Overview
Mundelein School of Dance is an award-winning program that offers a variety of dance classes for all ages including Acro, Adult Tap, Ballet, Creative Dance, Hip Hop, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Pointe, and more. We also have programs for our tiny dancers like Movin’ with Music and Ballerina Princesses.
Location: The dance studio is centrally located at the Regent Center, 1200 Regent Dr. It features a sprung wood floor, mirrors, ballet barres, changing room, small waiting area, a quality sound system, and convenient parking. We also offer classes at Mundelein Community Center, 1401 N. Midlothian Rd. and at Dolan Recreation Center, 888 Dunbar Rd.
Contact:
dance@mundeleinparks.org
Dance classes
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Acro: (Ages 10+) Class with a focus on floor acrobatic skills and tricks, as well as strength and flexibility. Click to register.
Adult Tap: (Ages 18+) Dancers will learn rhythm, timing, and agility while building coordination. No experience is needed. Click to register.
Ballet: (Ages 6+) A disciplined dance form focusing on developing strong technique and terminology. Click to register.
Creative Dance: (Ages 3-4) A basic introduction to dance in a fun atmosphere. Click to register.
Hip Hop: (Ages 7-12) Fun and challenging dance moves to the latest popular music. Click to register.
Hip Hop & Tumble Combo: Dancers will learn fun and challenging dance moves to the latest popular music and basic tumbling skills. Click to register.
Jazz: (Ages 8+) An upbeat style of dance that focuses on proper technique. Jazz includes leaps and turns that originated from ballet. Click to register.
Musical Theater: (Ages 7-10) The class emphasizes Broadway-style dances with a fusion of ballet and jazz. Click to register.
Pointe 1: Requires instructor approval. Pointe skills and strengthening for technique are needed when dancing on pointe. Click to register.
Pointe 2: (Ages 13+) Requires teacher approval. Pointe skills and strengthening for technique are needed when dancing on pointe. Click to register.
Poms: Learn poms style dance routines and brush up your skills before fall poms/cheer season begins. Click to register.
Pre-Ballet: (Ages 3.5-4) A basic introduction to ballet in a fun and creative atmosphere. Click to register.
Tap 1: Dancers will learn rhythm, timing, and agility while building coordination. Click to register.
Tap 2: Dancers will learn rhythm, timing, and agility while building coordination. Click to register.
Tap & Ballet Combo: (Ages 3.5-9) Dancers will learn ballet and tap basics. Ballet positions and basic skills will be taught, along with tap steps and terminology. Click to register.
Teen Beginner Tap & Ballet Combo: (Ages 12+) Dancers will learn ballet and tap basics. Ballet positions and basic skills will be taught along with tap steps and terminology. Click to register.
Tap & Jazz: Jazz skills and tap steps and terminology will be taught. Click to register.
Tap Technique: (Ages 9+) Dancers will learn rhythm, timing, and agility while building coordination. Click to register.
Location: The dance studio is centrally located at Kracklauer Park, 100 N. Seymour Ave. It features a sprung wood floor, mirrors, ballet barres, changing room, a small waiting area, a quality sound system, and convenient parking.
We also offer classes at Mundelein Community Center, 1401 N. Midlothian Rd., and at Dunbar Recreation Center, 888 Dunbar Rd.
Program Length: The dance program runs for 30 weeks generally following the school year. The dance curriculum is designed to take students from beginner to advanced levels in a variety of dance forms. Instructors are trained, experienced, and dedicated. They will teach and encourage your dancer to grow and perform to his or her potential. All dancers must be of the appropriate age within the first two weeks of the session and must be potty trained.
Payment Options: Costume costs are included with the tuition. For your convenience, you can register for long-term dance by making a partial tuition or full payments. Payments made in full will receive a discount. If you do not pay in full, you will sign up for autopay when you register. Payments will be automatically deducted on the first of the month, January 1 through April 1. Your child will not be permitted to continue in dance class if payments or arrangements are not made. Failure to make payments or arrangements by these dates will result in a $25 late fee.
Spring Recital tickets are an additional cost. Siblings are not guaranteed to perform in the same show if enrolled in separate classes. The last day to withdraw from class and receive any refunds is February 3. You must notify the Dance Coordinator if your dancer wants to withdraw and fill out a refund request form with Customer Service. After February 3, there will be no refunds issued. Also, if you do not want your child to perform in the recital, you must notify the instructor by this date. If you withdraw by our February 3 deadline and you paid in full, you will receive a prorated refund, less the classes you attended and $25 processing charge.
