Our Mission
Our mission is to provide the most professional dance experience possible all while offering quality instruction to dancers of all ages and abilities. We understand that students enroll in dance for various reasons. It is our vision to build the foundation to make it possible for all students to attain their personal goals. At Byron Dance Academy, we pride ourselves in creating an atmosphere that gets the very best out of each dancer. This positive environment allows each dancer to grow in confidence and self-esteem while mastering the many different dance styles and techniques.
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BDA proudly presents the 2024 dance recitals, 'Game On!'
Recital A: Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9, 2024 at 11 amRecital B: Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9, 2024 at 2:30 pmRecital C: Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9, 2024 at 6 pmRecitals are held at the Byron Middle School TheatreTICKETS: $15 each, general admission. Tickets can be purchased at the Byron Park District Guest Services Desk until Recital Weekend, when tickets will be available at the door.MERCHANDISE: T-shirts, flowers and DVDs are available for pre-order online using the button below. T-shirt orders are due May 15th. DVD and flower orders are due May 28th.
Pre-Order Merchandise
2024 Dress Rehearsal Times - Friday, June 7:
- Recital A: 9:30am-12:30pm **Combo classes in this show will report to Theatre no later than 9:10am to run through combo ballet on stage**
- Recital B: 1:00-4:00pm **Combo classes in this show will report to Theatre no later than 12:40pm to run through combo ballet on stage**
- Recital C: 4:30-7:30pm **Combo classes in this show will report to Theatre no later than 4:10pm to run through combo ballet on stage**
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Meet the Instructors
Cultural Arts Program Manager Jessica Julian
Jessica has been teaching dance for twenty-three years. As a former dancer herself, Jessica studied at several different diverse studios in the Stateline area and knows first-hand the impact dance can have on young lives. She loves teaching all styles of dance and is wonderful with dancers of all ages. Her passion for music and kids shines through in her creative choreography and class atmosphere! Jessica was a member of Fourth Movement, a semi-professional ensemble that toured in Europe. She has also danced all over the United States and won many top-scoring awards at both regional and national levels while competing. Her choreography has been featured at several dance studios in the Stateline area. She has enthusiasm and passion for teaching, and it shows! Jessica always gets the very best out of her students with her wonderful choreography and the positive class environment she creates.
Dance Instructor Hannah Otte
Hannah has been dancing for thirteen years and teaching for seven. She began her dance journey with a community dance group in the styles of Hip Hop and Cheer. Then moving to a program called CYT (Christian Youth Theater), Hannah studied multiple dance styles including: Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip hop, Ballroom, Swing, Rockettes, African, and Musical Theater! After graduating high school, Hannah joined CYT as a dance instructor where she taught dancers of all ages and abilities for five years before joining the BDA team. Hannah is heading into her third season with us and we are very lucky to have her on staff.
Dance Instructor Hannah Breault
Hannah has been dancing for sixteen years beginning her passion to dance at four years old. Her many years of studio training lead her to perform and compete on her high school dance team all four years where she adapted highly competitive technique onto her previous dance foundation. She also performed in two musicals where she was selected as a dance coach and created a positive learning environment to help the cast successfully carry out each dance routine for the shows. Although she has trained in many styles of dance, Hannah has a fire for hip hop and is thrilled to be able to share her enthusiasm and love for dance at BDA!
Dance Instructor Taylor Doane
Taylor began recital classes at age 4 years old and has been dancing for 17 years. She also spent some of those years dancing competitively. She has trained at several diverse studios, and studied from a variety of instructors at the collegiate level. Taylor has been trained in a variety of styles, but has always had a love and passion for Tap! She has recently graduated from the University of Tampa with her BA in Exercise Physiology. She is beyond excited to incorporate her schooling and help dancers understand how to properly train and take care of their bodies for a sport like dance. Taylor has always had a strong desire to give back to the dance world and thankfully BDA has a place for her to do so! She looks forward to giving students a space to create and express themselves all while becoming stronger both mentally and physically. Taylor is committed to not only helping her students grow in dance, but also as humans. We are thrilled to have Taylor's talent here at the Byron Dance Academy.
2023-24 Assistant Dance Instructors
Alana Julian Annabella Barker Taylor Fabish -
Welcome to the 2023-24 Dance Year!
The Byron Dance Academy recital dance classes include five sessions. The fifth session ends with the Recital. Dancers performing in the recital must register for the second, third, fourth, and fifth sessions. Attendance at the dress rehearsal and the performance will be required. Additional costume fee(s) will be applied to accounts at the start of the second and third sessions in addition to the registration fee.
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Class Descriptions
Please note: Not all dance classes are offered year round as part of our recital program. A variety of non-recital adult and youth dance classes are typically offered in the winter and spring months. For a complete list of our current classes, click here.
