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Fry Family YMCA, Kroehler Family YMCA, Oswego Family YMCA, Safe 'n Sound and Y Sports Complex.
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Dance

Dance

Dance is a great combination of creative arts and fitness programs. These programs help individuals develop strength, coordination, flexibility and self expression.

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Preschool (1-5 yrs)

Ballet

Bring your little ballerina to begin her dancing experience. We will focus on body awareness and movement. Your little ballerina will learn the fundamentals of leaps, posture and the six positions even Joeffrey Prima Ballerinas had to start with.

Lil Movers and Shakers

Have fun learning the basics of dance. In addition, we will work on rhythms, coordination, flexibility, self-expression and confidence.

Little Movers and Shakers

Have fun learning the basics of dance. In addition, we will work on rhythms, coordination, flexibility, self-expression, and confidence boosting.

Petite Ballet and Movement

This class is for beginners and young continuing ballerinas. Ballet is the foundation of all dance and provides the dancer with the skills to perform all forms of dance. Children will also gain self-confidence and a positive self-esteem while acquiring basic rhythmic skills. Ballet slippers may be required.

Pre-Rhythmic Dance/Tumbling

A perfect combination of dance and tumbling designed for the preschooler. Fundamentals of dance are taught during a graceful warm up and cool down. Then we switch to balls, ribbons and hoops for the last half of class.

Princess Ballet

Learn ballet fundamentals and beginner techniques. Help your little princess move with royal grace while learning ballet basics.

Story Time Ballet

This class is designed to work on motor skills, coordination, games and socialization through an introduction of simple ballet.

Time to Tumble

This class is an introduction to the basics of tumbling and will build upon already developed skills. We will continue to increase coordination, strength, and flexibility. Tumblers can learn  increasingly challenging moves as they grow. A fun way to burn energy and gain self confidence through accomplishments. Make sure to wear comfortable clothes to move around in and leotards welcome!

Tiny Tot Tumbling

Run, play, sing songs, work on socialization, dance and learn basic tumbling in this great tumbling class.

Tumbling Tykes

Explore movements that build on coordination, strength, and flexibility. Tumblers learn through group and individual activities. A great way to learn the beginnings of the summersault, handstand, and cartwheel in a safe, imaginative, and fun environment. Make sure to wear comfortable clothes

Youth (6-12 yrs)

Advanced Combination Classes

Classes are for dancers with some experience. Dancers will focus on many styles of dance, such as tap, ballet, jazz and more. We will also focus on technique, posture and dance terminology. Any student enrolled in the advanced classes will also need to be enrolled in the Performance Group. To set up an audition or for more information, please call 847-410-5213.

Ballet

Bring your little ballerina to begin her dancing experience. We will focus on body awareness and movement. Your little ballerina will learn the fundamentals of leaps, posture and the six positions even Joeffrey Prima Ballerinas had to start with.

Beginning Combination: Jazz, Ballet, & Tap

This class is for students who have never taken a dance class before. This class will prepare students to enter into a Company class that is appropriate for their age and ability level. If you are completely new at ballet, tap, and jazz dancing you must take at least one session of this class to audition for Company classes.

Combination Jazz, Ballet, Tap

Jazz dancing is a form of dance that showcases a dancer's individual style and originality. To excel in jazz, dancers need a strong background in ballet as it encourages grace and balance.

Ballet is one of the world's most graceful dance styles. Ballerinas spend years in training, striving to perfect their technique. Tap is an exciting form of dance in which dancers wear special shoes equipped with metal taps.

Tap dancers use their feet like drums to create rhythmic patterns and timely beats.

No experience is necessary for Beginning Combination students. Intermediate Combination students must have one year of dance experience.

Dance Combination Jazz and Tap

Jazz dancing is a form of dance that showcases a dancer's individual style and originality. To excel in jazz, dancers need a strong background in ballet as it encourages grace and balance. Tap is an exciting form of dance in which dancers wear special shoes equipped with metal taps. Tap dancers use their feet like drums to create rhythmic patterns and timely beats. No experience is necessary for Beginning Combination students. Intermediate Combination students must have one year of dance experience.

Dance Company

Company dance classes are designed for dancers with some dance experience. Dancers will focus on many styles of dance such as tap, ballet, jazz, and more. We will also focus on technique, posture, and dance terminology. The objective is to have students participate in a few convention/competitions during the dance year for an additional fee. Students will need to audition to take these classes. This is a year-round program.

