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

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

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!

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 24

5100116 / Jazz/Hip Hop

This upbeat class introduces young dancers to the fundamentals of jazz and hip-hop in a fun and encouraging environment. Dancers will develop coordination, rhythm, musicality, and confidence while learning age-appropriate movement, basic technique, and energetic combinations. Perfect for beginners, this class builds a strong foundation while fostering a love of dance. Please bring water and a pair of jazz shoes to class. Instructor: Hanna Rogers No class Nov 24

5100117 / Introduction to Dance

Not sure which dance style is the perfect fit? Try them all! In this fun and engaging class, dancers will explore the fundamentals of a variety of dance styles while developing rhythm, coordination, and musicality. From ballet and jazz to poms and tap, each week introduces new techniques and movement concepts in a supportive environment. This is a great opportunity for dancers to discover their interests, build confidence, and find the styles they enjoy most. Please make sure to bring a water bottle and jazz shoes to class. Instructor: Hannah Rogers No Class: Nov 24 (Thanksgiving Break)

5100118 / Improv/Choreography

This class encourages dancers to explore their creativity through improvisation and choreography. Dancers will develop movement vocabulary, learn choreographic techniques, and gain confidence in creating and performing original works while strengthening artistry, musicality, and self-expression. Instructor: Erin Fabian NOTE: THE TIME FOR THIS DANCE CLASS HAS BEEN CHANGED TO 8:15PM-8:45PM. No Class: Nov 26

5100119 / Teen Barre/ Center (LB)

Build strength, balance, and confidence while developing a strong ballet foundation. This class focuses on proper technique, alignment, posture, flexibility, and center work to help dancers improve overall performance. Perfect for dancers looking to strengthen their ballet skills, refine movement quality, and enhance technique for all styles of dance. Instructor: Lori Buckely No Class: Nov 25 (Thanksgiving Break)

5100120 / Pop Dance

This class features the latest pop music and exciting, age-appropriate choreography. Throughout class, dancers build confidence, improve technique, and develop performance skills while exploring current dance styles in a positive and encouraging environment. Instructor: Erin Fabian. No Class: Nov 27 (Thanksgiving Break)

5100211 / Lyrical

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

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 25

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: Erin Fabian. No Class: Oct 31, Nov 28

5100243 / JR Hip Hop

JR Hip Hop is a high-energy class where young dancers learn fun, age-appropriate hip hop moves, grooves, and choreography. Dancers will build rhythm, coordination, confidence, and performance skills in a positive and upbeat environment. Instructor: Erin Fabian. No Class: Oct 12, Nov 23

Recital Dance Programs

5100209 / Broadway Bound

Love to sing, dance, and act? This class is perfect 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 Nov 26, Dec 24, Dec 31, Mar 25

5100210 / Storybook Ballet/Tap

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

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 / 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 26, Dec 24, Dec 31, Mar 25

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.

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 12, Nov 23, Dec 21, Dec 28, Mar 22

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 25, Dec 23, Dec 30, Mar 24

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 25, Dec 23, Dec 30, Mar 24

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."