Studio 908 Youth Classes
WINTER SESSION: January 7-March 9, 2024 (9 weeks) SPRING SESSION: March 17-May 25, 2024 (9 weeks / NO CLASS March 25-29)
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All in-studio or outdoor classes are held at the Ridgeville Community House, 908 Seward Street, Evanston. All online classes take place through ZOOM.
To register online: click on the register link below the class description. To register over the phone: call (847) 869-5640
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Fairy Ballet
IN-STUDIO. Ages 2-4. This class will get your child moving through the space, more familiar with their body, exploring creative impulses, and learning ballet preparation basics. Children must be potty-trained to participate. Instructor: Laura Downey
Day/Time: Mon 9:30-10am (age 2-3), Wed 4:15-4:45pm (age 3-4)
Session Fee: RPD $54 / Non-RPD $63 (9 weeks)
Fairy Ballet with Me
IN-STUDIO. Walking Children-Age 2 & Caregivers. This class is a first creative movement and ballet class that utilizes developmentally appropriate creative movement focused on gross motor skill development, imagination, and story exploration in preparation for ballet basics. Caregivers are expected to stay and participate in class as a support to their child, though caregiver movement through space is not a requirement. Instructor: Laura Downey
Day/Time: Mon 10-10:45am or Thu 10-10:45am Session Fee: RPD $81 / Non-RPD $90 (9 weeks)
Adventures in Movement
IN-STUDIO. Ages 2-4. Silliness abounds! Basic locomotor and foundational movement skills including gross locomotor movement, falling down and getting up safely, jumping, acceleration/deceleration, balance and use of personal and shared space will be explored through creative movement and tumbling activities based on developmental movement principles. Instructor: Laura Downey
Day/Time: Mon 10:45-11:15am Session Fee: RPD $54 / Non-RPD $63 (9 weeks)
Youth Tap
IN-STUDIO. Ages 3-4 & 5-7. Youth Tap sizzles with fun and energy! We will learn basic tap steps and terminology. This class will get your child moving through space and beginning to explore rhythm and coordination. Instructor: Laura Downey
Days/Times: Wed 4:45–5:15pm (3-4) or Thu 4-4:30pm (5-7)
Session Fee: RPD $54 / Non-RPD $63 (9 weeks)
Intro to Ballet
IN-STUDIO. Ages 4-6. Basic ballet movement, technique and vocabulary are explored in this class through creative movement, stories, and dance games. Participants will learn basic ballet positions, fundamental movement, coordination, and begin working at the ballet barre. Instructor: Laura Downey
Days/Times: Tue 4:15-5pm, Wed 5:15-6pm or Thu 4:30–5:15pm
Session Fee: RPD $81 / Non-RPD $90 (9 weeks)
Ballet II
IN-STUDIO. Ages 8-12 (or by invitation). Ballet II will further explore the foundations of ballet technique. Children will continue to build strength and flexibility, develop coordination and integration of movement, and learn basic positions, postures and movement associated with successful ballet execution. Beyond Ballet I foundations, students will also learn the French vocabulary of classical ballet, explore their personal aesthetics of movement, and learn about historical and contemporary ballets. Students registered for Ballet II are encouraged (but not required) to also enroll in Ballet I to build strength and endurance for more complicated movements and prevent injury. Regardless of age, children must have prior ballet technique training for this class. Questions can be directed to the instructor. Instructor: Laura Downey
Day/Time: Wed 6-7pm
Session Fee: RPD $108 / Non-RPD $126 (9 weeks)
Ballet I
IN-STUDIO. Ages 6-9 (or by invitation). This class will explore the foundations of ballet technique. Participants will build their strength and flexibility, develop their coordination, and learn the basic positions associated with successful ballet execution. Ballet slippers, leotards and tights are required. Instructor: Laura Downey
Day/Time: Thu 5:15-6:15pm
Session Fee: RPD $108 / Non-RPD $126 (9 weeks)
Intro to Sewing I/II
IN-STUDIO. Ages 8–12 & 10-14. Join us to learn machine sewing and hand sewing in a fun and relaxed class. Students will complete several projects throughout the session while learning new skills and gaining creative confidence. All materials are provided. Intro to Sewing I is designed for beginners, and Intro to Sewing II is designed for returning students. Instructor: Courtney Lyons (winter), Chris Shaw (spring)
Day/Time: Sat 9-10am (8-12), Sat 10-11am (10-14)
Session Fee: RPD $108 / Non-RPD $126 (9 weeks)
Jazz/Tap Combo
IN-STUDIO. Ages 6-10. Jazz/Tap Combo begins with 30 minutes of jazz technique, stylized locomotion and creative exploration to foster body integration, movement expression and creative potential. The second half of class explores basic tap steps and terminology fostering embodied rhythm patterns, body organization and creative expression through sound - of course, to participants’ favorite music! Instructor: Laura Downey
Day/Time: Sat 9-10am
Session Fee: RPD $108 / Non-RPD $126 (9 weeks)
Story Dance
IN-STUDIO and OUTDOORS (weather-permitting). Ages 1-4 & Caregivers. Each week, the instructor will read a story book or two aloud and then lead children (with the support of caregivers) into a creative movement exploration of the story setting, themes and characters. Music and props may be used to support the exploration. Instructor: Laura Downey
Day/Time: Sat 10-10:30am Session Fee: RPD $54 / Non-RPD $63 (9 weeks)
Please Note: Story Dance classes meet outdoors in the spring & fall. Please come prepared for the weather (sunscreen, rain gear, etc.).
Notes on Youth Dance Classes
Dance classes will culminate with a studio performance for family and friends.
For most ballet, jazz and tap classes, special shoes are not required, though recommended. Ballet I & II do require dance wear and slippers. Dress-up slippers are not permitted.
Caregivers are welcome in the room for the first lesson, but will be asked to transition out, excepting Fairy Ballet with Me & Story Dance. For those classes, caregivers must stay.
Please observe potty-training requirements for youth classes.