
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.

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.
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!
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. 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.
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!
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
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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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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.

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 - 9pm
Tuesday: 3:30 - 9pm
Wednesday: 4:00 - 9
Thursday 5:00-7:30pm
Friday: 5:00-8pm
Saturday: 9:00 - 4:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Contact Us
4222 Meridian Parkway, Suite 100, Aurora, IL
630-527-1052