ACRO DANCE will increase dancers stamina, endurance and power. Acro is important and in high demand for dancers to master in the competition and professional dance world. Acro dance technique includes balancing, limbering, tumbling and partnering based in flexibility, aspects of contortion and overall strength. *Dancers must have tumbling experience to enroll in this class. Skills that are required are: cartwheels (both hands and single hand), round offs, bridges, and hand stands.
ADULT BARRE FITNESS will include ballet barre, stretching and strengthening exercises that will tone and firm your body. This class will help to elevate the heart rate giving a great cardio workout as well.
ADULT HIP HOP will include choreography and isometric exercises taught each week. You will be dancing the hour away to some of the biggest names in hip hop and rap music!
BALLET will provide an environment where dancers will be able to challenge themselves and grow. Ballet serves as a great foundation for all styles of dance. It allows each dancer to improve essential skills such as balance, coordination, discipline and overall strength.
COMBO will help dancers discover three ways to have a blast dancing! Each week dancers will learn technique and choreography in ballet, tap, and jazz. The growth that is possible when combining all three styles into one class period is both exciting and incredible!
COMPETITION PREP CLASS will work on all of the key technical elements that will improve performance and prepare dancers for Competition Dance Team auditions. This will be a sneak peek at some of the new and exciting elements that team dancers will be working on throughout the Competition season.
CONTEMPORARY will provide a very unique and stylized learning opportunity. Delivering an exciting atmosphere of rhythms and different methods on how to use the body in a creative way. This class will teach dancers choreography that will challenge them and build them into strong performers.
DANCE TEAM PREP will introduce pom-style choreography, proper technique and skills to prepare any dancer that is wanting to try out for their schools dance team. This class will increase confidence all while covering many core methods taught in the school dance team arena.
HIP HOP will create a fun and exciting environment where dancers will learn stylized choreography. This class is perfect for boys and girls that have no prior dance experience.
INTRO TO DANCE will introduce dancers to the basic fundamentals of dance training 101. Throughout the 4 weeks, dancers will begin to understand specific techniques and learn how to apply them when executing choreography. This class is perfect for any dancer that has little to no dance experience.
JAZZ/LYRICAL will introduce two styles of dance. Each dancer will learn skills and choreography in both styles. This class will work on improving flexibility, balance, memorization of steps, and expressing movement connected to meaningful music.
MINI HIP HOP will introduce dancers to different styles of hip hop dance and even some jazz funk! Each class will consist of some stretching and conditioning as a warm up and will lead into learning short dance routines.
MUSICAL THEATRE JR. offers a chance for our younger performers to learn about theatre and expand their knowledge of the arts! This class will focus on learning specific dance styles that would be seen in a musical performance. Dancers will be introduced to ensemble work, as well as star driven choreography. We feel this class will give dancers a head start so they are ready to take part in any musical!
POINTE will work with intermediate to advanced dancers to continue training further in ballet. Pointe assessments will be made on all dancers to determine if they are able to participate in this four-week intensive class. This includes an observation and functional skills test to ensure that dancers are able to appropriately handle the dynamic training that comes with being on pointe. Dancers do NOT need pointe shoes for this assessment but are encouraged to bring them if they have them already.
STRETCH & STRENGTH will focus on static and dynamic stretching exercises that will improve the overall quality of any dancer. By combining strength and flexibility, dancers are able to focus on how to improve their muscular stamina by learning which muscles are needed for which dance techniques. This informative class will help to properly train dancers to avoid injuries and find a healthy balance to being strong and flexible.
TAP will offer a variety of tap technique steps, as well as tap combinations that will improve coordination and syncopation in each dancer. Being trained in tap also helps dancers excel in other styles.
TINY TOTS will learn about balance, coordination and rhythm. It will be a fun and encouraging environment that will allow them to grow using their imaginations and bodies to create dance steps. They will gain knowledge of ballet and tap technique.
TURNS/JUMPS PROGRESSION will enhance dancers' technical skills. During this class, dancers will learn detailed methods that can be applied during their dance routines to give more power to jumps, more precision with turns, and overall improve transitions throughout dances and classes. This class will increase confidence and take training to a new level.
For more details on our dance classes, placement, shoes and more, call Jessica at 815-234-6279 or email her at jjulian@byronparks.org.
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Costume Deposits
A costume deposit fee will be required for each recital class. Half of the deposit fee will be billed at the beginning of session two. The remaining balance will be billed at the beginning of session three. Costume deposits are non-refundable. Students will be measured for their recital costumes mid-November and costumes will be ordered in December. Costumes will be distributed upon arrival once the class' full order has been received.
