Dance Programs
The Park District’s dance program philosophy is to provide skill-building techniques through various dance forms while providing equal attention to learning dance skills in a fun and creative atmosphere. We offer a variety of Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Hip-Hop classes for dancers 2 years old to adults.
Mission Statement
The Wheaton Park District Dance program goals are to provide high-quality dance classes in a non-competitive environment. Participants are encouraged to become technically proficient and at the same time build self-esteem, cooperation, leadership skills and have fun! Through performance opportunities we want our students to learn the responsibility and commitment inherent to theatrical discipline.
For more information regarding our dance program including dance attire and dancer expectations, please review our dance resource guide.
Dance Attire
Please refer to the dance resource guide for appropriate attire per class. For all classes, long hair must be pulled back and secured away from the face. There is no gum chewing allowed in any class. If you are unable to provide dance shoes, gym shoes are acceptable. No open toed shoes, socks or slippers will be allowed. If your child comes with inappropriate shoes, they will not be permitted to participate in class for their safety.
Need dancewear and shoes?
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Dance ‘n’ Tees
Play It Again Sports
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Parent Observation Days
Parent observation days will be communicated to each individual class.
Photo © Jo Cody
Meet our Staff
Our dance department staff offers professional instruction in all styles of dance for all ages.
Maddy Kretschmer
Maddy is a Wheaton local with 15+ years of dance experience and trained at Moves Dance Studio from 2006-2016.
Maddy was a member of the Wheaton Warrenville South Dance Team, specializing in jazz, lyrical and pom from 2012-2016. While at WWSHS, Maddy and her team placed 9th overall at the IHSA state competition in 2015/2016.
After graduation Maddy went on to attend DePaul University where she was a D1 athlete on the DePaul Dance Team, specializing in pom, game day and hip hop from 2016-2020. While at DePaul, Maddy and her team competed at NDA nationals in 2018 for hip hop and jazz.
Maddy attends intensives and regular drop in classes at Joffrey Ballet, Visceral Dance Chicago and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.
Carly Pollina
Carly is a Wheaton local with 10 years of dance experience. She is currently training at a pre-professional dance company – Steppin’ Out at Deforest Dance Academy and has been a company member since 2012. Carly competes solos, duets, and groups all across Illinois.
Carly is a senior at Wheaton Warrenville South High School and is captain of the Varsity Dance Team (2019-2023), specializing in Jazz, Lyrical, and Poms. Carly and her team attended UDA Nationals earlier this year in Florida where they placed nationally in Pom and Jazz.