School of the Chicago Festival Ballet
Member National Honor Society for Dance Arts
Recreational Program
The recreational dance program at VH School of Ballet is perfect for dancers who want to learn, grow, and have fun in a supportive and environment. Classes are offered for ages 3 to adult, for beginners to advanced, in Preballet, Ballet levels A through E, PrePointe & Pointe. Ballet level placement and advancement is based on instructor recommendation only. Students may choose to take as few or as many classes as desired. Supplementary classes are available in Contemporary, Jazz, Character and Classical Variations. The winter/spring session will conclude with a Spring Recital.
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Options: Students may choose to audition for Chicago Festival Ballet performances, such as Nutcracker and the Spring Ballet if desired. Students may also choose to enroll in repertoire to participate in the Summer Intensive Performance.
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CLASSES
Children's Ballet
Preballet
An introduction to movement, music, and beginning ballet for ages 3-5 year-old. Class is 45 minutes once a week.
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Level A
These classes are beginning ballet lessons, which help the student transition from Pre-Ballet to a structured ballet class. Recommended for ages 6 and up, this class includes stretch, barre and center, learning positions, combinations, and ballet vocabulary. Offered Tuesday & Saturday. Curriculum requirements 1.5-hour class once a week.
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Level B
Builds on the technique learned in Level A and progresses to more advanced technique and combinations. Full curriculum requirements: 1.5-hour class twice a week.. Offered Friday & Saturday.
Recommended options: Jazz/Hip Hop
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Level C
Prepares the students for the advanced level classes, building on the technique learned in level B. Includes pre-pointe 3x/week to prepare the students for pointe shoes. Full Curriculum requirements: Ballet technique 3x/week, pre-pointe 3x/week. Total 6 hours a week.
Recommended options: Character, Contemporary/Jazz
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Advanced Level Classes
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Level D:
Ballet technique: 4x/week, Prepointe/Pointe 4x/week: Full Curriculum total 8.5 hours a week.
Level E:
Ballet technique: 5x/week, Pointe 5x/week: Full Curriculum total 11 hours a week.
Special Classes
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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. 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.
Acro I
This beginner-level class introduces young dancers to the exciting world of acrobatics! Students will safely learn foundational acro skills such as rolls, bridges, handstands, cartwheels, and basic flexibility and strength exercises. With a focus on body awareness, control, and coordination, this class is perfect for dancers who want to add dynamic tricks and transitions to their movement vocabulary. No prior experience needed—just a willingness to learn and have fun!
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Adult/Teen Beginning Ballet
A beginning level ballet class, for adults and teens 16 years of age and older. No dance experience required. 1-hour class once a week
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Adult Intermediate Ballet
An intermediate level ballet class for adults. Some dance experience needed. A 1-hour class once a week. Pre-pointe option: add 30 minutes class time
Adult Contemporary/Hip Hop
A beginning level combination class of Contemporary & Hip Hop (Alternating weeks) Recommended for adults 18 and over. 1 hour class once a week.
Character
This class is for intermediate to advance level dancers, and teaches the stylized representation of movements and styles from traditional and national folk dances, used to provide divertissements for story ballets. This class focuses on Russian and Spanish character dance. Required for Levels D & E and the Pre-Professional Program.
A one-hour class once a week
Contemporary/Jazz II
Combination of Contemporary & Jazz. Contemporary is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Open to levels C, D & E, or ages 10 and up, or with instructor permission. 1 1/2-hour class once a week.
Dance Fit
An energizing, full-body workout for adults that fuses the grace of ballet, the expression of contemporary, and the power of strength & conditioning. This one-hour class is designed to sculpt, tone, and stretch your body while improving coordination, posture, and flexibility. Whether you're a dancer looking to cross-train or new to movement, Dance Fit meets you where you are—with no leotard or dance experience required. Just come ready to move, sweat, and feel strong!
Jazz/Hip Hop
A beginning level jazz & Hip-hop class, for students in levels A & B, or ages 6-9. 1-hour class once a week.
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Level E Intensive/Adult Advanced Ballet
Advanced Ballet class for Level E students or advanced adult students. Includes Pointe/Prepointe. Recommended for level E students, ages 12 and up, or advanced adult students. Instructor permission required.
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Teen/Preteen Beginning Ballet
A beginning level ballet class, recommended for preteens and teens ages 10-15. No dance experience required. 1-hour class once a week.
The Mix: Pop Music Dance Class
Get ready to move, groove, and feel the beat at *The Mix*! This fun, high-energy adult hip-hop dance class is designed for everyone—whether you're a total beginner or looking to rediscover your love for dance. Jamie Overla’s dance experience includes touring with Beyoncé, Usher, Nicole Scherzinger and performing at the Super Bowl, Grammys, American Music Awards, and Dancing With The Stars. No experience? No problem! Jamie designed *The Mix*! to include everyone’s vibe no matter what level, all you need is your passion for dance and music!
Set to an irresistible playlist of pop and hip-hop hits, *The Mix* combines easy-to-learn choreography with confidence-boosting moves that will have you feeling like the star of your own music video. Leave your worries at the door, bring your best energy, and let loose in a judgment-free zone where fun and fitness collide.
This isn’t just a dance class—it’s your chance to express yourself, connect with others, and let your inner superstar shine. So, what are you waiting for? Get on the dance floor and join *The Mix*
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Competition Team
Students chosen for the competition team are required to attend a summer competition rehearsal class, along with the full curriculum required for their level. We will compete in a minimum of two to three regional competitions. The Mini-team will participate in a minimum of 1 competition. Dancers who are chosen for the team at auditions will be placed in specific dances or teams by the competition instructor. Solo opportunities will also be assigned by the competition director. Attendance at all rehearsals & competitions is mandatory, beginning with the summer term and each dancer is responsible for their registration and costume fees. Information packet will be emailed to dancers chosen for the team.
Competition Team Rehearsal
For dancers selected for the competition team. By audition only. Choreography will be set for the 2024-25 competitions. 1 hour class once a week. Competition team members must enroll in and attend the full curriculum for their level and are required to also enroll in Contemporary/Jazz II. Team dancers who miss regular classes and/or rehearsals may be required to take extra private lessons, at the discretion of the competition director. Students who are assigned solos must make arrangements for weekly private lessons to rehearse. These private lessons are not part of the student’s regular required curriculum, and payment arrangements must be made directly with the instructor for private lesson fees. Private lesson rates are set by each individual instructor.
Mini Competition Team Rehearsal
For dancers selected for the mini-competition team, ages 5-10. By audition only. Choreography will be set for the 2024-25 competitions. 30-minute class once a week. Mini competition team members must also enroll in and attend the full curriculum for their level and must also enroll in Contemporary I.
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