“So your child wants to dance?”

The young people, in today’s world, still want to do more than sit and play on their computer. Many are into acting, gymnastics, sports and the one that I see more of on a regular basis- dance! It seems that while the dance studios such as “Fred Astaire” and “Arthur Murray” studios seem to be disappearing, children’s dance programs are popping up everywhere. Some are through the park district and others are private schools that specialize in  jazz, hip-hop, tap, ballet and modern dance. Four of my grandkids are into dance, with two of them loving it, and the others just enjoying it.

The kids that reside here attend a program called “DancEd” located in the White Plains shopping center in Northbrook. I have been to the facility itself for birthday parties that the girls had there and while the studios are small, they are able to handle the parties and from what I gather the classes and the preparation for their events and concerts. This is not just a diversion for the kids to get some exercise, but in fact is a true place to learn an art. The instructors are dedicated to teaching the art of dance to the mostly young girls who desire to learn. Over the years, I have noted that very few boys participate, and yet, when I attend theater productions, the dancers seem to be a mix of both men and women. Where are these young boys being trained? Moms and dads, do not stop your sons from taking steps toward learning dance! This could be their destiny.

Over the years of watching my granddaughters, as well as my great nieces, who have been in this program even longer, I have seen some remarkable dancing as the quality of the talent grows and the school reaches to new heights. These young dancers are featured at sporting events, doing their own shows, entertaining seniors at centers and of course, they do a huge gala “recital” every spring in Skokie at The North Shore Center For performing Arts. A marvelous venue where they continue to fill the seats with not only family members, but locals who appreciate the art of dance.

I have been attending these for years. To give you an idea on the event, the 2018 “Recital” was over a Saturday and Sunday, with performances at 10:15 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. On Sunday, the shows were at noon, 2:30 p.m. and  5 p.m.  That is a total of 7 complete performances where hundreds of dancers thrilled their parents, friends , relatives and dance-lovers, over and over. Because it is a recital, some family members tend to yell out their child’s name, but this is just a reaction of a proud family member and has never had an effect on the dancers. They are prepared and put on a solid show.

This year, a ballet was the highlight of shows 3 and 6- while it was in the center of other dance numbers, the “Story of Coppolia” was a brilliant ballet performed by different girls on each day. Artistic Director Katie Hiles and her assistant Terri Jo Englund did a masterful job along with 8 choreographers who all pitched in with the  different groups of girls who performed as part of their year -end program. The show was stunning as were the costumes ( always beautiful and very glitzy). DancEd has been around since 1995, and over the 20 plus years, has grown to be a name that people recognize as a leader. They are often imitated, but to date, no one has ben able to come close to the way they work. Yes, it is a training center for these dancers, but if you ask the kids ( or parents), you will hear that DancEd is “family” and a place that they love!

To learn more about the DancEd  program, visit http://www.DancEd.com