Dance Technique for Gymnasts

This technique class will incorporate ballet barre work, exercise done in the center, and combinations done traveling across floor. We will work on creating long lines, pointed toes, strong cores, confident performance skills, and improve leaps and turns. The focus will be giving gymnasts a clear understanding of dance technique and helping them apply this knowledge to their gymnastic training. 

Farrelly School of Irish Dance

Farrelly's School of Irish Dancing is here at the Greater LaGrange YMCA.  Dancers should wear comfortable shorts, t-shirt and socks.  Please wear your hair tied back.

Free Style Dance

If you like to dance, here is an opportunity to take your passion to a new level. You don't have to possess extreme talents or have any experience, to enjoy and benefit from this high energy class. The class is designed to teach you the basics of freestyle movement.

Hip Hop

Hip Hop classes focus on learning dance moves to popular songs in the hip hop, rap, and R&B genres. Students can expect to learn dances popular both right now and back when hip hop dancing began. Both classes will be able to perform in the annual recital held in June.

Hip Hop Dance Class

If you like to dance, this class is for you. Break down dance patterns into easy to learn sections and you will learn funk and hip hop patterns used by professional dancers.

Intro to Tap

This school age class is designed to work on motor coordination and beginning skills for tap. Leotard or comfortable clothing for child is acceptable. Shoes that do not slip are required.

Introduction to Tap and Ballet

This school age class is designed to work on motor coordination and beginning skills for tap and ballet. Leotard or comfortable clothing for your child is acceptable. Shoes that do not slip are required.

Irish Dance

This course is designed to introduce culture through dance. At our Lattof location this class is taught by the McCormack Fay Academy of Irish Dance. Dearbhla Fay, TCRG comes from a long tradition of Irish Dancers and is a 13-time International World Champion. She was a dancer for 5 years in River Dance and danced in more than 2000 performances. Ms. Fay has been teaching for over 7 years throughout Chicago.

Jazz Dance

Jazz dance basics will be covered in this class. Be prepared to move to the groove in the Beginner/Intermediate level class and have some fun! Comfortable dance apparel and shoes are recommended.

Junior Cheerleading/Poms

This energetic introductory class will teach jumps and skills used for cheerleading. Dress for movement.

Lattof Dance Company

A company class is for dancers who have taken one or more dance classes and know the basic terminology and technique in the styles of tap, jazz, and ballet. Each company class has an average age that most students are but it is also based on ability and the teacher will evaluate and place the student in the level that best fits their maturity level, abilities, and background.As dancers progress through the system they will be able to apply for the opportunity to student teach a class which will earn them a discount on their classes. All Company classes require tap, jazz, and ballet shoes which can be purchased at a variety of places. If you have any questions please contact Courtney or Melanie at 847.410.5297. Company : Students should have 6 months to 1 year of dance experience. Most students this class are in 1st and 2nd grade. Company 2: Students should have at least year of dance experience. Most students in this class are in 3rd and the grade. Company 3: Students should have at least 2 years of dance experience. Most students in this class are in middle school.Company 4: Students should have at least years of dance experience. Most students in this class are in high school.

Performance Group

The Buehler YMCA Performance Group will have opportunities to perform at various community and YMCA events through out the year. All ages and levels are welcome to join this group. Performers must be signed up for a dance class with the YMCA to participate and must be YMCA members.

Time to Tumble

This class is an introduction to the basics of tumbling and will build upon already developed skills. We will continue to increase coordination, strength, and flexibility. Tumblers can learn  increasingly challenging moves as they grow. A fun way to burn energy and gain self confidence through accomplishments. Make sure to wear comfortable clothes to move around in and leotards welcome!

Wildfire Dance

A recreational dance program for kids that will teach Hip-Hop, Pom and Jazz. This program is taught by the Wildfire Dance company.

Youth Tumbling

Tumbling class for 4-7 yrs.

Teen (13-17 yrs)

Adult/Teen Ballet

This class will give you the basic techniques of ballet.  Barre work and center floor work will be covered.  Solid color leotard, pink tights and pink ballet slipper are required for females.  Males should wear solid leotard, black tights and black ballet shoes. (Costume requirements may vary by local YMCA, please contact your center for details).

Hip Hop Dance Class

If you like to dance, this class is for you. Break down dance patterns into easy to learn sections and you will learn funk and hip hop patterns used by professional dancers.