Recital: An annual dance recital takes place at the end of the season, in late May or the beginning of June. The recital is held at Mundelein High School. Participation in the recital is optional and it involves additional costs. Costume costs are included with tuition. Recital tickets must be purchased for the show unless you agree to volunteer as a stage Mom. Information about volunteering will be available by March.
Class observation: Parents are welcome to observe daily classes using the live video feed in our Kracklauer Dance Studio lobby.
Dance Companies: Dancers must have auditioned and been accepted into the company for the session. Company participation is by invitation. Dancers will be invited to participate in events such as community performances, conventions, competitions, and outings. Company dancers will be required to adhere to company rules, attendance policy, etiquette, and attire requirements.
Private Instruction: Private dance lessons are available and scheduled at a mutually convenient time for the student and instructor. There is a minimum purchase of three, thirty-minute lessons. Students can enroll as a solo, duet, or trio. Private lessons are necessary for dancers who chose to participate in competitions.
Weather Cancellations: In the event of inclement weather, dance class cancellations generally follow School District 75. If the instructor makes an exception to this rule, you will be contacted directly.
Additional questions: Please contact Heather Burnes, Dance Coordinator, or Stephanie Nece, Dance Lead at dance@mundeleinparks.org
What to Wear:
Acro: BLACK leotard, TAN convertible tights, BLACK shorts (optional)
Creative Dance and Pre Ballet: PINK leotard, PINK tights, PINK leather or canvas ballet shoes
Ballet: BLACK leotard, PINK tights and PINK leather or canvas ballet shoes
Jazz: BLACK leotard, TAN tights, BLACK dance pants or shorts, TAN jazz shoes
Tap & Ballet Combo Classes: PINK leotard, PINK tights, PINK leather or canvas ballet shoes, TAN tap shoes
Tap & Jazz Combo Classes: BLACK leotard, TAN tights, BLACK dance pants or shorts, TAN jazz shoes, TAN tap shoes
Dance Company: BLACK leotard, TAN tights, BLACK dance pants or shorts, TAN jazz shoes, TAN tap shoes. Pink ballet or lyrical shoes maybe required per instructors request.
Hip Hop: BLACK shorts or pants, BLACK shirt or tank top, and BLACK dance sneakers
Hip Hop & Tumble: BLACK leotard, BLACK or TAN convertible tights, BLACK dance sneakers
Musical Theater: BLACK leotard, TAN tights, BLACK dance pants or shorts (optional), and TAN jazz shoes. TAN character shoes may also be required per instructor’s request.
Poms: BLACK leotard, TAN tights, BLACK dance pants or shorts (optional), TAN jazz shoes
Boys: Boys should wear a BLACK or WHITE t-shirt and BLACK shorts or pants. BLACK ballet shoes, BLACK jazz shoes or BLACK tap shoes, depending on the class.
Adults: Tight fitting athletic wear may be worn or leotard and tights. PINK or BLACK ballet shoes, BLACK sneakers, jazz, or tap shoes, depending on the class.
Shoes:
A limited shoe exchange program of pre-worn shoes is available on a first come first served basis. In addition, we offer a shoe order and fitting program to purchase new shoes. Instructors will let you know about both shoe programs. You will save money by ordering dance shoes through this program compared to purchasing them retail.
Samantha Inendino, Dance Lead
Miss Samantha is from Schaumburg, where she began her dance career at the Schaumburg Park District at the age of four. She continued her studies at Rise Dance Center. In her thirteen years of dancing, she studied: ballet, tap, jazz, modern, lyrical, hip-hop, and breakdancing. While growing up, Samantha also cheered for the Schaumburg Athletic Association for eight years, later cheering for Schaumburg High School. During her cheer career, she won the IRCA State Championships once and coached three IRCA State Championship teams. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Bradley University. While teaching elementary school, Samantha also taught dance classes to students of all ages in Northbrook.
Samantha moved to Mundelein in 2019 with her family and joined the Mundelein School of Dance in 2021. She has enjoyed the community and culture that the school brings and looks forward to supporting it as the Dance Lead.
Elizabeth Aquino, instructor
Miss Beth has been part of the Mundelein Dance Program since the age of three and built her foundation as a four-year member of the Mundelein High School Dance Team. In college, she expanded her experience by teaching lyrical and ballet, which gave her valuable insight into both instruction and choreography.
With a background in ballet, pointe, and lyrical, Miss Beth is committed to helping dancers strengthen their technique, improve flexibility, and develop artistry. She creates a fun and encouraging atmosphere that helps dancers feel confident and excited to grow.
