Why should my child join YPAC’s Dance program? 

1. YPAC is the best place to raise happy, healthy kids! YPAC prioritizes teaching good character just as much as we prioritize teaching technique. Our instructors are highly trained AND must exemplify our 12 Core Values. We teach with support, encouragement, and constructive criticism to build up our dancers skill and confidence, not tear them down with shame and ridicule. YPAC’s teachers have also taken a Body Confidence course to ensure all our students are comfortable in the classroom, as well as CPR training and Darkness to Light training to ensure all our students are safe. YPAC makes sure costumes and choreography are age appropriate for our dancers. YPAC is also strict with parents, students, and the entire YPAC community to make sure no one is creating a toxic environment for our dancers. Overall, at YPAC students will thrive in their technique, in their character, and in their mental and physical health. 
   

How do I get started? 

1. Get started by filling out this form or texting us at (815) 916-6285 to schedule a trial lesson! We have a $20 drop-in fee for each trial lesson.
   

What should my child wear to the trial lesson?

1. We ask students to wear comfortable clothes that they can move in for the trial class. Once enrolled, visit our dress code page to see the specific uniform and shoes required of the class. 

How should I do my child’s hair? 

1. We mainly ask for students to have their hair pulled back and away from their face. Some classes (such as conservatory ballet) require hair in a bun. See our dress code page for specific class requirements. 
   

What should my child bring to class? 

1. Nothing needs to be brought to class (unless specified by a teacher). Students in longer classes or multiple classes may want to bring a water bottle, some snacks, homework, and/or quiet activities to do during their downtime in the lobby. 
   

Can I watch my child while he/she is in class? 

1. YPAC has a closed lobby to protect the safety of students. Each parent/guardian can watch their student via Zoom while in their car or elsewhere. Parents/Guardians of trial students are allowed to be in the lobby, but for future classes we ask parents/guardians to remain outside the building during class. If a parent/guardian wishes to be in the lobby during class, they may sign up to be a volunteer where they will receive a background check to ensure the safety of our students. Parents/Guardians are not guaranteed a spot on our volunteer team. We also have two PEP Weeks during the year where parents can join the last 10 minutes of class to see what their students have been learning! 
   

Do you have dance recitals? 

1. Yes! YPAC has two dance recitals each year. In December, YPAC has the Winter Wonderland Festival. Students in our dance and tumbling classes will dress in holiday gear and dance to holiday songs. Then in June YPAC has its Year End Production (YEP). YEP is the last hurrah of the season where dancers and tumbling students showcase their learning with a routine on stage. 
   

Does my child have to be in the dance recital?

1. No. If a student does not want to be in the recital(s), they can simply opt out of the performance. 
   

Why should my child be in the dance recital?

1. We encourage all our students to be in our productions! While being in class improves technique, productions improve adaptability, communication, time management, perseverance, pride, confidence, creative thinking, collaboration, and more! It also is a great way to show off to friends and family! 
   

What dance program should I choose? 

1. YPAC has a multitude of classes for several ages, so we understand that it may be difficult to choose, which is why we offer trial lessons to explore the options! However, here is some more insight into our classes to help you pick:

2. Students ages 3-7 who are exploring dance can take one of our combo dance classes! Our Tippy Toes & Tap and Combo Kids class is one of the best ways for young children to learn the basics of dance in several styles including ballet, tap, and jazz! 

   1. Students in this age group who want to release some more of their energy and get more movement can also join our Hip Hop Tots class where students get to learn to dance to fan-favorite songs, or Tumble Kids where students build strength and learn cool tricks! 

3. YPAC’s Conservatory Ballet Program is best for students who want to learn the strength and grace of ballet. YPAC’s ballet program allows students the opportunity to be taught by world renowned professional ballet dancers. Our instructors ensure the proper training so young dancers improve while not harming themselves. At the age of 4 students can join our PreConservatory Ballet and get age-appropriate training. From there, dancers will progress by age and skill through Conservatory Ballet 1, 2, 3 PreProfessional Ballet, and finally; Pointe. Students can join this program at any time (ages 4-17). Whether a student joins at the age of 4, 10, or 13, we believe with the proper training anyone can do ballet! 

4. YPAC’s Conservatory Tap Program is best for any student ages 8-18 who want to work on rhythm. YPAC is a performing arts center, so we like to say that “tap is drumming with your feet,” so students drawn to play the drums might also enjoy tap classes! 

5. YPAC’s Conservatory Jazz/Contemporary Program is best for any student ages 8-18 who love the technique of ballet, but want to add more style! Our Jazz/Contemporary program teaches students proper technique and how to add expression to each movement. 

6. YPAC’s Hip Hop classes are best for any student ages 8-18 who want to dance to more modern songs, learn creative movement, and build confidence! Students who want to learn similar choreography as seen in Disney Channel movies (Descendents, Zombies, High School Musical, etc.), K-Pop dances, and more will love these classes! 

7. YPAC’s Tumbling Program is best for any student ages 8-18 who wants to learn fun tricks like cartwheels, somersaults, aerials, and more! 

8. YPAC’s Leaps & Turns classes are the best classes for students to improve their technique! Students who want to excel and refine their skills should take this class. 

9. YPAC's Collective is our competitive dance team. We recommend this program for our dedicated dancers who want more training, more time on stage, and to be in a community with more passionate dancers. Our Collective team is the best because we prioritize impeccable training AND a healthy lifestyle. YPAC ensures the Collective community is full of support, encouragement, and love. We also encourage life balance by not filling schedules with classes and rehearsals. The Collective is a commitment, but we do not want it to be a student’s whole life. So, if your student wants to go deeper with dance, the Collective is the best choice for them! Contact us about auditioning for the team!