Class Deposit Fee Combo Classes $85 Jazz/Lyrical Classes $100 Level Classes $70 Tiny Tots & Mini Hip Hop $60 -
Dress Code
Required Dance Attire:
Ballet Level 1, 2 & 3: Pink ballet shoes are required. The following attire is acceptable: leotards, tights, spandex shorts, ballet skirt, and leggings.
Boys Class: Clean hip hop sneakers are required. The following attire is acceptable: t-shirts, athletic shorts, joggers, and sweatpants (more fitted than baggy).
Combo 1, 2 & 3: Pink ballet, black tap, and black jazz are required. The following attire is acceptable: leotards, ballet dresses, spandex shorts, leggings, fitted tanks, ballet skirts, and fitted t-shirts.
Hip Hop 1, 2 & 3 and Hip Hop Mini: Clean sneakers are required. The following attire is acceptable: athletic clothes such as, t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, leggings, joggers, and fitted sweatpants. NO JEANS
Jazz/Lyrical 1, 2 & 3: Nude turning shoes are required. The following attire is acceptable: leotards, fitted tanks, fitted t-shirts, spandex shorts, leggings, and joggers.
Musical Theater: Black jazz shoes are required. The following attire is acceptable: leotards, fitted tanks, fitted t-shirts, leggings, spandex shorts, and joggers.
Tap 1, 2 & 3: Black tap shoes are required. The following attire is acceptable: leotards, fitted tanks, fitted t-shirts, leggings, spandex shorts, and joggers.
Tiny Tots: Pink ballet and black tap shoes are required. The following attire is acceptable: leotards, tights, dance dresses, spandex shorts, leggings, and fitted tanks/t-shirts.
NOTE: Shoes/attire can be purchased at Foot Lodge, Payless Shoe Store, and Walmart.
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Monday Master Classes
Back again this summer! Monday Master Classes will feature a variety of styles and instructors to give our dancers the chance to learn from some of the most talented dance instructors around. These Monday classes will mimic what dancers would experience at a one-day dance convention. We look forward to seeing all that will be accomplished through this unique and exciting opportunity! These master classes will provide a diverse atmosphere for dancers to learn choreography in all styles that will challenge them to push beyond their comfort zones.
Monday Master Class Instructors
Dominic Angileri is a hip hop dance instructor/director from Rockford, IL. He is a decorated hip hop performer/choreographer and competed on an elite team for 12 years. While competing, Dominic and his crew won numerous high point awards and scholarships. He was featured on Season 15 of America's Got Talent with Xtreme Dance Force. He has been teaching for 6 years and plans to open up his own dance studio. He is currently a member of the Hip Hop crew that performs for the Chicago Bulls at all of their home games.
Andrew Mahan has been teaching dance at the studio and professional level for over 15 years. Andrew has danced with competitive studios, companies, and professional theater companies, training under dance masters from Chicago, New York, LA, Orlando, and internationally. Andrew dances professionally with ballet companies and professional theater companies as well as on individual and indie projects. Andrew has won several Chicago choreography awards and trained dancers who now dance with the LA Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Cruise lines, and professional theater companies.
Alana Julian has been dancing since she was four years old. This is her third year teaching at Byron Dance Academy, and she also serves as part of the choreography team with City First Church helping to create all of their big stage production pieces. When she isn't teaching, Alana is studying to get her Ministry certificate through City First Church and is also obtaining her psychology degree from RVC.
Jenny Ostrowski started dancing at the age of 3. Throughout her life, she has studied all styles of dance- ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, musical theatre and contemporary. She has been choreographing and teaching dance for over 20 years in the Chicagoland and Rockford areas. From large stage productions to private lessons, Jenny has produced pieces and created performances for many different audiences. Jenny's goal is to bring light, joy, and life into the world through dance!
Joslynn Labak began dancing at age 3. She has traveled all around the country for the past five years with multiple companies to assist some of the most well-known choreographers. Along with her travels, Joslynn has won many prestigious awards and has been invited twice to dance at the World Dance Pageant. She would eventually love to travel all around the country teaching dance and setting pieces for dancers of all ages. Joslynn is a recent graduate of the CLI Conservatory in Massachusetts where she trained under the direction of Teddy Forance and had the privilege of learning from over 50 different choreographers.
Jessica Julian has been teaching dance for twenty-five years. As a former dancer herself, Jessica studied at several different diverse studios in the Stateline area and knows first-hand the impact dance can have on young lives. She loves teaching all styles of dance and is wonderful with dancers of all ages. Jessica was a member of Fourth Movement, a semi-professional ensemble that toured in Europe. She has also danced all over the United States and won many top-scoring awards at both regional and national levels while competing. Her choreography has been featured at several dance studios and featured in several productions in the Stateline area.
