Dance

Dance

ActivitiesGeneral InterestDance

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

4100111 / 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. Instructor: Lindsay S No class Jul 4

4100112 / Baby Ballet

This beginner ballet class is an introduction into the world of dance. Dancers learn steps and terminology. This class is geared for all who love to dance. Instructor: Carol R

4100113 / 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.

4100115 / Ballet

Young dancers are introduced to basic ballet skills, terminology, rhythm, and coordination. Lessons are practiced and developed through creative movement and music in a supportive and playful environment. * No class July 4 *

4100117 / Poms

Pom Dance combines the sharp movements of cheerleading with jazz techniques. Students use pom poms to accentuate the rhythm and create colorful visual effects while executing high energy dance routines. This class focuses on coordination, movement, and dancing as a team. It prepares students for dance teams and cheerleading.

4100119 / Tot Hip Hop/Jazz

This high-energy class is designed to teach coordination, balance, and memorization skills while students pop, hop and bop with popular kid friendly music. Hip Hop dance incorporates ideas and skills for many styles of dance such as funk, jazz, break dance, and street. Instructor: Hannah R

4100210 / Storybook Ballet/Tap

Perfect for young dancers, this beginner ballet class introduces fundamental steps and ballet terminology in a fun, imaginative way! Dancers will move and twirl to the music and stories of popular children’s movies, bringing beloved characters to life through dance. Instructor: Carol R

4100211 / Lyrical

Learn to express yourself through artistry and skill from various dance techniques. Dancers focus on technique and terminology to develop a well-rounded lyrical dancer. Instructor: Carol R

4100212 / Combination Classes

The class introduces dancers to the basics of proper ballet technique while including the sharp synchronized movements and visual effects of working with pom poms!

4100219 / Hip Hop Dance

Hip Hop Level 1: Get moving with this high-energy beginner class that introduces the basics of hip hop dance. Dancers will build confidence, coordination, strength, and discover their personal style. This class focuses on groove, individuality, and the soulful roots of hip hop, while also exploring its rich history. Perfect for anyone who's always wanted to learn hip hop! Instructor: Mat S * No Class July 29 *

5100110 / Beginning Tap

Have fun learning how to hop, shuffle, Heel - Step in this beginner tap class. We will focus on physical alignment, rhythm, simple dance technique and having fun. Dancers are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes (No Jeans) and tap shoes.

5100111 / 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!

5100112 / 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.

5100113 / 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.

5100115 / Ballet

Dancers are introduced to basic ballet skills, terminology, rhythm, and coordination. Lessons are practiced and developed through creative movement and music in a supportive and playful environment. No class Nov 25

5100116 / Bit Bop

Come bit bop around in this interactive mini jazz hip-hop class! We listen to upbeat songs and learn basic choreography for your little dancer.

Recital Dance Programs

5100209 / Broadway Bound

Love to sing, dance, and act? This class is for you! This class captivates pantomime/character movement, musical theater songs and dancing. We will work together to learn how to put all of your talents together to have you light up the stage at the Spring Recital! No class Oct 13, Nov 24, Dec 22, Dec 29, Mar 23

5100210 / Storybook Ballet/Tap

This beginner ballet and tap class incorporates steps and terminology with fairytale music. Participants use tiaras, wands, and horses.

5100211 / Lyrical

This free-flowing form of dance links ballet to jazz and teaches dancers to feel the music and move with the beat.

5100212 / Combination Classes

The combination classes (i.e. Ballet/Tap, Jazz/Tap) teach skills from the various disciplines to develop a well-rounded dancer. Technique and terminology are taught. Please bring dance shoes for each type of dance to all classes.

5100214 / Pom Dance

Pom Dance combines the sharp movements of cheerleading with jazz techniques. Students use pom poms to accentuate the rhythm and create colorful visual effects while executing high energy dance routines. This class focuses on coordination, movement, and dancing as a team. It prepares students for dance teams and cheerleading.

5100215 / Beginning Ballet

This class is designed to teach the foundations of ballet. In Beginning Ballet, dancers will learn how the very basics of ballet in a fun and engaging way while continuing to learn new techniques which will further their foundations in dance. Instructor Lindsay Skarbek No class Nov 27, Dec 25, Jan 1, Mar 26

5100216 / Intermediate Ballet

The Ballet program is a progressive system of classical instruction designed to provide graded classes for preschoolers through pre-professionals. All ballet classes introduce technical skills and terminology. Please wear ballet shoes and dance attire or comfortable clothes.

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.

5100219 / Fairytale Ballet

Fairytale Ballet invites young dancers to discover ballet through enchanting stories and imaginative play! Each class blends basic ballet moves with beloved tales, allowing dancers to leap, twirl, and explore in a fun, magical setting. Instructor: Carol Rogers. No class Nov 29, Dec 27, Jan 3, Mar 28

5100220 / Ascension

5100221 / Ascension Junior's

Ascension Junior’s is an exciting new program offered by the Park Ridge Park District for dancers interested in getting a glimpse into the Ascension Dance Company experience. Participants will explore group choreography, train in dance technique, and perform at a community event. Ascension Junior’s is designed to help dancers build the skills and confidence needed to audition for the Ascension Dance Company in early May. The program will be instructed by Lori Buckley. If you have any questions regarding the Ascension Juniors program, please email Mat Skorupski at mskorupski@prparks.org. No class Oct 13, Nov 24, Dec 22, Dec 29, Mar 23

5100240 / Intermediate Hip Hop

Intermediate Hip Hop is a high-energy class where students connect with the rhythm and learn to move with power and precision. Each class begins with a dynamic warm-up that includes isolations, stretching, and strength-building exercises to prepare the body for movement. Dancers will learn bold, expressive choreography both in the center and across the floor, building confidence and refining their personal style. This class encourages self-expression and performance skills, helping students grow as both dancers and artists. Instructor: Mat Skorupski. No class Nov 26, Dec 24, Dec 31, Mar 25

5100241 / Advanced Hip Hop

Advanced Hip Hop is an intense, fast-paced class designed for experienced dancers ready to push their limits. Each session begins with a rigorous warm-up focusing on advanced isolations, flexibility, stamina, and strength training to prepare for complex choreography. Dancers will explore intricate musicality, freestyle elements, and high-impact combinations both in the center and across the floor. This class emphasizes precision, performance quality, and personal artistry, challenging each student to refine their technique, expand their creative expression, and command the stage with confidence and originality. Instructor: Mat Skorupski No class Nov 27, Dec 25, Jan 1, Mar 26

5100242 / Adult Hip Hop

Mom's Hip Hop: Unleash your energy, build confidence, and find your groove in this fun and empowering class designed specifically for dance mom’s. Each class begins with a full-body warm-up that includes isolations, stretching, and strength-building exercises. You’ll learn expressive choreography that blends rhythm, style, and precision that will Challenge you while allowing space for personal flair. Whether looking to elevate your skills or wanting to try something new, this class offers a supportive, high-energy environment where you can grow, sweat, and most importantly, have fun! Instructor: Mat Skorupski. No class Nov 26, Dec 24, Dec 31, Mar 25

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."