Miss Beth believes dance should spark joy and creativity. She strives to guide her students in reaching their full potential while making meaningful memories in the studio, living by her favorite motto, “Dancing is like dreaming with your feet.”
Cristina Bellizzi, instructor
Miss Cristina is a native of Arlington Heights and grew up dancing at DanceXpress Dance Studio. There, she studied a wide variety of styles including ballet, tap, Jazz, poms, hip hop, and flamenco. Christina was also a member of the Rolling Meadows Dance Team and later danced with the Division I DePaul University Blue Demons Dance Team.
Beyond her love of dance, fashion is Cristina’s passion and now her full-time career as a business owner, buyer, art director, and social media manager within the Chicago fashion industry. She credits her creativity and innovation to not just her Italian grandmother but also her years of dancing and her amazing dance instructors, who taught her confidence, creative problem-solving, and resilience.
Miss Cristina hopes to pass those same skills and values to all her students at Mundelein School of Dance.
Megan Gundrum, instructor
Megan brings extensive experience as both a dancer and educator to the Mundelein School of Dance. Originally from Appleton, Wisconsin, she trained in tap, jazz, ballet, pointe, and lyrical through Unity Dance and Acrobatics, where she also discovered her passion for teaching. Over the years, she has taught a wide range of classes for dancers ages 3–18, leading instruction in tap, jazz, ballet, pointe, and lyrical, and developing strong skills in fostering technical growth and performance confidence.
With a background in both recreation and studio settings, Megan creates an inclusive and encouraging environment where every dancer feels welcome to express themselves and grow. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes building positive relationships, inspiring creativity, and nurturing a love for dance that supports students at every level.
Lily Lopez, instructor
Lily has been part of the Mundelein School of Dance since the age of 3 and grew up training in all styles, including ballet, jazz, tap, pointe, contemporary, and hip hop. She is especially passionate about hip hop, loving the creativity and groove it brings to class and performance. As a placing soloist and member of the award-winning Dance Company, Lily brings both skill and energy to her teaching.
Lily believes that everyone has a place in dance and strives to create a positive, encouraging environment where dancers can grow, have fun, and gain confidence. She is excited to share her experience with younger dancers and help them discover their own love for dance.
Shannon Ouimet, instructor
Shannon combines her love of dance with a commitment to helping every student grow. A former Mundelein School of Dance student for eight years and competitive dancer for seven, she knows what it takes to succeed both on stage and in the studio. During her competitive career, she earned numerous awards, including a Golden Buzzer and First place for her jazz solo at Stars of Dance.
She teaches jazz, tap, acro, hip hop, tumbling, and leaps/turns/tricks, focusing on strong technique and building confidence. Shannon’s classes are high-energy, encouraging, and designed to help dancers push their skills while having fun.
She hopes to inspire her students to embrace the joy of movement and, as Lady Gaga says, to “just dance.”
Matilda Pimentel, instructor
Matilda has been dancing for 13 years, training primarily at Mundelein School of Dance. She is a current member of the Mundelein High School Varsity Dance Team. Her training includes ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, modern, contemporary, hip-hop, acro, and poms.
She has performed in many competitions, earning multiple first-place awards for her solos and duets. Matilda is in her first year of teaching but brings six years of experience as a dance assistant, working closely with younger dancers. She strives to create a fun and enjoyable classroom environment while ensuring strong technique and fundamentals are always emphasized.
One of her favorite parts of dance is the opportunity to perform on stage with her teammates and share the results of their hard work. Matilda is excited to bring her passion for dance, positive energy, and dedication to her students this season.
Chance to Shine Dance Competition
All 61 members of the Mundelein Dance Company attended our first competition for this season, and we are thrilled to share the results with you all. We are especially proud to be the only studio in attendance selected for the Chance to Shine Studio Spirit Award which is presented to the studio that best demonstrates professionalism, enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and strong sense of community.
