Menagerie Dance

“My child loved her ballet class.” -Patron

“I am amazed at how much my daughter learned in class.” -Patron

Come dance with us!

Programs

Dance with Me (Parent and Tot, 2.5-3 years)

Our youngest ballet class introduces students and a parent to the magical world of ballet.  We use a variety of props to stimulate the students’ imagination and spark their creativity when dancing.  The main goals at this level are learning to listen to the teacher, following directions, and cooperating and sharing with other dancers.   This class will not participate in the recital.

Creative Dance (3-4 years)

This class introduces students to ballet technique, while encouraging their creativity and imagination.  We emphasize exploring the student’s natural passion for melody, rhythm and movement, as well as listening to the music.  “Free dance” time is important to the students at this level, as it allows them to express themselves and show their love of movement.  Students’ work on following directions, cooperating with others, developing spatial orientation ,and using basic counting skills.

Pre Ballet I and II (4-5 years and 5-6 years)

At this age, students begin to transition from fairy tale excitement to the self-awareness and pride of dancing ballet. Still emphasizing the use of imagery and imagination, the students develop basic dance coordination and body alignment. Students learn ballet terminology, how to identify correct and incorrect movements, and learn how to self-correct themselves while dancing.

Pre Jazz (5-6 years)

This class is for first time jazz students who are excited to “move to the music” and show off their natural flair for dance.  The main goals include learning class format, listening to their teacher and cooperating with other students.  The main focus at this first level is listening to the music, finding the rhythm, building basic jazz technique and vocabulary, and using power and energy in their movements.

Pre Modern (5-6 years)

Modern dance explores movement, space, rhythm, and the dancer’s own creativity with emphasis on momentum, shapes and patterns.  It is inspired by nature, music, art, and human emotions. This class will contain a very basic technique study and improvisation.

Student Division (First Grade and above – contact Meghan Reimers for placement inquiries)

This division is a Graded-training program. Age is used as a guideline for class placement; however a student’s individual ability becomes more important.  Students will be evaluated at the end of each year to determine appropriate class placement for the following year.  It is typical for a student to remain at the same level for 2 years.  Promotion to the next level does not occur until the student has mastered the current level syllabus.  This is important for the students’ safety, as well as their confidence.

Ballet I, II, III, IV

Ballet is the foundation of all dance styles. As students grow, they naturally begin to dance as a form of expression and imagination. We capture this enthusiasm and incorporate it into our ballet program for young students. As our students mature and their bodies develop strength, we transition to a more serious study of ballet technique that will prepare them to be both confident and technically proficient dancers and artists.

Jazz I, II, III, IV

Students who show a natural flair for drama and performance love Jazz class. Jazz curriculum is a perfect complement to our ballet program. We follow the typical jazz class format of building strength, balance, and extension through isolations, rhythmic exercises, floor stretches, across the floor patterns, and dance routines. Movements continue to develop as the students’ progress and mature.

Hip Hop I, II, III, IV

A fusion of high-energy dance styles equates to the dance style that is hip-hop, which is featured in many music videos. Groove to the beats of the latest songs as you warm-up and learn an exciting, lively dance routine.  Movements will continue to increase in difficulty from level to level.

Modern I, II, III, IV

Turning against the structured techniques and shoes of ballet, modern dance favors a free style of dancing,  using the concepts of contract/release, drop/flow, and gravity. This class consists of floor work, center work, a barre, and combinations that use the founding principles of modern dance and evolve them to the present.

Lyrical I, II, III

Lyrical dance is a style that blends ballet and jazz dance. A lyrical dancer uses movement to express strong emotions such as love, joy and anger.  Music may consist of many genres including pop, rock and hip-hop.

Adult Hip Hop (16 years and up)

This is an energetic class that not only teaches you Hip Hop movements and technique, but also instills rhythm and precision in your muscle memory. Utilizing upbeat music from various genres, in addition to the latest Hip Hop hits, you are guaranteed to have fun and get a good workout!

