Dance
Stars Dance Academy offers Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pre-Pointe, and Pointe recreational classes. Dancers can enroll into classes once they are three years of age. The Stars Dance Academy also offers three competitive options starting at the age of five. Junior Company, Stars Dance Company, and Elite Tap all compete at competitions in the Chicagoland area.
For more information please check out the Winter/Spring 2024 Parent Handbook.
Winter/Spring Recital Session
The 2024 annual dance recital will be on Saturday, May 18th, with dress rehearsal on Friday, May 17th both at Hoffman Estates High School.
Click here for recital information.
Picture day schedule and dress rehearsal schedule coming soon!
Summer 2024 Dance
Registration for summer dance classes and dance camps will be coming soon!
Ballet / Tap
Expand upon tap and ballet techniques. Dancers will participate in warm-ups, barre work and learn combinations across the floor.
About This Program:
- Ballet/Tap 1 is for ages 3-5
- Ballet/Tap 2 is for ages 5-8
- Ballet/Tap 3 is for ages 7-15
- Ballet/tap 4 is for ages 10-18
- Classes at both Triphahn Center & Willow Recreation Center
Ballet / Jazz
Expand upon jazz and ballet techniques. Dancers will participate in warm-ups, barre work and learn combinations across the floor.
About This Program:
- Ballet/Jazz 1 is for ages 3-5
- Ballet/Jazz 2 is for ages 5-8
- Ballet/Jazz 3 & 4 is for ages 7-18
- Classes held at Triphahn Center and Willow Recreation Center
Jazz / Hip Hop
Dancers will learn the skills and techniques in both jazz and hip hop dance disciplines. Expanded instruction will continue through each level based on the dancers’ age and skill levels.
About This Program:
- Jazz/Hip Hop 1 is for ages 3-5
- Jazz/Hip Hop 2 is for ages 5-8
- Jazz/Hip Hop 3 is for ages 7-15
- Jazz/Hip Hop 4 is for ages 10-18
- Classes held at Willow Recreation Center
Tap Dance
Dancers will learn the skills and techniques in tap dance.
About This Program:
- Tap 4 for ages 10-18
- Classes held at Willow Recreation Center
Specialty Dance
Specialty dance classes to help dancers expand their skills. Courses such as Pointe, Pre-Pointe Floor Barre, Splits & Stretch, and Elite Leaps & Turns.
About This Program:
- Pre-Pointe is for ages 11+
- Pointe is for ages 12+
- Classes held at Triphahn Center
Private Dance Lessons
Dancers can work on one one with an instructor to improve their technique and skills. Contact Jessica Karbowski for available dates.
About This Program:
- For dancers 7+ or by teacher recommendation only
- Classes held at Triphahn Center and Willow Recreation Center
Questions? Contact: Jessica Karbowski at jkarbowski@heparks.org
Dance Attire
| Program | Shoes | Dancewear | Optional Dancewear | Hair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballet 1 & 2 | Pink ballet shoes (canvas or leather) | Solid color leotard Pink tights | Simple ballet skirt | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) |
| Ballet 3 & 4 / Lyrical | Pink ballet shoes (canvas or leather) | Black leotard Pink tights | Simple ballet skirt Lyrical sandals (for lyrical) | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) |
| Elite Ballet | Pink canvas ballet shoes | Black leotard Pink tights | Black simple ballet skirt | Bun |
| Pre-Pointe | Pink canvas ballet shoes | Black leotard Pink convertible tights | Black simple ballet skirt | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) |
| Boys Ballet | Black ballet shoes (canvas or leather) | White fitted shirt Black pants | Out of face | |
| Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theater | Black jazz shoes | Solid color leotard or fitted top | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) | |
| Elite Specialty | Tan jazz shoes, lyrical sandals, foot undies ** | Black leotard or fitted top Black jazz pants | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) | |
| Boys Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theater | Black jazz shoes | Solid color fitted shirt Black pants | Out of face | |
| Modern | Foot undies or lyrical sandals | Solid color leotard or fitted top Black jazz pants * | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) | |
| Tap 1 & 2 | Black tap shoes | Solid color leotard or fitted shirt Black jazz pants * | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) | |
| Tap 3 & 4 | Black tap shoes (not shiny) | Solid color leotard or fitted shirt Black jazz pants * | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) | |
| Boys Tap | Black tap shoes | Solid color fitted shirt Black pants | Out of face |
* Optional dancewear if enrolled in a combo class.
** Check with instructor before purchasing.
Dance
Video on how to do a ballet bun, click here!
