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.
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, 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.
Staff:
Heather Burnes, Dance Coordinator
Stephanie Nece, Dance Lead
dance@mundeleinparks.org
847.566.0675
Dance Classes Just for Tots
Movin’ with Music: (12–36 mos/adult) is a class for our littlest dancers! Parents and their little ones will explore music and movement together. Sing, dance, and shake your sillies out with developmentally appropriate wordplay, activities, and rhythms. Parents or caregivers will participate with their toddler. Led by Mundelein School of Dance Staff. Click to register.
Announcements
Save the Date!
“It Happened at Night”
Mundelein School of Dance Spring Recital
Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 1 and 5 pm
Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 1 and 5 pm
Held at Mundelein High School.
Summer Dance Classes
MONDAY | |||||||
Prog | Class | Age | Skill Yrs | Date | Time | Location | R/NR |
0294.31.2 | PreBallet | 3-4 | 0 | June 12–July 24 | 4:30–5:00 pm | KDS | $45/55 |
0295.31.2 | Tap & Ballet Combo | 6-9 | 0 | June 12–July 24 | 5–5:55 pm | KDS | $65/75 |
0296.31.2 | Musical Theater | 11-17 | 4+ | June 12–July 24 | 6–6:45 pm | KDS | $55/65 |
0297.31.2 | Pointe* | 11-17 | * | June 12–July 24 | 6:45–7:30 pm | KDS | $55/65 |
0298.31.2 | Adult Tap | 18+ | 0 | June 12–July 24 | 7:30–8:15 pm | KDS | $55/65 |
TUESDAY | |||||||
Prog | Class | Age | Skill Yrs | Date | Time | Location | R/NR |
0299.31.2 | Creative Dance | 2.5-4 | 0 | June 13–July 25 | 10–10:30 am | MCC | $45/55 |
0300.31.2 | Hip Hop & Tumble Combo | 5-7 | 0 | June 13–July 25 | 4:20–5:15 pm | KDS | $65/75 |
0301.31.2 | Acro 2* | 11-17 | * | June 13–July 25 | 5:15–6:00 pm | KDS | $55/65 |
0302.31.2 | Teen Hip Hop | 11-17 | 0 | June 13–July 25 | 6–6:45 pm | KDS | $55/65 |
0303.31.2 | Teen Poms | 11-17 | 0 | June 13–July 25 | 6:45–7:30 pm | KDS | $55/65 |
*Instructor Approval Required |
WEDNESDAY | |||||||
Prog | Class | Age | Skill Yrs | Date | Time | Location | R/NR |
0304.31.2 | PreBallet | 3-4 | 0 | June 14–July 26 | 10–10:30 am | KDS | $45/55 |
0305.31.2 | Tap & Ballet Combo | 5-7 | 0 | June 14–July 26 | 4:20–5:15 pm | KDS | $65/75 |
0306.31.2 | Ballet | 7-10 | 2+ | June 14–July 26 | 5:15–6:00 pm | KDS | $55/65 |
0307.31.2 | Tap & Jazz | 7-10 | 2+ | June 14–July 26 | 6–6:55 pm | KDS | $65/75 |
THURSDAY | |||||||
Prog | Class | Age | Skill Yrs | Date | Time | Location | R/NR |
0309.31.2 | Tap & Ballet Combo | 5-7 | 0 | June 15–July 27 | 4:20–5:15 pm | KDS | $65/75 |
0310.31.2 | Acro 1 | 7-10 | 0 | June 15–July 27 | 5:15–6:00 pm | KDS | $55/65 |
0311.31.2 | Hip Hop | 7-10 | 0 | June 15–July 27 | 6–6:45 pm | KDS | $55/65 |
0312.31.2 | Adult Hip Hop | 18+ | 0 | June 15–July 27 | 6:45–7:30 pm | KDS | $55/65 |
SATURDAY | |||||||
Prog | Class | Age | Skill Yrs | Date | Time | Location | R/NR |
0313.31.2 | Adult Ballet | 18+ | 0 | June 17–July 29 | 8:30–9:15 am | MCC | $55/65 |
0315.31.2 | PreBallet | 3-4 | 0 | June 17–July 29 | 9:15–9:45 am | MCC | $45/55 |
0316.31.2 | Tap & Ballet Combo | 5-6 | 0 | June 17–July 29 | 9:30–10:25 am | KDS | $65/75 |
0317.31.2 | Poms | 7-10 | 0 | June 17–July 29 | 9:45–10:30 am | MCC | $55/65 |
0318.31.2 | Tap & Ballet Combo | 7-9 | 0 | June 17–July 29 | 10:30–11:25 am | KDS | $65/75 |
0319.31.2 | Creative Dance | 2.5-4 | 0 | June 17–July 29 | 11:30 am–12:00 pm | KDS | $45/55 |
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 2.5-3) 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 partial tuition (30% due) or full payments. Payments made in full will receive a 7% discount. If you do not pay in full, you will sign up for autopay when you register. Payments will be automatically deducted on the 1st of the month, September 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.
