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Welcome To VH Dance Center
Professional Ballet Training Since 1991
Kenneth von Heidecke
1952-2021
Kenneth von Heidecke, founder and chief choreographer of Chicago Festival ballet and School, passed away suddenly on December 11, 2021. Born on December 30, 1952, Von Heidecke began his career as a dancer, working his way through the ranks of many prominent companies. Most significantly, he was hand-chosen by legendary Prima Ballerina Assoluta Maria Tallchief to appear in the 1975 world premiere of George Balanchine’s Orfeo ed Euridice, a ground-breaking moment in his career. Over the years, Tallchief continued to coach Von Heidecke in the Balanchine repertoire and referred to him as her protégé.
Mr. von Heidecke was a brilliant choreographer, and an inspiration to the dance community. He was a renowned choreographer for opera and ballet companies around the world, having choreographed over 60 operas and 80 ballets. His vision and legacy will live on in the many dancers he taught and inspired through the years, and in the many students who continue to study and be inspired at VH Dance Center, which he left to his long-time student and school's director, Rachel Quinn.
To support the education and development of future dancers, and continue his legacy, tax deductible contributions are appreciated, and may be made to the Kenneth von Heidecke Memorial Scholarship fund, through our non-profit 501(c)(3) organization V H Ballet.
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Coppelia Auditions
COPPELIA AUDITIONS 2023!
Selected dancers will be invited to participate in VH Dance Center's Spring production of Coppelia, with choreography by Kenneth von Heidecke. Auditions will be held on Sunday, January 8th at VH Dance Center, 4222 Meridian Parkway, Suite 100, Aurora, IL 60504.
Auditions will take place according to the following schedule:
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm: dancers ages 5-6
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm: dancers ages 7-12
2:30 pm - 4:00 pm: dancers ages 13 and up
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Selected dancers ages 7-12 may be asked to stay for the next audition time, 2:30-4:00pm.
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Dancers must arrive 15 minutes prior to their age group’s start time.
Performance date will be in May 2023--date & location to be announced.
Selected dancers will be required to pay a performance fee (amount determined by roles received). Rehearsals for students of VH Dance Center & those under 18 years old are charged at regular tuition rates.
SPECIAL OFFER: New or former students who audition and register for classes will have the annual registration fee waived (a $25 value!)
*Selected dancers are encouraged to enroll in classes appropriate for their level, to learn the technique required for the performances. Rehearsals are held on weekday evenings and Saturdays.
Pre-Registration is required. Audition form available below. Register on our website at www.vhdancecenter.com, call/text 630-527-1052 or email vhcfb1@gmail.com
Contact us with any questions. Hope to see you there!
Pre-Professional Auditions
VH Dance Center’s Pre-Professional program has three levels and is designed for intermediate to advanced students who wish to pursue careers in professional dance. The 2022 Summer term dates are June 6th to August 6th. Students attend 9-17.5 hours of instruction weekly, depending on the student's level. Besides studying Ballet technique, and Pre-pointe or Pointe, students also attend Summer Workshop rehearsals. Preprofessional students also attend our 6-week summer intensive. These classes include Classical Variations, Musical Theater, History of Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Partnering, and Choreography.
Auditions are free, but preregistration is required. Students may enroll in the program at any point during the term, and tuition will be prorated. However, for new students, audition is required. Please contact us to schedule your audition!
Available Audition times:
Ages 12 and up: Choose Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, 4:30 - 6:30pm, or Saturday 11:30-2:00pm.
Ages 8 - 11: Choose Monday or Wednesdays 4:30 to 6:30pm or Saturday1:15-3:15pm
Auditions may be in-person or video
In-person auditions may be scheduled by phone or online:
To schedule online:
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Choose 'Register Now' below
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Log into your account or create an account
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Choose Register for classes
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Choose Pre Professional Audition.
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Select Schedule trial, and choose your Audition date.
Video Auditions
Upload recorded video auditions to YouTube or Vimeo, and include dancer's name and age in the title.
For YouTube, post as unlisted and email the link to info@vhdancecenter.com.
For Vimeo, email the log in and password to info@vhdancecenter.com.
Videos must be no more than 3 months old and must include the following:
All en pointe if applicable
Combinations to be included at barre:
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Plie including grand plie and relevé balance
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Tendus
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Rond de jambes
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Grand battements
Combinations in the center:
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Adagio, include développé, penché, promenade
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Pirouettes, including en dehors and en dedans
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Petite Allegro, including battu jumps
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Grand Allegro
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Optional: Variation of your choice
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Embrace Your Love of Dance
Our Program
Your quest for the perfect Ballet Academy can end right here. Our extensive list of classes includes many types of dance and a variety of skill levels, so rest assured there’s an option that’s perfect for you. We’re constantly updating our offerings, so check back often to make sure you don’t miss out on a new dance opportunity.
Children's Ballet
Led by a dedicated team of instructors, dancers ranging from age 2 through intermediate level begin with basic ballet steps and gradually transition to more advanced technique and prepointe in these classes. Classes encourage dancers to grow in skill and love of ballet, as they are gradually prepared for advanced level classes. Interested in learning more? Get in contact with a member of our team, we’re happy to answer any questions.
Advanced Ballet Classes
Advanced level students continue to study technique and pointe in the Balanchine style class. Performance opportunities with Von Heidecke's Chicago Festival Ballet are offered as an additional opportunity for dancers. Our amazing instructors make sure students get individual attention. Want to find out more? Get in touch with us today.
Pre-Professional Program
Our Pre-Professional Program is designed for the intermediate through advanced level student interested in a professional career in dance. Besides intermediate through advanced level ballet, curriculum includes contemporary dance, and performance opportunities with a professional company. Classes in Character, Jazz, and Hip Hop are encouraged. Instructors with professional backgrounds, who give dancers meticulous attention, and methodical analysis of technique help students achieve their highest potential. Instructors are committed to giving each student attention while also moving the class forward. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about this program or any others - simply contact us or stop by.
Special Programs
Whether you’re looking to learn new dance moves, hone in on your existing talent, or work on getting in shape these classes are what you are looking for. Classes offered include Classical ballet for ages 3 to adult, Ballet for Figure Skaters, Adult/Teen Beginning Ballet, Preteen Beginning Ballet, , Contemporary, Jazz ,WERQ fitness and our Competition team. The instructors are committed to giving each student attention while also moving the class forward. Our dedicated instructors are ready to answer any questions about our classes - simply contact us or stop by.
STUDIO HOURS
Monday: 4:30 - 9:00pm
Tuesday: 6:00 - 7:30pm
Wednesday: 3:00 - 9:00pm
Thursday 4:30-8:00pm
Friday: 4:30-7:30pm
Saturday: 9:00 - 4:30pm
Sunday: Closed
Contact Us
4222 Meridian Parkway, Suite 100, Aurora, IL
630-527-1052
Our Story
More About VH Dance Center
VH Dance Center is located in Aurora, Illinois where dancers begin instruction as young as 3 years of age. Our school specializes in professional ballet training in the Balanchine style, while also promoting positive body image and building self esteem. Classes offered include classical ballet as well as multiple other styles of dance to provide a well rounded dance education. Our program is ideal for dancers looking to pursue a professional career in ballet.
