The Lake Forest Dance Academy is proud to celebrate our 49th year of providing quality dance programs for all ages! We offer a variety of classes including Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Lyrical, Irish, Hip Hop, Acro, and Tap. We offer challenging programs designed for the serious dance student. We also provide classes for children, teens, and adults
Founded in 1974, Lake Forest Dance Academy is the most established dance studio in the area and is the only local studio that...
- Offers induction into the National Honor Society for Dance Arts
- Provides you with the most cost-effective, comprehensive dance program available
- Has highly educated and trained faculty dedicated to total student development
If you have any questions about our dance program, please contact:
Valerie Gonzalez, Director
Lake Forest Dance Academy
Phone: 847-810-3948
Email: [email protected]
DRESS CODE
The following is our guide to appropriate clothing and hair for dance classes. We welcome students of all gender identities and gender expressions. Dancers are free to wear what best matches their gender identity. We have chosen these attire expectations with everyone's safety and comfort as our top priority. If you have any questions, please ask your teacher.
ALL CLASSES:
- Hair is to be worn in a bun, ponytail, and off the face at all times for all classes.
- No jewelry is to be worn in class.
- No loose fitting garments are to be worn over leotards.
- Please label all attire and shoes.
early years
Tippy Toes:
- Comfortable clothes, bare feet or ballet slippers, solid color leotard and tights are optional
Ballet Tap Combo:
- Solid color leotard, tights and ballet shoes that most closely match the dancer's skin tone
- Solid color shirt, black pants
- Black tap shoes (Please no laces. Replace with elastic tap ties or Velcro.)
Pre-Hip Hop:
- Comfortable clothes and clean athletic shoes
Acro:
- Form fitting dance attire: black leggings, mid-thigh shorts, leotard, form fitting tank/t-shirt, no long sleeves
- No jeans, dresses, or skirts
BALLET
- Hair is to be worn in bun and off the face
- Solid color leotard, tights and ballet shoes that most closely match the dancer's skin tone
- Solid color shirt, black bottoms, ballet shoes
- Short dance skirts may be worn only at the discretion of the teacher
JAZZ
- Solid color leotard, tights or black leggings
- Solid color shirt, black bottoms
- Tan jazz shoes: Level 1 & 2
- Black jazz shoes: Level 3 & up
- Dance shorts may be worn at the discretion of the teacher
TAP
- Solid color leotard, tights or black leggings
- Solid color shirt, black bottoms
- Black tap shoes (Tap 3 & up black tap oxford)
- Dance shorts may be worn at the discretion of the teacher
MODERN
- Solid color leotard, convertible footless or stirrup tights
- Solid color shirt, black bottoms, bare feet
- No shoes worn for class
HIP HOP
- Athletic clothing granting movement and clean athletic shoes
- No Jeans
ACRO
- Form fitting dance attire: black leggings, mid-thigh shorts, leotard, form-fitting tank/t-shirt, no long sleeves
- No jeans, dresses, or skirts
Places to purchase dancewear and shoes:
302 McHenry Rd, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Body and Sole Dance Boutique
300 N Happ Rd, Northfield, IL 60093
Allegro Dance Boutique
2114 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201
Online: discountdance.com
POLICIES
CLASS PLACEMENT
All classes higher than Level I require placement confirmation for registration. Class progression and advancement is determined by the LFDA faculty. This promotes progress and minimizes the risk of physical strain. Returning students receive placement information by mail. LFDA reserves the right to determine necessary class re-assignment for students who are not registered in the appropriate level class. New students must attend a placement class prior to registration. To schedule placement evaluations please call the Dance office at 847-810-3948.
WITHDRAWAL & REFUND
All requests for withdrawals must be received in writing at the Recreation Center. The amount credited will depend on when the written request is received. For withdrawal requests received in writing no later than 7 days prior to the beginning of the class, a credit equal to 90% of the fee paid for the class will be placed on your account. From 6 days prior to the start of class until before the 3rd meeting of the class, a credit equal to 80% of the class fee will be placed on your account. No refunds will be given after the 3rd meeting except in the case of documented medical reasons or moving out of the local area.
INSTALLMENT BILLING:
Full year tuition payments may be made in two installments. First payment is due at time of registration. The second payment will be automatically charged to a credit card on file per schedule below.
ACADEMY TUITION - December 1 COMPANY TUITION - November 1
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is essential to maintain/advance level(s).
- If sick, please do not attend class.
- Please notify dance office of absences: email [email protected] or call 847-810-3948.
- At the time of notification, you may request a makeup class.
- Makeup classes must be reserved in advance.
- If injured, attend to observe and learn lesson.
VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION
In the event that we cannot hold in person classes due to a government stay at home order, all dance classes will be held virtually until the order is lifted.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
Should the Recreation Center close due to the weather or circumstances beyond our control, dancers should makeup classes in another class at the same level or below. Teachers may choose to schedule a makeup day should the calendar allow.
Our inspiring LFDA faculty credentials include:
- Masters Degrees from DePaul University, University of Wisconsin Whitewater, Tisch School of the Arts, New York University and undergraduate degrees from Wayne State University, Western Michigan University, University of Wisconsin, University of Akron, and other top university dance programs.
- Former American Ballet Theatre soloist.
- Past members of the Gus Giordano Jazz Company, Joel Hall Dancers, River North, Luna Negra, Thodos Dancers & Chicago Tap Theatre
- Certified members of the National Dance Education Organization, National Honor Society for Dance Arts, Dance Masters of America, the Cecchetti Council of America, Progressing Ballet Technique, and Acrobatic Arts.
Donations to LFDA are appreciated and accepted though the Friends of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Foundation.