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:
Creative Dance and Pre Ballet: PINK leotard, PINK tights, PINK leather or canvas ballet shoes
Ballet Technique: 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
Boys: Boys should wear a solid t-shirt and shorts or pants. No baggy clothes. Boys wear either BLACK ballet shoes, BLACK jazz shoes or BLACK tap shoes depending on the class.
*Shoe Exchange: Pre-worn shoes are available at the dance studio. You can exchange your used pair for a size that fits, or make a $5 donation for a pair of shoes.
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.
Heather Burnes, Dance Coordinator & Instructor
Miss Heather has been teaching dance since 1999 in the Northwest Suburbs. She started her dance training in Palatine at the Bonnie Lindholm School of Dance when she was just three years old. In 1992, she was asked to join their award winning Dance Company. She studies under teachers such as: Al Gilbert, Michael Taylor, Bonnie Lindholm, Terry Lindholm, Jr., Corrinna Lindholm Stoner and many more. Heather has attended numerous dance convention and competitions to also add to her dance training. She has performed at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Universal Studios, in the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival with Disney, Daley Center, Navy Pier, for Chicago Bull’s Half Times and the Museum of Science & Industry just to name a few. Heather started as an assistant teacher when she was thirteen years old and began teaching when she was sixteen.
Heather graduated from Lake Forest College in 2005 with a BA in history and religion. In 2009, she completed a Master’s in Elementary Education from National Louis University. Heather feels lucky to be able to combine her passion for dance and love for teaching together. She is also excited to manage the program as the Dance Coordinator.
Heather lives in Villa Park with her husband, Brian, their children, Connor and Eleanor and their Italian Greyhound, Winston.
Stephanie Nece, Dance Lead & Instructor
Miss Stephanie began her dance training at age three at Gallina Dance Studio in Des Plaines, where her mother had trained as a ballet dancer. Throughout her childhood years she trained at several other studios including the Arlington Heights Park District and the Denise Sabala Dance Company. At age 15, Stephanie made her choreographic debut with the northwest suburban premiere of “The Who’s Tommy” with Don Leonard’s Family Theatre. Then at age 16, her mentor Donna Jagielski asked her to join professional dance company 98 Fahrenheit as one of its founding members. After graduating from St. Viator High School, Stephanie went on to study Musical Theatre and Dance at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin, on a performance scholarship. There she was captain of the Viterbo University Dance Team and participated in a cultural exchange program with the Belize National Dance Company, performing in cities throughout Belize. Stephanie began travelling across the Midwest region to choreograph for show choirs, dance teams, musical theatre productions, and competition teams. She also was on faculty at the Marilyn School of Dance and the Eau Claire School of Dance, as well as the Eau Claire Children’s Theatre Company. Finding a passion for teaching, Stephanie decided to pursue her graduate degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Loyola University Chicago and worked as a full-time fine arts educator for the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools.
In 2016, Stephanie moved to Mundelein and joined the faculty here at the Mundelein School of Dance. She also currently works as a choreographer, director, and designer at Big Deal Productions Theatre Company in Buffalo Grove. Stephanie loves being part of the Mundelein community living here with her husband and children.
Spring 2023 Competition Results
Hall of Fame Dance Challenge
Some Nights
Senior Large Group Tap – High Gold – 1st Overall High Score
Sunglasses at Night
Teen Large Group Jazz – High Gold – 3rd Overall High Score
Girl Party
Future Hall of Famer Small Group Jazz – High Gold – 6th Overall High Score
Starlight
Future Hall of Famer Small Group Jazz – Future Stars Judge’s Award – High Gold
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Teen Line Production – Judges Entertainment Award – Platinum
Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting
Sarah Page – Senior Tap Solo – Platinum – Judge’s Fantastic Feet Award – 1st Overall High Score
It’s a Quarter Past Midnight
Kayla Baltazar, Sarah Page – Senior Jazz Duet – Platinum – 1st Overall High Score
These 1st Place Regional Champion Awards qualify the Mundelein Dance Company to attend Hall of Fame Nationals Competition July 8-13 at the Schaumburg Convention Center.
Power of Dance
Night Train
Junior Small Group Tap – Diamond – 2nd Overall High Score
I See Stars
Shannon Ouimet – Senior Musical Theater Solo – Diamond – Power Dancer – 2nd Overall High Score
No Reason
Sarah Georgescu, Sophie Volk – Senior Musical Theater Duet – Diamond – Judge’s Character Award – Showmanship Award – 1st Overall High Score
It’s a Quarter Past Midnight
Kayla Baltazar, Sarah Page – Senior Jazz Duet – Diamond – Judge’s Technique Award – 2nd Overall High Scor
Hard Days Night
Mollie Pimentel, Carly Volk – Junior Jazz Duet – Diamond – Judge’s Choreography Award – 3rd Overall High Score
Five dancers were awarded Power Dancers and qualified to perform in the opening number at Power of Dance National Competition this summer. Two dancers, Sophie Volk and Sarah Georgescu, were also named Scholarship Recipients at the competition.
We are very proud of all our dancers who competed and the talented dance staff who prepared them.