Theatre Jazz (13 years and up)

Whether you are looking to explore your inner performer or prep for your college audition, this class will introduce you to the “Broadway” style of dance. This class will follow a jazz warm up and will have progressions, center floor work and combinations that combine acting with jazz dance. This is a dance class, please dress comfortably. No Jeans or street shoes. This is a drop-off program. Coming Soon! Call (847)526-3610 for more information.

Session 1:  4 week Session

Dates: June 4 – 29
Fees: $30/38  45 min. Classes
$32/40   1 hour. Classes
Location: Community Center

Session 2:  4 week Session

Dates: July 9- August 2
Fees: $45/53  45 min. Classes
$48/56   1 hour. Classes
Location: Community Center

Jumps and Turns Master Class Series

8-12+ years
This class concentrates on the technical aspects of leaping, jumping, and turning by teaching a series of leaps and turns, jumps, and weight and direction changes.  Dancers will concentrate on learning, improving, and perfecting balance, strength, elevation, and body alignment.

Location: Community Center
Limit: 4/10
Code:
4054 Thurs June 28 9:15-10:45 am 8-12 years $18/26
4055 Thurs June 28 10:45 am-12:45 pm 12+ years $20/28
4056 Thurs August 2 9:15-10:45 am 8-12 years $18/26
4057 Thurs August 2 10:45 am-12:45 pm 12+ years $20/28

Lifts and Partnering Workshop

12+ years
Dancers will discover safe alignment for partnering in contemporary jazz and modern dance. They will develop an understanding of how to use and properly place one’s center, learning to share weight and utilize physics and natural momentum to assist in creative lifts and partnering work. We will also explore collaborative skills, how to be a good spotter, and including lifts in choreography.
Location: Community Center
Fee: $35/43 (3 days)
Limit: 4/10
Code: 4065 Thurs July 12, 19, 26 9:15-10:45 am

Enchanted Ballet Camp

3-5 years
Dancers will be introduced to the wondrous world of ballet through their favorite fairy tales! They will get to experience each theme’s story and characters through music, movement, books, and videos.  Dancers should bring a healthy snack and water bottle with them to camp each day.  Each session will feature a different theme.  **All participants must be 3 by June 1st and fully potty trained. **
Location: Community Center
Fee: $30/28 (2 days)
Limit: 4/12
Code:
4058 M W June 4, 6 10:30 am-12:30 pm
4059 M W June 18, 20 10:30 am -12:30 pm
4060 M W July 9, 11 10:30 am -12:30 pm
4061 M W July 23, 25 10:30 am-12:30 pm
4062 M W August 6, 8 10:30 am-12:30 pm

The Dance Experience

5-7 years
Dancers will be exposed to multiple dance forms through technique classes in Ballet, Modern and Jazz.  In addition, they will learn about the many aspects of performance including stage make-up, costume design and choreography.  Dancers should bring a healthy snack and water bottle with them to camp each day.  ** All participants must be 5 by June 1st**

Location: Community Center
Fee: $35/43 (2 days)
Limit: 4/12
Code:
4066 M W  June 11, 13 10:30 am – 1:00 pm
4067 M W  June 25, 27 10:30 am – 1:00 pm
4068 M W  July 16, 18 10:30 am – 1:00 pm
4069 M W  July 30 – Aug 1 10:30 am – 1:00 pm

Choreography Workshops

8-12+ years
Dancers will be encouraged to find their own creative voice and embrace their identities as choreographers.  They will explore the different processes with which you can create and develop choreography.  It’s the perfect place if you are looking to conceptualize your own piece, create a solo or further develop your own style of movement, and use your great imagination.

Location: Community Center
Limit: 4/10
Code:
4063 Thurs June 7, 14, 21 9:15-10:45 am 8-12 years $35/43
4064 Thurs June 7, 14, 21 10:45 am-12:45 pm 12+ years $40/48

Meet Our Instructors

Meghan Reimers-Dance Coordinator

Meghan received a B.A. in Dance Movement Therapy/Psychology from Barat College.  She is a former company member and guest artist of Judith Svalander Dance Theatre.  She performed with Vibe Dance Productions at The Jazz Dance World Congress in N.Y. and Chicago, Barat Repertory Dance Company and Prairie Spirits Dance Ensemble as one of the first American companies ever to perform at the Prague International Dance Festival in the Czech Republic.

