Dance classes offered for adults, as well as youth dance programs that do not have prerequisites, are available for registration in-person at Prisco, Eola or Vaughan Centers or online.
Steppin’ Out Dance Studio
The Fox Valley Park District’s Steppin’ Out Dance Studio provides skill-building techniques through a variety of dance forms. All classes are taught in a pleasant atmosphere that enhances the learning experience. The joy of movement is complemented by the development of poise and self-confidence, two important traits that extend to all parts of a dancer’s life. The goal is to provide every student with a solid dance foundation while leaving room for individual creativity and fun!
Participants of the Steppin’ Out Dance Studio may audition to be a part of the A-Factor Dance Company. Dancers accepted into the A-Factor Dance Company are taught proper technique, body placement and flexibility exercises, and may be trained to compete in dance competitions or perform at events in the area. Additionally, dancers participate in two showcases biannually: Winter Showcase and Summer Showcase. Auditions for A-Factor are held once a year in May. For more information, call 630-859-8606
A-Factor Parent 2019-2020 Parent Handbook: English | Spanish
Performances are held at Prisco Community Center (150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora) unless otherwise noted. All tickets are available for purchase at Prisco Community Center, or online at www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/tickets.
The Nutcracker Friday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m.
Tutu Toddlers: This class is designed for the 3-year-old who loves music and wants to dance. Participants will concentrate on creative movement using large- motor skills choreographed to all their favorite songs. No dancers in diapers.
Budding Ballerinas: Four- and five-year-olds will learn ballet fundamentals in this class, which is similar to Tutu Toddlers.
Tiny Tappers: Toe, heel, step. Four- and five-year-olds will learn their first tap steps in this class. Children will improve their coordination and rhythms as they learn first tap steps. Classes include dance combinations designed especially for this level. No previous dance experience is necessary. Dancers must be at least 5 years old.
Beginning Levels: The class structure includes isolation and flexibility warm-ups for Jazz, barre and centre work for Ballet and Tap. Students will build on the terminology and technique learned in the Basic Level. Dancers must have completed the Basic Level to the satisfaction of the instructor and have permission to enroll.
Levels I-VI: These levels build on skills learned in the previous level. Students will clarify technique to become stronger dancers. Each level will introduce more complicated technique and combination work. As students advance, a more disciplined atmosphere is enforced and highly technical steps will be performed. Dancers must have completed the previous level to the satisfaction of the instructor and have permission to enroll.
Pre- and Beginning Pointe: Dancers who are enrolled in Ballet Level II may register for Pre-Pointe. Dancers enrolled in Ballet III or higher may register for Beginning Pointe. Dancers will not start out in pointe shoes. Dancers will work on strengthening their bodies and correct technique.
Pointe I and Pointe II: Dancers who are enrolled in Ballet Levels IV-VI and have completed Beginning Pointe to the satisfaction of the instructor and supervisor may register for Pointe I. Dancers who have completed Pointe I to the satisfaction of the instructor may enroll in Pointe II. Pointe shoes are required for both classes.
Modern: In this class, combinations will be taught designed toward introducing expressive dance rhythm and a freer more natural form of dance. Dancers must be enrolled in Ballet III or higher.
Lyrical I-III: A combination of ballet and jazz will be taught in this class designed toward lyric expression. Choreography will develop expressive dance rhythm. Dancers must be enrolled in Ballet Level II or higher to attend. Permission must be given to enroll in Pre-Lyrical, Lyrical II or III.
Hip Hop Level I-II: Students will learn a mixture of street moves and jazz. Hip Hop Levels I to II dancers must complete each level to the satisfaction of the instructor and supervisor to advance. Permission must be given to enroll in Levels I to II.
A-Factor Dance Company: Members are selected through an audition process held each May. Participants must be at least 7 years old, had at least one year experience in the last year in ballet and registered year-round in ballet and jazz classes. Previous jazz and tap experience highly recommended. Members are taught proper technique, body placement and flexibility exercises. The Dance Company represents the Park District in the community shows and competitions.
Erin O’Brien grew up in Chicago, Illinois where she discovered her passion for dance. She followed her passion to Illinois State University, earning her Bachelor’s of Science in Theatre- Dance Performance. While attending a university, Erin had the opportunity to work with various choreographers and plan showcases for her student run organization. After graduation, Erin began dancing with a professional modern dance company and teaching dance to children. She loves having the opportunity to watch children grow through art and find their passion, as she did. Erin is honored to be a part of the team at Fox Valley Park District and looks forward to the many opportunities that lie ahead.
Samantha Gaul A-Factor Artistic Director and Dance Instructor
Samantha Gaul began training and performing at the age of seven with the Beth Fowler School of Dance. She was a soloist for the Beth Fowler Dance Company for many years before continuing her studies at Northern Illinois University. She graduated from NIU with a Bachelors’ degree in Hospitality Administration and a minor in Dance Performance. Sam continues to teach and choreograph for local companies and organizations. She is excited to bring her love of dance to the Fox Valley Park District and is looking forward to educating and inspiring the dancers.
