Program
Dance
HEParks Stars Dance Academy provides creative movement instruction in ballet, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary for dancers of all ages. Classes focus on building rhythm, coordination, flexibility, technique, and performance skills in a supportive, confidence-building environment led by qualified instructors. Competitive opportunities are available starting at age five through Junior Company, Stars Dance Company, and Elite Tap, which compete at events throughout the Chicagoland area.
Dance Options
Welcome to the Academy
From First Steps to Center Stage
Whether your dancer is taking their very first plié or perfecting a complex time step, Stars Dance Academy offers a supportive environment for ages 3 to adult. Our curriculum blends fun with discipline, helping students develop flexibility, coordination, and a lifelong love for movement.
- Recreational Classes: Ages 3+ (Start here!)
- Competitive Teams: Ages 5+ (Audition required)
- Locations: Triphahn Center & Willow Recreation Center
Core Technique & Style
For dancers ready to focus on specific disciplines.
Classic Ballet Available at Triphahn & Willow The backbone of all dance. Our ballet program focuses on proper alignment, turnout, and fluidity. Dancers will progress through barre work, center floor combinations, and adagio exercises to build strength and elegance.
Jazz / Hip Hop Available at Willow Recreation Center Get ready to move! This class fuses the technical leaps and turns of jazz with the street-style grooves and attitude of hip hop. It’s a fast-paced class designed to boost confidence and stamina.
Tap Available at Triphahn & Willow Make some noise! Our tap classes focus on rhythm, precision, and sound clarity. Dancers will learn intricate footwork patterns and improve their musicality in a fun, upbeat setting.
Advanced Training
Take your skills to the next level. Instructor permission required.
Pre-Pointe (Ages 11+) & Pointe (Ages 12+) Available at Triphahn Center Designed for serious ballet students, these classes focus on the extreme ankle strength and body alignment required for dancing on pointe. (Note: Pre-Pointe is a prerequisite for Pointe).
Private Dance Lessons Ages 7+ | By Appointment Only Accelerate your progress with one-on-one coaching. Perfect for refining technique, preparing for auditions, or mastering a specific skill. Locations: Triphahn & Willow
The STAR Resource Center
Summer Dance Camp
Location: Willow Recreation Center Keep moving all summer long! Our week-long camps offer a deep dive into dance technique with a splash of summer fun.
- What to expect: Daily dance instruction, choreography workshops, and pool trips twice a week!
- Finale: Parents are invited to a special performance on the last day.
STARS Dance Company
Ready to Compete?
Join one of our award-winning teams: Junior Company, Stars Dance Company, or Elite Tap. Our company dancers train intensively and represent Hoffman Estates Park District at competitions throughout the Chicagoland area.
- Ages: 5+
- Commitment: Fall through Spring
- Auditions are held annually. Contact us for the next audition date!
Instructor Spotlight
Meet the pros
behind the poses.
Stefani LiPetri – Dance Instructor – Stefani discovered her passion for dance at age two and a half and has pursued it ever since. She performed as a full company member with the Eurythmics Dance Company, competed on the LTHS gymnastics team, and was named MVP of the LTHS Varsity Poms Squad. A cum laude graduate of Illinois State University, Wendy earned degrees in Dance Performance and Small Business Management. She performed with Illinois State Dance Theatre, studied abroad in London, danced professionally on tour, and later served as Director of Dance at Victory Academy. She is currently a specialty choreographer and coach for Stars Dance Company and related programs.
Stephanie Naumowicz – Dance Instructor – Stephanie grew up in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, and has always had a passion for dance and the fine arts. She graduated summa cum laude from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre, Dance Teacher Education and is certified to teach Dance, English, Health, and Physical Education at the secondary level. She has danced in both competitive and concert settings and has performed at venues including television, sporting events, community events, and Disneyland and Disney World. She finds the greatest joy in teaching dance, where she strives to inspire student confidence while nurturing artistic talent.
Olivia Offord – Dance Instructor – Olivia has been dancing since the age of 3 and has been teaching in the park district since 2021. She has always had a passion for dance and considers it a privilege to share that love with her students. She values her time working in the park district, where she volunteered in the dance program for six years prior to becoming a teacher. Olivia graduated from Elmhurst University with a double major in Mathematics and Education and is continuing her teaching journey as a 6th grade math teacher. Having begun her dance journey at the park district, she feels at home in this welcoming environment and hopes to provide the same sense of comfort to her students. She looks forward to an exciting upcoming year.
