Dance
Stars Dance Academy offers Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pre-Pointe, and Pointe recreational classes. Dancers can enroll into classes once they are three years of age. The Stars Dance Academy also offers three competitive options starting at the age of five. Junior Company, Stars Dance Company, and Elite Tap all compete at competitions in the Chicagoland area.
Fall classes have officially started! If you still would like to sign your dancer up, you will be prorated at the time of registration for any classes that have already taken place. Registration will stay open until mid-October.
Summer Dance Camp
Dancers will attend camp Monday through Friday. Dancers will learn a dance throughout the week to show parents on the last day. Camp will go to the pool 2 days a week.
About This Program:
- Dance Camp is at Willow Recreation Center
Ballet
Expand upon ballet techniques. Dancers will participate in warm-ups, barre work and learn combinations across the floor.
About This Program:
- Classes at both Triphahn Center & Willow Recreation Center
Ballet / Tap
Expand upon tap and ballet techniques. Dancers will participate in warm-ups, barre work and learn combinations across the floor.
About This Program:
- Classes at both Triphahn Center & Willow Recreation Center
Ballet / Jazz
Expand upon jazz and ballet techniques. Dancers will participate in warm-ups, barre work and learn combinations across the floor.
About This Program:
- Classes at both Triphahn Center & Willow Recreation Center
Jazz / Hip Hop
Dancers will learn the skills and techniques in both jazz and hip hop dance disciplines. Expanded instruction will continue through each level based on the dancers’ age and skill levels.
About This Program:
- Classes held at Willow Recreation Center
Tap
Specialty dance classes to help dancers expand their skills. Courses such as Pointe and Pre-Pointe .
About This Program:
- Classes held at Triphahn Center & Willow Recreation Center
Specialty Dance
Specialty dance classes to help dancers expand their skills. Courses such as Pointe, Pre-Pointe and acro .
About This Program:
- Pre-Pointe is for ages 11+
- Pointe is for ages 12+
- Classes held at Triphahn Center
Private Dance Lessons
Dancers can work on one one with an instructor to improve their technique and skills. Contact Jessica Karbowski for available dates.
About This Program:
- For dancers 7+ or by teacher recommendation only
- Classes held at Triphahn Center and Willow Recreation Center
Questions? Contact: Jessica Karbowski
Dance Attire
| 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 |
* Optional dancewear if enrolled in a combo class.
** Check with instructor before purchasing.
Dance
Video on how to do a ballet bun, click here!
Dance Instructors
Cailin Hopkins – She started dancing at 3 years old and joined Stars Dance Company eight years ago. She has volunteered as an assistant in dance classes through the Hoffman Estates Park District for the past four years. She is a senior at Hoffman Estates High School, where she has been a member of the Poms team since her freshman year and previously competed on the school’s competitive team. She is also a teacher in the EYAS Preschool program at her high school. Being part of this studio—both as a dancer and now as an instructor—allows her to give back to the place that inspired her and to help young dancers grow in confidence, creativity, and a love for dance.
Jessica Karbowski –She started dancing at 3 years old at the Hoffman Estates Park District and continued throughout high school and college. She was a member of the Orchesis team at Schaumburg High School and also participated in the Schaumburg Dance Ensemble’s productions of The Nutcracker and spring shows such as Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid. She graduated from Elmhurst University with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Dance. She began teaching at the Hoffman Estates Park District in the fall of 2016 and became the Dance Coordinator in August 2020. In addition to teaching recreational classes, she also teaches and choreographs for STARS Dance Company. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, August, and their two children. She looks forward to sharing her love of dance with your children.
Stephanie Naumowicz – She grew up in Hoffman Estates, IL, and has always had a passion for dance and the fine arts. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Theatre, Dance Teacher Education and is certified to teach Dance, English, and Health at the secondary education level. She was a company member of Illinois State’s Dance Theatre from 2016–2020, performing works by nationally recognized faculty and guest artists. She has danced both competitively and in concert dance settings and has performed at venues including television, sporting events, community events, Disneyland/Disney World, and the American College Dance Association (ACDA) Gala Concert. She finds the greatest joy in teaching dance in studio settings, where she strives to inspire her students’ confidence while nurturing their talent.
Olivia Offord – She has been dancing since the age of 3 and is entering her sixth year teaching dance through the park district. She has always had a passion for dance and considers it a privilege to share that love with her students. She values her time working in the park district, where she previously volunteered in the dance program for six years and has worked at an after-school daycare for five years. This year, she is excited to teach the Performing Company and Junior Company, while continuing her involvement with the Competitive Company. She recently graduated from Elmhurst University with a double major in Mathematics and Education and is continuing her teaching journey as a 6th grade math teacher in Franklin Park. Despite a busy schedule, dance and education remain her top priorities. Having begun her dance journey at the park district, she feels at home in this welcoming environment and hopes to provide the same sense of comfort to her students. She looks forward to an exciting upcoming year.
Wendy Shure – She began dancing at age 2½ and performed as a full company member in the Eurythmics Dance Company. She competed on the LTHS gymnastics team and was selected MVP of her LTHS Varsity Poms Squad. She is a double major graduate of Illinois State University, graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Performance and a Bachelor of Science in Small Business Management Entrepreneurship.
She was a full company member of the Illinois State Dance Theatre (ISDT), where her choreography was adjudicated at the American College Dance Festival (ACDFA) and showcased in the ISDT faculty concert. She studied dance under nationally recognized faculty and was selected to perform pieces by professional guest artists. She also studied dance abroad in London at the Royal Ballet and Pineapple London. After graduation, she danced professionally on tour with Shelter Dance Repertory.
She then served as Director of Dance at Victory Academy, leading their competitive dance team to Nationals, and was Artistic Director of The Nutcracker. She is currently the specialty choreographer and coach for the Stars Dance Company, Junior Stars Dance Company, and Elite Tap at the Hoffman Estates Park District. She accompanied qualifying Stars Dance Company members to New York City to study with the Radio City Rockettes and coached Elite Tap to a World Championship in New Jersey.
Stars Dance Company
Congratulations to our 2025-2026 Stars Dance Company dancers!
Stars Dance Company
For dancers age 8-18 with multiple years of dance experience. The Stars Dance Company competes at 4 local competitions and performs in the annual dance recital.
Junior Stars Dance Company
For dancers ages 5-7 with at least one year of dance experience. The Junior Company competes at 2 local competitions and performs at recital and local performances.
Performance Company
For dancers ages 8-18 with at least one year of dance experience who perform at recital and participates in some Stars Dance Company events throughout the year.
Elite Tap
For dancers age 8-18 with multiple years of tap dance experience. The Elite Tap class competes at 4 local competitions and performs in the annual dance recital.
Junior Tap
For dancers ages 5-7 with at least one year of dance experience. The Junior Tap competes at 2 local competitions and performs at recital and local performances.
Questions? Contact: Jessica Karbowski
