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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Cinderella

Tickets are now on sale for the Memorial Spring Performance in honor of

Kenneth von Heidecke.

The May 15th performance features Cinderella, one of his favorite ballets, and will also include performances and tributes from dancers and students who worked with or studied with him. 

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Tickets are general admission and are on sale through May 14th. Get your tickets today!

Competition Company Auditions

We are VERY excited about another competition season, and look forward to working with your dancer as part of the competition team!

Auditions for the 2022-23 team are Saturday, June 4th:
Ages 5-7 from 1-2 pm

Ages 8-18 from 2-3 pm

Dancers chosen for the team will be required to attend a summer competition class, as well as the curriculum required for their level.

The full summer schedule will be available soon (summer term starts June 6th), but competition classes will be :
Competition team/YAGP:

Ages 8-18: Mondays, 3:30-4:30pm

Competition team: Ages 5-7: Saturdays 2-3pm,

Registration for auditions is now open!  Log in or create an account at the link below, choose 'register for classes', and 'Summer 2022'.

Spaces are limited--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. 2021-22 school year dates are August 16th to May 28th. Students attend 7-19 hours of instruction weekly, depending on the student's level. Besides studying Ballet technique, and Pre-pointe or Pointe, students also study Contemporary, and learn variations and repertoire to participate in Von Heidecke's Chicago Festival Ballet's Nutcracker, as well as VH Dance Center's Spring ballet performance.  

Class options include Jazz, Character, Contemporary, and Acting Masterclasses.

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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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Ages 12 and up: Choose Monday or Wednesday, 4:30 - 6:30pm, or Tuesday, Thursday  or Friday 5:00-7:30pm;
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.