Nicole Panek – Dance Instructor – Nicole started dancing at a young age and has continued to dance and compete ever since. She has a passion for dance, and hopes to continue to pursue it in life. Nicole is excited to share her love towards dance with her dancers, and help them grow, not only as dancers but also as people. She is currently a member of the Hoffman Estates Dance Team and an Early Childhood Educator. She is very glad to be giving back to the studio that taught her, and shaped her as who she is today.
Lily Shure – Dance Instructor – Lily has been dancing at HEparks since she was 2½ years old and has developed a passion for dance. She is an Early Childhood Educator, a Summer Dance Camp Counselor, and loves working with children to teach them confidence and new skills. In addition to teaching, Lily is a Varsity member of the Hoffman Estates High School Poms and Competitive Dance Team, where she continues to grow as both a performer and a leader. She is excited to inspire the next generation of dancers while making every class a fun and exciting experience.
Wendy Shure- Dance Instructor – Wendy discovered her passion for dance at age two and a half and has pursued it ever since. She performed as a full company member with the Eurythmics Dance Company, competed on the LTHS gymnastics team, and was named MVP of the LTHS Varsity Poms Squad. A cum laude graduate of Illinois State University, Wendy earned degrees in Dance Performance and Small Business Management. She performed with Illinois State Dance Theatre, studied abroad in London, danced professionally on tour, and later served as Director of Dance at Victory Academy. She is currently a specialty choreographer and coach for Stars Dance Company and related programs.
Jillian Simon – Dance Instructor – Jillian has been dancing since she was three years old and joined Star Dance Company 8 years ago. For the past three years she has volunteered as an assistant dance teacher for the Hoffman Estates Park District. A junior at Hoffman Estates High School, she has been a member on both the poms team and competitive dance team since her freshman year. As a dancer and teacher, Jillian is excited to give back by inspiring and fostering a love a dance in others.
Parent Essentials
Studio Dress
Code & Attire
To ensure a safe and productive learning environment, all dancers are required to wear the appropriate attire for their specific class style. Proper dancewear, such as fitted leotards and tights, allows instructors to clearly see body lines and correct technique, while specific footwear ensures stability and prevents injury.
- Quick Tip: Hair must be pulled back securely (buns for ballet). No jewelry, please.
- Where to Buy: Target, Dance N Tees, or Click Here for our DiscountDance.com Store.
| Program | Shoes | Dancewear | Optional Dancewear | Hair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballet/Tap 1 & 2 | Pink ballet shoes (canvas or leather) Black tap shoes | Solid color leotard Pink tights | Simple ballet skirt | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) |
| Ballet/Tap 3 & 4 | Pink ballet shoes (canvas or leather) Black tap shoes (not shiny) | Black leotard Pink tights | Simple ballet skirt Black jazz pants | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) |
| Ballet/Jazz 1 & 2 | Pink ballet shoes (canvas or leather) Black Jazz shoes | Black leotard Pink tights | Simple ballet skirt Black jazz pants | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) |
| Ballet/Jazz 3 & 4 | Pink ballet shoes (canvas or leather) Black Jazz shoes | Black leotard Pink tights | Simple ballet skirt Black jazz pants | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) |
| Jazz/Hip Hop 1 & 2 | Black jazz shoes | Solid black leotard or fitted black top Black jazz pants | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) | |
| Jazz/Hip Hop 3 & 4 | Black jazz shoes | Solid black leotard or fitted black top Black jazz pants | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) | |
| Tap 4 | Black tap shoes (not shiny) | Solid black leotard or fitted black shirt Black jazz pants | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) | |
| Pre-Pointe | Pink canvas ballet shoes | Black leotard Pink convertible tights | Black simple ballet skirt | Bun, braids, Ponytail (pulled up out of face) |
| Pointe | Pink pointe shoes Toe pads | Solid color leotard Pink convertible tights | Black simple ballet skit | Bun |
| Musical Theater & Poms | Black jazz shoes | Solid black leotard or fitted black top Black jazz pants or form fitted black shorts | Bun, braids, Ponytail (pulled up out of face) | |
| Boys Ballet | Black ballet shoes (canvas or leather) | White fitted shirt Black jazz pants | Out of face | |
| Boys Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theater | Black jazz shoes | Solid color fitted shirt Black jazz pants | Out of face | |
| Boys Tap | Black tap shoes | Black tap shoes | Out of face |
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