Irish Dance

This course is designed to introduce culture through dance. At our Lattof location this class is taught by the McCormack Fay Academy of Irish Dance. Dearbhla Fay, TCRG comes from a long tradition of Irish Dancers and is a 13-time International World Champion. She was a dancer for 5 years in River Dance and danced in more than 2000 performances. Ms. Fay has been teaching for over 7 years throughout Chicago.

Adult (18+ yrs)

Adult Dance

The Adult Dance Class is offered to all skill levels. No experience is necessary. Learn basic dance moves of Jazz and tap. Tap shoes are recommended but not necessary.

Adult Tap and Jazz

This class focuses on tap and jazz that is appropriate for adults with or without a dance background. There is no experience necessary to join!! It is encouraged that our adult dancers perform in our recital but not required.

Adult/Teen Ballet

This class will give you the basic techniques of ballet.  Barre work and center floor work will be covered.  Solid color leotard, pink tights and pink ballet slipper are required for females.  Males should wear solid leotard, black tights and black ballet shoes. (Costume requirements may vary by local YMCA, please contact your center for details).

Ballet Barre

Want the legs of a dancer but don't have the time? Come join us for a fun hour long Ballet Barre exercise class. Includes leg strengthening, stretching, abdominal and balance work and more. A workout targeted specifically for lengthening your muscles, improving posture and adding some grace into your everyday movement! No prior ballet or dance experience necessary. Some floor work involved so bring a yoga mat if you have one.

Belly Dancing

Ladies, celebrate your feminine spirit! Belly dance is an ancient art form for women of all shapes, sizes, ages and levels of fitness. It uses movements that are natural to the female body.

Dance Like the Stars!

Intro to Ballroom: This great class for beginners lets you learn at your own pace. Class includes dances such as the Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha-Cha, Swing, Tango and Rhumba. Singles and couples welcome.

Intermediate Ballroom Dance: This class is for those who know the basics but wish to fine tune their dancing skills. Only two class-chosen dances will be taught during the session so that you may focus on each selected dance. Singles and couples welcome.

Dance! Baila! Dance!

Norm Viray and Fran Strain are co-founders of DanceMates Educational Arts, and co-host the Friday Night Chicago Access Network TV Channel 19 show, You Can Dance! With DanceMates! Norm and Fran have taught dance classes at IPY since 1996. Their 6-week dance classes are designed for all skill levels.

Egyptian Bellydance

Using the Egyptian style, this is a dance celebration that uses body isolation and core movements to interpret music.

Hip Hop Dance Class

If you like to dance, this class is for you. Break down dance patterns into easy to learn sections and you will learn funk and hip hop patterns used by professional dancers.

Jazz for Adults

Come join us for this choreography based modern jazz class. There will be some technique taught along with a fun, simple routine. Wear comfortable clothing and jazz shoes or bare foot. Leotard not required!

Latin Dance

Instructors Norm Viray and Fran Strain of Dance-Mates Educational Arts, NRP (www.dancemates.org) and co-hosts of the Friday night Chicago Assess network TV Channel 19 show "You Can Dance!" with Dance Mates.

Poi Spinning

Poi refers to both the style of performance art and the equipment used for engaging in Poi performance. Poi involves swinging tethered weights through a variety of rhythmical and geometrical patterns. Poi spinning connects mind and body as you learn to build combinations from basic circles and patterns. All you need is a set of poi and a desire to learn this great activity. Participants need to bring their own set of Poi, which can be purchased at www.flamebouyant.com. Questions call 847-410-5213

Social Dance Parties

Come join us the for an evening of America Style Ballroom Dancing. Singles & couples welcome! Light refreshments will be served. 

Family

Daddy/Daughter Dance

Calling all Dads, uncles and grandpas are you looking to create a memory that will last a lifetime? Join your favorite little girl for a special evening. The night will be filled with dancing, games, prizes and fun. Join us for a swinging good time.

Parent/Child Dance Class

Kids! Learn some fun dances that you can perform with your grown ups! We ask that there is only one adult per child please. Kids must be at least 5 years old. This class will have the opportunity to perform in our annual recital!

Spring Fling Family Dance

On April 10, 2010 bring your whole family to High Ridge YMCA to participate in a family dance. They gym will be turned into a beautiful banquet hall perfect to spend the evening dancing together as a family. Tunes begin at 5:30pm and will end at 7:30pm. The High Ridge YMCA will be open to families participating in this event only.