Stars Dance Academy
Dance Lessons
Stars Dance Academy offers a variety of classes. Dancers have the opportunity to take Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Modern, Hip Hop and Pointe. We offer classes for ages 3 through adults.
Our goal is to allow each student to experience all elements of dance: technique, creativity, confidence, coordination, grace, and rhythm. We strive to develop self-esteem and self-discipline in each of our students while motivating students to believe that with determination and hard work you can accomplish anything you set your heart on!
For more information check out the Stars Dance Academy Handbook
Questions? Contact: Jessica Karbowski, (847) 781-3631 jkarbowski@heparks.org
2022 Summer Dance Lessons
Registration for our summer session is open! Summer classes start the week of June 6th and run through the last week of July/first week of August. Summer is the perfect opportunity to try out new styles. We also offer Summer Dance Camp for 4 different weeks during the summer.
Remember: If a program is full, please join the waitlist. It may be possible for HEParks to form a new section.
PLEASE register early, try not to wait until the last day. Classes require a minimum number of participants to run, so register early to ensure your class doesn’t get canceled. If we don’t have enough participants a few days before the start date, we may cancel. Can’t find the class you’re looking for or having trouble registering? Contact us at 847-885-7500.
All summer classes and camps are listed below.
Dance Attire
| Program | Shoes | Dancewear | Optional Dancewear | Hair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballet 1 & 2 | Pink ballet shoes (canvas or leather) | Solid color leotard Pink tights | Simple ballet skirt | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) |
| Ballet 3 & 4 / Lyrical | Pink ballet shoes (canvas or leather) | Black leotard Pink tights | Simple ballet skirt Lyrical sandals (for lyrical) | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) |
| Elite Ballet | Pink canvas ballet shoes | Black leotard Pink tights | Black simple ballet skirt | Bun |
| Pre-Pointe | Pink canvas ballet shoes | Black leotard Pink convertible tights | Black simple ballet skirt | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) |
| Boys Ballet | Black ballet shoes (canvas or leather) | White fitted shirt Black pants | Out of face | |
| Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theater | Black jazz shoes | Solid color leotard or fitted top | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) | |
| Elite Specialty | Tan jazz shoes, lyrical sandals, foot undies ** | Black leotard or fitted top Black jazz pants | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) | |
| Boys Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theater | Black jazz shoes | Solid color fitted shirt Black pants | Out of face | |
| Modern | Foot undies or lyrical sandals | Solid color leotard or fitted top Black jazz pants * | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) | |
| Tap 1 & 2 | Black tap shoes | Solid color leotard or fitted shirt Black jazz pants * | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) | |
| Tap 3 & 4 | Black tap shoes (not shiny) | Solid color leotard or fitted shirt Black jazz pants * | Bun, braids, ponytail (pulled up out of face) | |
| Boys Tap | Black tap shoes | Solid color fitted shirt Black pants | Out of face |
* Optional dancewear if enrolled in a combo class.
** Check with instructor before purchasing.
Dance
Dance Birthday Parties
The Stars Dance Academy is now offering dance birthday parties! We offer a 45 minutes dance lesson taught by one of our dance teachers followed by an additional 45 minutes to have food, cake, presents. For more information or to book a party contact Jessica Karbowski at jkarbowski@heparks.org
Dance Instructors
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 performances. I graduated from Elmhurst University with a degree in business administration and a minor in dance. I stated teaching at the Hoffman Estates Park District in the fall of 2016. I currently live in Carol Stream, IL with my husband, August. We recently welcomed our first daughter in April of 2020. Can’t wait 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 for 16 years, and this will be my second year teaching dance at Willow and have so enjoyed this teaching experience. I’ve been working in the Hoffman Park district working in the after school daycare program for 4 years now, and working in the dance program for about 6 years. I’m currently double majoring in mathematics and education at Harper College in plans to become a high school math teacher. I’m so exciting for the upcoming year with all the dancers!
Wendy Shure- Hi! I’m Wendy Shure and I love dance! I began dancing at age 2.5, danced in high school as a Company Member in the Eurythmics Dance Company, and was selected as the MVP of the LTHS Varsity Poms Squad. I am a double major graduate of Illinois State University. Go Redbirds! I graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Performance, and a Bachelor of Science in Small Business Management Entrepreneurship. I was a 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 pieces by professional guest artists. I also studied dance abroad in London England at the Royal Ballet. Upon graduation, I danced professionally on tour with Shelter Dance Repertory. I was previously Director of Dance at Victory Academy and took their competitive dance team to Nationals, and was Artistic Director of the Nutcracker. I enjoy teaching many years with the Hoffman Park District and continue to be excited to share my passion for dance with your child, the Hoffman Estates Community, and the Stars Dance Company!
Stars Dance Company
Stars Dance Company
The Hoffman Stars Dance Company is made up of four levels. The goal of the program is to offer a competitive dance program that places a strong focus on perfecting technique, increasing performance skills, advancing skills in multiple dance genres and sharing the love of dance with others. There is a strong focus on the following genres of dance: ballet, jazz, lyrical and modern. Stars Dance Company is for dancers 6-18 years old.
Company auditions for the 2022-2023 season will be on Saturday, June 25th from 2:30-5:00pm in the Triphahn Center dance room.