Caitlin Callahan Dance Instructor
Caitlin Callahan has been dancing since the age of 6. She has studied at Beth Fowler’s School of Dance, Ovation Performing Arts Studio, and Dimensions Dance Academy. She was offered a Summer Dance Intensive opportunity at Joffrey Ballet School in Chicago, and attended Visceral Dance School’s Summer Intensive in 2018. Along with her training, she has performed in multiple productions including the lead role Alice in Alice in wonderland and Odile in Swan Lake. Caitlin is very excited to be a part of the team and share her passion of dance with other aspiring dancers.
Miranda Colin Dance Instructor
Miranda Colin began dancing at the age of three and was trained through FVPD’s Steppin’ Out Dance Studio. After twelve years of tap and jazz, she continued dancing with Waubonsie Valley High School’s show choirs, developed a love for hip-hop as she joined her university’s hip-hop dance team, and began to study other styles such as ballet, modern, and musical theater at Millikin University which she graduated from with a B.M. in Commercial Music. Now she works as a freelance choreographer and dancer and has been seen dancing for Walt Disney World through the Disney College Program in 2015 as well as for Six Flags Great America for their summer seasons. Her choreography has been displayed for the past seven years by schools and organizations throughout the Midwest Region for musicals and show choirs. Miranda is ecstatic to share her passion for dance and hopes to inspire the students to aim for and achieve their highest potential.
Emma Hinkle Dance Instructor
Emma Hinkle has been dancing since she was three and has studied with DanceEncounter, Steppin’ Out Dance Studio, and The Attic Christian Arts Center. Emma was also on her school’s poms team and had the privilege of being captain! Over the years she has been trained in several styles including, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, Modern, and Musical Theatre. Emma loves to dance and is so excited to share her passion!
Jaime Johnson Dance Instructor
Jamie began her love of dance at age three. She trained with Marilyn Michael’s until she began at Salt Creek ballet at age ten. While dancing with Salt Creek she appeared as a doll and a mouse in several years production of the “The Nutcracker”. She earned a degree in Theatre from Columbia College Chicago in 2006. She has previously taught ballet, tap, lyrical and pointe classes at Peggy Rose Academy in Berwyn. Last summer Jamie performed as Sophie in the Fox Valley Park District Summer Stage Production of “ Annie “. Jamie is excited to be part of the Fox Valley Park District Dance Family.
Vantenia Kelley Dance Instructor
Vantenia Kelley is a Chicago native, who received her B.F.A in dance from Northern Illinois University. She has worked with, trained, and taught various dance ministries, dance teams and studios throughout the Chicagoland area and abroad. She has trained in various styles of dance such as modern, jazz, ballet, hip hop, contemporary, and African. She is currently the lead dancer for Recording Christian Pop Artist Shuree Rivera. Vantenia is also a member of Dance Missions International, and has traveled to Uganda, Africa to teach and minister through dance. Vantenia is passionate about her love for dance and aims to inspire others to always follow their dreams.
Eliana Kettley Dance Instructor
Eliana Kettley has taken dance at the park district since she was 3 years old. She participated in A-Factor Dance Company for seven years and assisted the company in receiving many awards! Eliana loves the park district, she is involved in many programs including the acting program and has performed in various shows, showcases, nutcrackers, etc. She can’t wait to get started and be able to teach and share her passion with so many new people!
Savannah Martin Dance Instructor
Savannah took her first dance class at the age of three. It was a ballet and tap class; instantly she was hooked and hasn’t stopped dancing since. She has taken various styles such as ballet, lyrical, jazz, tap, African and others from different studios, private dance lessons, Christian Youth Theater Chicago and Lou Conte Dance Studio. Savannah’s favorite styles are tap, lyrical and jazz. She’s been teaching dance classes for over 6 years at various studios and choreographed multiple musicals. Savannah is passionate about teaching dance to build up her students confidence and to inspire them to use dance as an outlet for expressing their emotions and sharing their talents with the others.
Grace Wiggins Dance Instructor
Grace Wiggins began dancing at the age of three and danced competitively for two years. She has been trained in a variety of styles including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, and even East Coast Swing Dance. She has always loved dancing and anything fitness related. Grace is so excited to teach and share her passion for dance.
Olivia Wiggins Dance Instructor
Olivia Wiggins has been enjoying dancing for 16 years. She began dance at the St. Charles Dance Academy in 2002. At the Academy, she danced with their company team and competed in new numerous competitions. Olivia has been trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Hip Hop and East Coast Swing. Olivia is thrilled to be teaching and sharing her love for dance!
Enjoy more dance opportunities with the performing arts drama classes! Some of the best dance numbers come from musicals and shows that are geared towards dancers. Dancers have a flair for the dramatic, and dance numbers are always an exciting, beloved part of any show. Click here to learn more about upcoming drama classes and auditions.
For students ages 7 to 18, private lessons are available in ballet, tap and jazz. Fee is $35 for each 45-minute class for four-week sessions. Days and times are subject to instructor availability. To schedule a private lesson, call Prisco Community Center at 630-859-8606.
Samantha Gaul