Before coming to the Wauconda Park District Meghan had been on faculty at North Shore School of Dance for seven years,  She is the resident choreographer for the Wauconda High School and the current Dance Director for Grayslake Park District.   Meghan is a Wauconda native and currently resides in Volo with her husband and three daughters.

Colleen King-Instructor

Originally from Wisconsin, Colleen found her passion for dance at a young age. She took that passion to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and graduated with a B.A. in Business Management and a minor in Dance. Dancing and teaching has provided her with many opportunities such as performing and choreographing for many university productions, the Chancellor’s Inauguration, the American College Dance Festival, and the Midwest Regional Alternative Dance Festival. As a loyal advocate of the Arts, Colleen is beyond excited to continue sharing her love of dance with students for many years to come.

Christina Barnak-Instructor

Christina has 30 years overall experience in dance.  Her passion for the arts started at the age of 2 at various Dance studios in the local area focusing on Ballet, Tap and Jazz as well as Lyrical expression.  She started teaching at the age of 16 at the Mundelein Park District for ages 3 and up.  During her many years of teaching for the Park District she taught two of their three Dance Companies, bringing children/young adults to local competitions and appearances.  The ability to see children’s expression through dance is why she has this love of dance.

Natalie Kaplan-Instructor

Natalie is very excited to start teaching this year at Menagerie Dance Program!  She has been studying classical dance since she was three-years-old, has been teaching dance for the past 12 years at a nearby performing arts studio, and is the Head Varsity Coach for a local Dance Team.  Natalie was a senior member of both the Northwest Dance Company and University Dance Theater, touring and competing at a national level.  Her professional choreography credits include: A Chorus Line, Carousel,Thoroughly Modern Millie, as well as many competitive Dance Team routines for local high schools.  She lives in McHenry with her husband and two children.

Cari Holmes-Instructor

As a dancer for more than twenty years, Cari is trained in many forms of dance including Modern, Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Lyrical, Pointe and Hip Hop.  She has studied with many Chicago area instructors and choreographers at various studios in the Lake County area as well as at Hubbard Street and Joel Hall dance studios.  Cari has had the privilege of performing throughout the Lake County and Chicago area as a member of Terpsichore Dance Ensemble, Prairie Spirits Dance Troupe, TJ & Company Dancers, and Dave Beck’s Evolution: The Next Level.  Cari currently holds an AA in Dance and an AFA in Vocal Music Performance and she will receive her BFA in Dance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison this December.  She has been teaching and choreographing in the Lake County area for the past 12 years, and loves to share her passion for dance with her students.

Julie Brubaker-Instructor

Julie began dancing at the young age of 4, since then she has performed, competed, taught, and choreographed in many styles of dance such as; ballet, lyrical, modern, tap, jazz, and hip hop.  She has traveled to perform and compete with dance companies in regional and national competitions.  Julie has over 12 years’ experience working with children.  For the past 5 years she has taught and choreographed dance for a private studio in Island Lake.  She has a strong passion for dance and teaching others to dance has been a lifelong passion.

Class Attire

Ballet: Any color leotard and tights with pink leather ballet shoes (no slippers).  Ballet skirts and leg warmers are permitted. Hair must be off the face.

Jazz/Modern/Lyrical: Black jazz pants with any color leotard, tank top, camisole or fitted t-shirt. Jazz dancers should have black jazz shoes, lyrical and modern dancers will be barefoot. Hair must be off the face.

Hip Hop: Black jazz pants with any color leotard, tank top, camisole, or fitted t-shirt.  Dancers should have black jazz shoes or dance sneakers (NO Street Shoes).  Hair must be off the face.

Boy Dancers: Sweat pants, shorts, athletic pants or jazz pants, with any color fitted t-shirt and black jazz or ballet shoes according to the appropriate dance style.