Program
Dance
HEParks Stars Dance Academy provides creative movement instruction in ballet, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary for dancers of all ages. Classes focus on building rhythm, coordination, flexibility, technique, and performance skills in a supportive, confidence-building environment led by qualified instructors. Competitive opportunities are available starting at age five through Junior Company, Stars Dance Company, and Elite Tap, which compete at events throughout the Chicagoland area.
Dance Options
Welcome to the Academy
From First Steps to Center Stage
Whether your dancer is taking their very first plié or perfecting a complex time step, Stars Dance Academy offers a supportive environment for ages 3 to adult. Our curriculum blends fun with discipline, helping students develop flexibility, coordination, and a lifelong love for movement.
- Recreational Classes: Ages 3+ (Start here!)
- Competitive Teams: Ages 5+ (Audition required)
- Locations: Triphahn Center & Willow Recreation Center
Core Technique & Style
For dancers ready to focus on specific disciplines.
Classic Ballet Available at Triphahn & Willow The backbone of all dance. Our ballet program focuses on proper alignment, turnout, and fluidity. Dancers will progress through barre work, center floor combinations, and adagio exercises to build strength and elegance.
Jazz / Hip Hop Available at Willow Recreation Center Get ready to move! This class fuses the technical leaps and turns of jazz with the street-style grooves and attitude of hip hop. It’s a fast-paced class designed to boost confidence and stamina.
Tap Available at Triphahn & Willow Make some noise! Our tap classes focus on rhythm, precision, and sound clarity. Dancers will learn intricate footwork patterns and improve their musicality in a fun, upbeat setting.
Advanced Training
Take your skills to the next level. Instructor permission required.
Pre-Pointe (Ages 11+) & Pointe (Ages 12+) Available at Triphahn Center Designed for serious ballet students, these classes focus on the extreme ankle strength and body alignment required for dancing on pointe. (Note: Pre-Pointe is a prerequisite for Pointe).
Private Dance Lessons Ages 7+ | By Appointment Only Accelerate your progress with one-on-one coaching. Perfect for refining technique, preparing for auditions, or mastering a specific skill. Locations: Triphahn & Willow
The STAR Resource Center
Summer Dance Camp
Location: Willow Recreation Center Keep moving all summer long! Our week-long camps offer a deep dive into dance technique with a splash of summer fun.
- What to expect: Daily dance instruction, choreography workshops, and pool trips twice a week!
- Finale: Parents are invited to a special performance on the last day.
STARS Dance Company
Ready to Compete?
Join one of our award-winning teams: Junior Company, Stars Dance Company, or Elite Tap. Our company dancers train intensively and represent Hoffman Estates Park District at competitions throughout the Chicagoland area.
- Ages: 5+
- Commitment: Fall through Spring
- Auditions are held annually. Contact us for the next audition date!
Instructor Spotlight
Meet the pros
behind the poses.
Jessica Karbowski Dance Coordinator & Instructor An alum of the HEParks dance program herself, Jessica brings years of experience from the Schaumburg Dance Ensemble and Elmhurst University. Since taking the lead as Coordinator in 2020, she has focused on choreography for the STARS Dance Company and creating a positive, inclusive classroom where every student shines.
Stephanie Naumowicz Instructor A Hoffman Estates native, Stephanie graduated Summa Cum Laude from Illinois State University with a degree in Theatre and Dance Teacher Education. A former company member of the ISU Dance Theatre, she has performed everywhere from Disney World to the ACDA Gala. Stephanie is dedicated to nurturing talent and building student confidence through the joy of movement.
Wendy Shure Specialty Choreographer & Coach From studying at the Royal Ballet in London to touring professionally with Shelter Dance Repertory, Wendy brings a world-class perspective to HEParks. An ISU alumna, she has directed award-winning teams and coached our Elite Tap squad to a World Championship. Wendy loves sharing her deep expertise to help the Stars Dance Company reach new heights.
Olivia Offord Instructor Olivia’s journey with HEParks began as a student at age 3, and she has been a fixture in our studios for over a decade. Now a 6th-grade math teacher with a degree from Elmhurst University, she balances her love for education with her passion for the studio. Having grown up in the program, Olivia strives to create a welcoming, “at-home” environment for the next generation of dancers.
Cailin Hopkins Instructor Starting as a Stars dancer at age 3, Cailin has grown from student to teacher. A member of the Hoffman Estates High School Poms and an Early Childhood educator, she loves giving back to the studio that inspired her. Cailin is passionate about helping our youngest dancers discover their confidence and creativity.
Parent Essentials
Studio Dress
Code & Attire
To ensure a safe and productive learning environment, all dancers are required to wear the appropriate attire for their specific class style. Proper dancewear, such as fitted leotards and tights, allows instructors to clearly see body lines and correct technique, while specific footwear ensures stability and prevents injury.
- Quick Tip: Hair must be pulled back securely (buns for ballet). No jewelry, please.
- Where to Buy: Target, Dance N Tees, or Click Here for our DiscountDance.com Store.
| Program | Shoes | Dancewear | Optional Dancewear | Hair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballet/Tap 1 & 2 | Pink ballet shoes (canvas or leather) Black tap shoes | Solid color leotard Pink tights | Simple ballet skirt | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) |
| Ballet/Tap 3 & 4 | Pink ballet shoes (canvas or leather) Black tap shoes (not shiny) | Black leotard Pink tights | Simple ballet skirt Black jazz pants | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) |
| Ballet/Jazz 1 & 2 | Pink ballet shoes (canvas or leather) Black Jazz shoes | Black leotard Pink tights | Simple ballet skirt Black jazz pants | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) |
| Ballet/Jazz 3 & 4 | Pink ballet shoes (canvas or leather) Black Jazz shoes | Black leotard Pink tights | Simple ballet skirt Black jazz pants | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) |
| Jazz/Hip Hop 1 & 2 | Black jazz shoes | Solid black leotard or fitted black top Black jazz pants | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) | |
| Jazz/Hip Hop 3 & 4 | Black jazz shoes | Solid black leotard or fitted black top Black jazz pants | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) | |
| Tap 4 | Black tap shoes (not shiny) | Solid black leotard or fitted black shirt Black jazz pants | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) | |
| Pre-Pointe | Pink canvas ballet shoes | Black leotard Pink convertible tights | Black simple ballet skirt | Bun, braids, Ponytail (pulled up out of face) |
| Pointe | Pink pointe shoes Toe pads | Solid color leotard Pink convertible tights | Black simple ballet skit | Bun |
| Musical Theater & Poms | Black jazz shoes | Solid black leotard or fitted black top Black jazz pants or form fitted black shorts | Bun, braids, Ponytail (pulled up out of face) | |
| Boys Ballet | Black ballet shoes (canvas or leather) | White fitted shirt Black jazz pants | Out of face | |
| Boys Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theater | Black jazz shoes | Solid color fitted shirt Black jazz pants | Out of face | |
| Boys Tap | Black tap shoes | Black tap shoes | Out of face |
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