Dance Instructors
Victoria Conde – Hi, I’m Victoria Conde! I started my dance journey at the Hoffman Estates Park District when I was 2 years old. Currently, I am in the Stars Dance Company competition team as a member of Company 4. In the past year, I have been a volunteer dance instructor at the Triphahn Center. Outside of HEPD, I am the Junior Varsity Captain of the Schaumburg High School Poms Team, The Sizzlers. I am a teacher at the Saxon Sunshine Preschool at Schaumburg High. I am also an active participant in the Schaumburg Theatre Department. Although I do many activities in and out of school, dance has always been my biggest priority and passion. It is an honor to teach children to love and appreciate all dance styles. Can’t wait for this year!
Jessica Karbowski – Hi, I’m Jessica Karbowski. I started dancing when I was 3 years old at The Hoffman Estates Park District. I continued to dance throughout high school and college. I was part of the Orchesis team at Schaumburg High School and I also participated in the Schaumburg Dance Ensemble’s The Nutcracker as well as some of their spring productions, such as Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid. I graduated from Elmhurst University with a degree in business administration and a minor in dance. I currently live in Carol Stream, IL with my husband, August and our three year old daughter. In the fall of 2016 I started teaching at the Hoffman Estates Park District. In August of 2020 I took over as the Dance Coordinator, and in 2021 I started teaching and choreographing for the Stars Dance Company as well as continuing recreational classes. Starting this year I will also be teaching the Junior Stars Dance Company as well. I love teaching all styles of dance but my favorites are Ballet, Lyrical and Pointe. Can’t wait to continue to teach my love of dance to your children!
Stephanie Naumowicz – Hi, I’m Stephanie Naumowicz! I grew up in Hoffman Estates, IL, and have always had a passion for dance and fine arts! I graduated from Illinois State University Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Theatre, Dance Teacher Education. I am certified to teach Dance, English, and Health at the Secondary Education level. I was a company member of Illinois State’s Dance Theatre from 2016-2020 and had the pleasure of performing pieces set by nationally recognized faculty and guest artists. I have danced both competitively and in concert dance settings. I have performed at venues including television, sporting events, community events, Disneyland/Disney World, and the American College Dance Association (ACDA) Gala Concert. But I enjoy my time spent teaching in dance studios the most! I strive to inspire my student’s confidence while nurturing their talent!
Olivia Offord – Hello, I’m Olivia Offord! I have been dancing since I was 3 and this will be my fourth year teaching dance through the park district. I have always had a passion for dance, and it is a great privilege to get to share that with my students. I absolutely love the time I have spent working in this park district. Before I started teaching here I volunteered in the dance program for about 6 years, and I have also been working at an after school daycare run through the park district for 5 years now. Currently I am double majoring in mathematics and education at Elmhurst University. Even with a busy schedule, dance and education have always stayed my priority. Because I started my dance journey at the park district, I have always felt at home in this welcoming environment, and I hope to provide that sense of comfort to your dancers as well. I can’t wait for this exciting upcoming year!
Wendy Shure – Hi! I am Wendy Shure and dance is my passion. I began dancing at age 2.5, performed as a full Company Member in the Eurythmics Dance Company, competed on the LTHS gymnastics team, and was selected MVP of my LTHS Varsity Poms Squad. I am a double major graduate of Illinois State University, graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Performance and a Bachelor of Science in Small Business Management Entrepreneurship. I was a full Company Member of the Illinois State Dance Theatre (ISDT) where my choreography was adjudicated at the American College Dance Festival (ACDFA), and showcased in the ISDT faculty concert. I studied dance from nationally recognized faculty and was selected to perform many pieces by professional guest artists. I studied dance abroad in London at the Royal Ballet and at the Pineapple London. Upon graduation, I danced professionally on tour with Shelter Dance Repertory. I then served as Director of Dance at Victory Academy taking their competitive dance team to Nationals, and was Artistic Director of the Nutcracker. I am currently the specialty choreographer and coach for the Stars Dance Company, Junior Stars Dance Company, and Elite Tap at the Hoffman Estates Park District. I accompanied our qualifying Stars Dance Company members to NYC to study with the Radio City Rockettes and I coached our Elite Tap to a World Championship in New Jersey! I look forward to each new year of teaching, choreography, and coaching our Stars Dance Company to success!
Stars Dance Company
Congratulations to our Stars Dance Company for the 2023-2024 season!
Company 1: Katie C, Emma F, Daniela H, Sonja K, Tomoha M, Sofia Q, Alexia S, and Kaelyn S.
Company 2: Cora F, Jayla H, Daniela M, Miranda M, Sophia S, and Kennedy W.
Company 3: Kylie H, Tori K, Nicole P, Ava P, Emma S, and Hailey S.
Company 4: Victoria C, Briana D, Cailin H, Ashley S, Lily S, and Jillian S.
Stars Dance Company Handbook 2023-2024
Congratulations to our Junior Stars Dance Company for the 2023-2024 season!
Charlotte F, Claire N, Alex S, Scarlett S, and Aria T
Congratulations to our Elite Tappers for the 2023-2024 season!
Cecilia M, Sachi M, Daniela M, Ethan S, Lily S, and Jillian S.
