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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Nutcracker
Auditions

NUTCRACKER AUDITIONS 2022!

Dancers & Gymnasts/Tumblers!

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Did you miss our Nutcracker Auditions? It's not too late! Contact us to set up an audition time!

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Selected dancers will be invited to participate in this professional production of the Chicago Festival Ballet’s production of the Nutcracker. Auditions will be held on Sunday, August 7th & August 14th at VH Dance Center, 4222 Meridian Parkway, Suite 100, Aurora, IL 60504.

No experience necessary for those under 7 years old.

Auditions will take place according to the following schedule:

12:30 pm - 1:00 pm: dancers ages 3-4

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

• Selected dancers ages 7-12 may be asked to stay for the next audition time, 2:30-4:00pm.

• Dancers must arrive 15 minutes prior to their age group’s start time.

Von Heidecke's Chicago Festival Ballet will present “The Nutcracker,” choreographed by Kenneth von Heidecke at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet on 11/27/22

We have also been invited to perform a few excerpts from Nutcracker with the Wu Zhi Lin Performing Arts Association on November 13th at the Schaumburg AI Larson Prairie Center.

Cast member participation fee (for those selected):

Cast as a Cherub: $40

Cast as Angel: $45

Cast as Mouse & Angel: $50

Cast as Mouse & Flower: $60

Other roles:

Cast in two roles: $70

Cast in three or more roles, or a main role: $80

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. Rehearsal tuition is charged at class rates for student dancers.

Schaumburg AI Larson Prairie Center:

Sunday, November 13th. Time TBA

Rialto Square Theater:

Sunday, November 27th at 2:00pm, at the Rialto Square Theater in Joliet, Illinois

Pre-Registration is required. Register on our website at www.vhdancecenter.com, call/text 630-527-1052 or email vhcfb1@gmail.com

If you are unable to attend the 8/7 or 8/14 auditions, please contact us and we can arrange another audition date.

Contact us with any questions. Hope to see you there!

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, 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

• 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.

Monday:  4:30 - 9:00pm

Tuesday:  4:30 - 8:00pm

Wednesday: 3:00 - 9:00pm

Thursday 4:30-7:30pm

Friday: 4:30-7:30pm

Saturday: 9:00 - 4:15pm

Sunday: Closed