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.
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 held at 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 and Pre-Pointe .
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
Victoria Conde – Hi, I’m Victoria Conde! I started my dance journey at the Hoffman Estates Park District when I was 2 years old. Currently, I am in the Stars Dance Company competition team as a member of Company 4. In the past year, I have been a volunteer dance instructor at the Triphahn Center. Outside of HEPD, I am a teacher at the Saxon Sunshine Preschool at Schaumburg High. I am also an active participant in the Schaumburg Theatre Department. Although I do many activities in and out of school, dance has always been my biggest priority and passion. It is an honor to teach children to love and appreciate all dance styles. Can’t wait for this year!
Jessica Karbowski –Hi, I’m Jessica Karbowski. I started dancing when I was 3 years old at The Hoffman Estates Park District. I continued to dance throughout high school and college. I was part of the Orchesis team at Schaumburg High School and I also participated in the Schaumburg Dance Ensemble’s The Nutcracker as well as some of their spring productions, such as Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid. I graduated from Elmhurst University with a degree in business administration and a minor in dance. I started teaching at the Hoffman Estates Park District in the fall of 2016. In August of 2020 I took over as the Dance Coordinator at the park district. Not only do I teach recreational classes, I also teach and choreograph for the STARS Dance Company. In my spare time I like to spend time with my husband, August and our two children. Can’t wait to continue to teach my love of dance to your children!
Stephanie Naumowicz – Hi, I’m Stephanie Naumowicz! I grew up in Hoffman Estates, IL, and have always had a passion for dance and fine arts! I graduated from Illinois State University Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Theatre, Dance Teacher Education. I am certified to teach Dance, English, and Health at the Secondary Education level. I was a company member of Illinois State’s Dance Theatre from 2016-2020 and had the pleasure of performing pieces set by nationally recognized faculty and guest artists. I have danced both competitively and in concert dance settings. I have performed at venues including television, sporting events, community events, Disneyland/Disney World, and the American College Dance Association (ACDA) Gala Concert. But I enjoy my time spent teaching in dance studios the most! I strive to inspire my student’s confidence while nurturing their talent!
Olivia Offord – Hi, I’m Olivia Offord! I have been dancing since I was 3 and this will be my fifth year teaching dance through the park district. I have always had a passion for dance, and it is a great privilege to get to share that with my students. I absolutely love the time I have spent working in this park district. Before I started teaching here I volunteered in the dance program for about 6 years, and I have also been working at an after school daycare run through the park district for 5 years now. I am so excited to be piloting the Performing Company this year, as well as continuing my involvement with Competitive Company as well. As of recently, I graduated with a double major in Mathematics and Secondary Education in May, and I will be starting my first year teaching 6th grade math in Franklin Park! Even with a busy schedule, dance and education have always stayed my priority. Because I started my dance journey at the park district, I have always felt at home in this welcoming environment, and I hope to provide that sense of comfort to your dancers as well. I can’t wait for this exciting upcoming year!
Wendy Shure – Hi! I am Wendy Shure and dance is my passion. I began dancing at age 2.5, performed as a full Company Member in the Eurythmics Dance Company, competed on the LTHS gymnastics team, and was selected MVP of my LTHS Varsity Poms Squad. I am 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. I was a full Company Member of the Illinois State Dance Theatre (ISDT) where my choreography was adjudicated at the American College Dance Festival (ACDFA), and showcased in the ISDT faculty concert. I studied dance from nationally recognized faculty and was selected to perform many pieces by professional guest artists. I studied dance abroad in London at the Royal Ballet and at the Pineapple London. Upon graduation, I danced professionally on tour with Shelter Dance Repertory. I then served as Director of Dance at Victory Academy taking their competitive dance team to Nationals, and was Artistic Director of the Nutcracker. I am currently the specialty choreographer and coach for the Stars Dance Company, Junior Stars Dance Company, and Elite Tap at the Hoffman Estates Park District. I accompanied our qualifying Stars Dance Company members to NYC to study with the Radio City Rockettes and I coached our Elite Tap to a World Championship in New Jersey! I look forward to each new year of teaching, choreography, and coaching our Stars Dance Company to success!
Stars Dance Company
Congratulations to all our Stars Dance Company dancers for a great 2024-2025 season!
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