Taylor Doane began recital classes at age 4 and has been dancing for 17 years. She also spent some of those years dancing competitively. She has trained at several diverse studios and studied from a variety of instructors at the collegiate level. Taylor has been trained in a variety of styles but has a deep love for Tap! She recently graduated from the University of Tampa with her BA in Exercise Physiology and is beyond excited to incorporate her schooling to help dancers understand how to properly train and take care of their bodies for a sport like dance.
Lauren Mendoza has been dancing since she was two years old and competing on teams and as a soloist since she was six. She has won many awards, scholarships, and accolades that have allowed her to attend performing arts institutions in Los Angeles and work with high profile talent. Currently, Lauren is studying at DePaul University for her undergraduate degree. During this time she has been able to train with well-known choreographers and travel with teams who perform in showcases and for concert artists. Eventually, Lauren would love to perform in worldwide music festivals and commercial dance.
To register or for a complete list of our current program offerings including dates, times, and fees, please visit our online registration site here:
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2024-25 Competition Team Auditions
Save the Date!! Our 2024-2025 Team auditions will be Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3.There are no fees associated with auditions. Dancers that are auditioning only need to register for oneday. Dancers must be at least 7 years or older and have two prior years of dance training to be eligible for BDA Teams. Competition dancers will compete at 3 Regional Talent Competitions in 2025 along with making special appearances at local events such as Byron Fest, Candlelight Walk and many others. The Team dancers will have the opportunity to attend an elite dance convention with professional choreographers training in all styles of dance. Please visit www.www.byronparks.org to sign up for an audition slot or call Jessica Julian at 815-234-6279 with any additional questions you have! *Any dancerthat is interested in auditioning must attend the ballet class for their level and the turns/jumps & progressions classes over the summer running for 4 weeks in July. We encourage all dancers to take part in our Monday Master Classes and technique classes as well. Absences for family vacations will be excused.Audition Times for Ages 7-11: 5:00-6:30 pm Friday, August 2, 2024; or 10:00-11:30 am Saturday, August 3, 2024Audition Times for Ages 12-18: 6:30-8:00 pm Friday, August 2, 2024; or 12:00-1:30 pm Saturday, August 3, 2024To register or for a complete list of our current program offerings including dates, times, and fees, please visit our online registration site here:
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Summer 2024 Dance Classes
Sign up for both camps listed below and save $10!
Dance The Magic Camp
Byron Dance Academy invites your dancer to a two-day magical adventure! During our time in camp, dancers will explore the worlds of imagination and creativity. Each day will consist of learning new dance steps, playing interactive dance games and making crafts. Dancers will even learn a special routine that they will perform for their family and friends during the last day of camp! Don't miss this opportunity to give your dancer a spectacular start to their summer! Located at the Dance Studios. Snacks will be served each day. Please notify Jess Julian @ 815-234-6279 or email jjulian@byronparks.org with any allergies.Ages 3-6: 10:00 am-12:30 pm Monday-Tuesday, June 24-25, 2024Ages 7-11: 10:00 am-12:30 pm Monday-Tuesday, August 5-6, 2024Fee: $45/$55 per camp
Hip Hop All Star Camp
Byron Dance Academy invites your dancers to take a journey through some of Hip Hop's most iconic artists! During our two day camp, dancers will explore the music of Hip Hop legends. Each day will bring a variety of choreography, new dance steps, some exciting games and crafts. Hip hop all-stars will learn an exciting routine that they will perform for family and friends the last day of camp! This hip hop experience is one your dancer will never forget! Located in BDA's Dance Studios. Snacks will be served each day. Please notify Jess Julian @ 815-234-6279 or email jjulian@byronparks.org with any allergies.Ages 3-6: 10:00 am-12:30 pm Wednesday-Thursday, June 26-27, 2024Ages 7-11: 10:00 am-12:30 pm Wednesday-Thursday, August 7-8, 2024Fee: $45/$55 per campTo register or for a complete list of our current program offerings including dates, times, and fees, please visit our online registration site here:
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2024-25 Dance Registration
Returning Dancers: Wednesday, August 21, 2024
(Returning students are those who completed a full year of dance in 2023-24, or those who will participate in our 2024 summer program)- 4:30-6:30 pm: Tiny Tot, Combo, Mini Hip Hop levels
- 6:30-8:00 pm: All level classes 1-3
Remaining returning dancers & new dancers: Thursday, August 22, 2024
- 4:30-5:30 pm: Returning Students (All dance levels)
- 5:30-7:00 pm: New Students (all dance levels & ages)
(New students are those who are enrolling for the first time for the 2024-2025 dance year.)
