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.

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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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Competition Company Auditions

​If your dancer missed our last auditions, it's not too late!
Don't miss our second FREE audition date

    Monday 6/20, 4:30 - 5:00pm, for ages 5-7

We look forward to working with your dancer as part of the competition team! 

They will compete in one or two competitions in the 2022-23 school year.  Dancers who are chosen for the team at auditions will be placed in specific dances or teams by the competition instructor. Attendance at all competitions is mandatory, and each dancer is responsible for their registration and costume fees.

Competition rehearsal class is separate from regular level classes. For ages 5-7 rehearsals  will be Mondays 4:30 - 5:00 for the summer term, beginning June 27th through August 1st.  

Email, or call/text 630-527-1052 to register today!​

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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.

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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! 

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Available Audition times:
Ages 12 and up: Choose Monday or Wednesday, 4:30 - 6:30pm, Thursday or Friday 5:00-7:30pm or Saturday 11-1:30pm.
Ages 8 - 11: Choose Monday or Wednesdays 4:30 to 6:30pm or Saturday1-3pm

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

• Log into your account or create an account

• Choose Register for classes

• Choose Pre Professional Audition.

• Select Schedule trial, and choose your Audition date.

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Video Auditions

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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:

• Plie including grand plie and relevé balance

• Tendus

• Rond de jambes

• Grand battements

Combinations in the center:

• Adagio, include développé, penché, promenade

• Pirouettes, including en dehors and en dedans

• Petite Allegro, including battu jumps

• Grand Allegro

• Optional: Variation of your choice

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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.