Other highlights included:
- Shannon Ouimet winning first place overall in the Senior Solo category
- Matilda Pimentel and Addison Ross winning first place overall in the Senior Duo/Trio category
- Addison Ross winning first place overall in the Teen Solo category
- Suzanne Brown, Stella Hunter, and Annie Stauber winning second place overall in the Teen Duo/Trio category
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Awards TITLE/ENTRY # DANCERS High Gold #142 PENNIES FROM HEAVEN Bayleigh Hasler, Lorelei Moravec, Coraline Ugaste, Avery Welshans, Mila Woloszyn, Quinn Bayoneto, Evie Flores, Zosia Kabat, Natalia Mendez, Jordan Ostrogorski, Jordyn Ranney, Meela Tsybulsky Platinum 5th Overall
#143 AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH Mollie Pimentel, Ruth Plohr, Carly Volk Diamond 1st Overall
#144 MY TEARS RICOCHET Addison Ross Platinum #145 DON’T RAIN ON MY PARADE Stella Hunter Golden Buzzer Diamond
2nd Overall
#146 RIVER Matilda Pimentel Emotion Award Platinum
#147 HEAD ABOVE WATER Noelle Marx High Gold #148 UMBRELLA Ariella Zvyagintsev, Isabella Clark Platinum #149 KNEE DEEP Stella Belger, Lila Lockwood, Molly Heuser High Gold #150 PINEAPPLE PRINCESS Angelina Moncada, Ireena Tsybulsky Diamond #151 WAVE Lily Lopez, Erin Page, Stella Hunter, Noelle Marx, Nayumi Nakayama, Yana Ostrovskiy, Matilda Pimentel, Addison Ross, Annie Stauber, Suzanne Brown, Shannon Ouimet, Julia Song, Sofia Brown, Mikaila Brown Platinum #152 SAME BOAT Bella Mele, Zoey Rusk, Evelyn Marhoefer High Gold #153 COME CLEAN Ariella Zvyagintsev, Isabella Clark, Blue Rose Hernandez, Lucy Rollinger, Camila Stauber, Isla Ubert, Emmi Crow, Avalon DeMars, Madeline Wesel Platinum #154 SURF CRAZY Nellie Heikes, Mae Heikes Golden Buzzer Diamond
1st overall
#155 RIVER DEEP MOUNTAIN HIGH Shannon Ouimet Diamond 3rd overall
#156 CRY ME A RIVER Lily Lopez platinum #157 LANDSLIDE Julia Song Diamond 1st overall
#158 FEAR OF WATER Matilda Pimentel, Addison Ross Platinum 2nd overall
#159 APEX PREDATOR Stella Hunter, Annie Stauber, Suzanne Brown Platinum #160 WIPEOUT Erin Page Platinum #161 CAKE BY THE OCEAN Yana Ostrovskiy Platinum #162 MERCY SHORE Karoline Calderon, Chloe Kraemer, Bella Mele, Mollie Pimentel, Camryn Plohr, Ruth Plohr, Zoey Rusk, Carly Volk, Nellie Heikes, Mae Heikes, Kendall Dahm, Evelyn Marhoefer Platinum #164 ALL FOR ONE Angelina Moncada, Ireena Tsybulsky, Lila Lockwood, Abigail Andersen, Stella Belger, Molly Heuser, Eleanor Brown, Maren Curran, Ellie Dahm, Addison Oliva, Madison Wilken, Mabel Vukovics, Brianna Perales, Maybeline Polonsky Platinum #165 STEAM HEAT Suzanne Brown Platinum #166 SWIM Annie Stauber Platinum #167 HOLD BACK THE RIVER Karoline Calderon Chloe Kraemer Camryn Plohr Chance to Shine Studio Spirit Award Mundelein Dance Company Bayleigh Hasler, Lorelei Moravec, Coraline Ugaste, Avery Welshans, Mila Woloszyn, Quinn Bayoneto, Evie Flores, Zosia Kaba,t Natalia Mendez, Jordan Ostrogorski, Jordyn Ranney, Meela Tsybulsky, Ariella Zvyagintsev, Isabella Clark, Blue Rose Hernandez, Lucy Rollinger, Camila Stauber, Isla Ubert, Emmi Crow, Avalon DeMars, Madeline Wesel, Angelina Moncada, Ireena Tsybulsky, Lila Lockwood, Abigail Andersen, Stella Belger, Molly Heuser, Eleanor Brown, Maren Curran, Ellie Dahm, Addison Oliva, Madison Wilken, Mabel Vukovics, Brianna Perales, Maybeline Polonsky, Karoline Calderon, Chloe Kraemer, Bella Mele, Mollie Pimentel, Camryn Plohr, Ruth Plohr, Zoey Rusk, Carly Volk, Nellie Heikes, Mae Heikes, Kendall Dahm, Evelyn Marhoefer, Lily Lopez, Erin Page, Stella Hunter, Noelle Marx, Nayumi Nakayama, Yana Ostrovskiy, Matilda Pimentel, Addison Ross, Annie Stauber, Suzanne Brown, Shannon Ouimet, Julia Song, Sofia Brown, Mikaila Brown
We are very proud of all our dancers who competed and the talented dance staff who prepared them.