Welcome to the Park District of Oak Park District Dance Program! Our programming provides high-quality, affordable dance education in a fun and interactive format that builds community, positive self-awareness, rhythmic interpretation of music, as well as physical, social, emotional and cognitive development for adults, teens, and children of all ages. The Park District of Oak Park is a place where everyone can dance! 

The teaching team is excited to share our love of dance and dance education with the Oak Park/River Forest/Forest Park communities. We strive to make performing arts opportunities accessible to the public and encourage whole families to participate and develop their movement potential. These programs are easy to follow, taught by experienced, patient, kind, and educated teaching artists!

The Park District of Oak Park provides dance classes for infants to adults, from Baby Wearing Ballet, Classical Ballet, Tap, Hip hop & Jazz, and World Dance Fusion and more--Classes are held at the Gymnastics Recreation Center at 21 Lake St., Studio 1, and Stevenson Center at 415 Lake St., Second Floor, Ridgeland Common at 415 Lake St., Large Studio, and Cheney Mansion 220 N Euclid Ave., Parlor and Ballroom. 

Early Childhood Dance Programs  

Ages infants – 5 years

The atmosphere in our studios is comfortable, warm and friendly. The curriculum encourages natural dance movement in cooperation with, imaginative play, musicality, independence, sensory and fine motor development, strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and spatial awareness. Dancers roll, stretch, jump, dart, and swing while learning about body, effort, shape, space, time, and direction. The benefits are physical, social/emotional, and cognitive. Sensory exploration and movement exploration guides children to understand ownership of their bodies and create movement goals.  

This program teaches children to play with purpose and enjoy dancing, and to begin listening to directions from a teacher. Dancers also expereince the joy of dancing for your community both in class and in the theatre. 

Youth Dance Programs

Ages 6-14

Our Youth Dance classes develop turnout, coordination, beginning skills, spatial awareness, and discipline while developing both friendships and a love of dance. Dancers are led to advance their dance vocabuary and practise sharing their ideas, and understanding of the art form. 

Adult Dance Programs

Ages 15+

Adult classes are inclusive, easy to follow, and led by friendly and experienced instructors.  Dance keeps you actively exercising, learning basic skills or refining, and having fun while meeting new people. Adult programming in Swing & Ballroom, Latin, Ballet, Hip Hop, and Modern Dance is offered seasonally throughout the year.

For additional information, please contact Candace Lee, Dance Coordinator@pdop.org. 

What to Expect in Class

 Suggested Dress for Participants

Proper attire is required for all Dance classes:

·         Hair must be secured away from the face, preferably a bun if possible.

·         Please no stiff fabric or jeans for normally scheduled classes.

Specific dance attire information is as follows:

Shop Online

Buy everything you need for class in our online shop. pdop.org/shopnimbly

Dance Policies

Attendance

Consistent Attendance is essential to dancer’s progress in class. We recommend that dancers attend each week if possible. If your child is ill, we discourage their coming to class. If you anticipate an absence from your child’s class, please inform your teacher in advance or email Candace Lee @ Dance_coordinator@pdop.org

Bathroom Breaks

Visit the restroom before class begins.  Requests for breaks are distracting to the class as a whole. 

Classroom Etiquette

Please make sure that your child has had water, a snack, washed hands, and visited the restroom prior to class as to not disturb the rhythm of the class and their focus.  

To enter, we will line up at the far door. To exit, we will use the doors closest to the restrooms.

Parents/guardians may only enter the room when there is an observation day.  If you feel that your dancer may need some transitional help into the dance space, please email Candace Lee and the team will do our best to accommodate your dancer’s needs.  

Communication

We aim to provide excellent customer service with proactive communcation by your teacher and teaching assistant, Dance Coordinator, Customer Service Staff, Dance Studio Newsletters and emails. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to discuss them with your instructor or contact Candace Lee, Dance Coordinator, at Dance_coordinator@pdop.org