduate of DePaul University with a B.S. in Biology. She was a member of Elk Grove High School’s Orchesis program and DePaul University’s dance team. She has contributed choreography to local award winning performance companies and dance teams, including our Pavilion Dance Connection! She loves that she can continue to share her passion for dance with her students and families here at the PDC and is looking forward to continuing to direct and choreograph for our Nationally Award winning Ignite and Ignite Sr. competition dance companies!