Are you looking for an elite dance experience and an opportunity to compete with an award winning performance group? Above the Barre (ATB) is the Gurnee Park District's award winning ensemble, and we are looking for more members like you! Our performance arts group is a year-long commitment. It is expected that students enrolled in this class take one or more additional technique classes. Teacher recommendation is required. Additional information can be found at GurneeParkDistrict.com/performing-arts/studio-dance. Directed by Sam Murphy. (BK)
For Winter/Recital session only currently enrolled students may register.
This class requires an audition and instructor approval in order to enroll.

Perfect for children learning beginning ballet steps and creative movement while incorporating props. Students will have the opportunity to gain self-confidence and work on their social skills during this independent class. Parents/Caregivers will be able to observe children through our dance studio viewing window.

Discover basic ballet steps and positions along with creative movement and body recognition throughout the course of this class. (ML)

This class takes the basics of ballet technique and while expanding the ballet curriculum of Beginning Dance 1. Large motor skills are highlighted as well as stimulating the brain’s coordination. The tap portion of class explores rhythms and smaller motor skills.

Discover ballet and tap with this combination class. Students will learn basic and intermediate ballet and tap techniques and movements.

Jazz dance is an upbeat and performative style that is often seen in Broadway productions. While exploring many different stylistic preferences, students focus on principles such as syncopated rhythms, body isolations, precise technical skills, and choreography. Students will be exposed to various styles of jazz such as Broadway, Street and Contemporary to help develop a well-rounded dancer.

Hip-Hop evolved out of street and break dancing and is characterized by its athletic and bouncy style. Hip-Hop is set to a strong, contemporary beat, builds stamina, and emphasizes body isolations, attitude, coordination, free-style movement, and rhythm.

Focus is on the foundation of ballet including positions, alignment and overall technique and etiquette.

Focus is on the foundation of ballet including positions, alignment and overall technique and etiquette. (AF)

Pointe class is designed for students with previous ballet training. Students will utilize previously learned ballet technique while working in pointe shoes. (AF)

Lyrical is a fusion of ballet and jazz dance techniques. Lyrical dance challenges dancers to use motion to interpret music and express emotion. Lyrical jazz is a very passionate and emotional dance style. It portrays certain emotions and tells a story through every movement made.

This class is designed for the young dancer who may be interested in joining our Above the Barre competition dance company. The class will consist of Jazz and Lyrical styles of dance and will be ran similarly to our ATB company classes. Students must have 1 full year of instruction from the Gurnee Park District dance program before enrollment

ADULT BALLET (AGES 18-99): Adults learn the fundamentals of ballet or refresh their basic understanding of dance. Traditional barre work, centre core strengthening, and across the floor routines will be built in this fun class! (AF)

Adult Tap is a great class for adults who want to learn the fundamentals of Tap. Class will focus on the foot work, floor combinations and the art of syncopated movement.
Instructed by: Erica Billiter

Dancers will transform into a different princess each week. Music and Creative movement games along with basic ballet movements will be taught in this fun and magical class for pre-schoolers. Class will NOT be part of the recital. Instructed by: Nicole Lother. (AF)

The Gurnee Park District will be holding an Open Call for “Above the Bar (ATB) Assessment Workshop” at Viking Park Community Center Dance Hall. Participants will learn a dance utilizing specific dance skills that (ATB) dancers should be proficient at. The second hour each participant will perform the dance with a small group while ATB instructors assess each participant’s skills against the standard needed to join ATB. Each participant will receive a written skill assessment and class suggestions for summer and fall Studio Dance classes to assist participants in focusing on specific areas needing improvement. Those participants that meet the minimum ATB standards will receive an invitation to the “Above the Bar Placement Auditions” held in August. Anyone wanting to join ATB, including current ATB participants, MUST attend assessment. Parents may NOT attend as this is a closed assessment. (AF)