Roots and Wings Give Dancers the Chance to Soar
A strong sense of community has been a driving force behind the success of McDonald Dance Academy. Established 20 years ago by Linda McDonald, the Academy was borne of McDonald’s passion for training young dancers in solid technique that would give her students the strong foundation they needed to go out into the dance world and share their talent. Over the years, McDonald has worked to not only cultivate confident young dancers but to instill in them a commitment to the community. Each holiday season, the Academy’s dance troupe, the Arlington Dance Ensemble, performs at local assisted living homes and senior centers. They participate in local fundraising benefits and cosponsor the annual DFL: Next Generation Benefit that has raised over $100,000 for area charities.
The Academy has expanded three times since it was founded in 1994, but with each addition, McDonald has been committed to maintaining her presence in downtown Arlington Heights. “This area, the community, and the families mean a great deal to me,” notes McDonald. “I raised my family here and feel a tremendous connection to the area. I want to continue to enrich the community through the art of dance,” adds McDonald. The northwest suburbs’ proximity to Chicago enables McDonald to recruit top instructors, many of whom dance professionally in the city. “I feel blessed that I have such a talented pool of experienced instructors to pull from. It is their passion for dance that helps our students flourish,” states McDonald. “I could never have done this as long as I have without such incredible, knowledgeable and talented teachers.”
McDonald Dance Academy trains young dancers in the classic techniques of ballet, jazz, modern and tap dance as well as encouraging exploration of other forms such as lyrical and hip hop. The studio emphasizes proper alignment, placement, movement and language -- an important distinction that enables McDonald’s students to successfully step into any dance class taught by any professional, anywhere. Many of the studio’s students have gone on to study dance in college. Some have danced professionally while others have pursued careers that combine dance with, physical therapy, journalism, education and psychology. Julie Kostelancik of Palatine studied at McDonald Dance Academy for 10 years before receiving a full scholarship to TCU’s prestigious dance program. She is now performing and choreographing professionally in Seattle, Washington. “The detailed and methodical technical training at McDonald Dance Academy built a runway for me to fly to my dreams. But it was each instructor’s knowledge and passion for dance that inspired me to develop my own philosophy and my own voice,” notes Kostelancik. It is the strong foundation established at the Academy that enables McDonald’s students to confidently pursue careers in the dance field.
To mark her 20th year in Arlington Heights, McDonald is inviting community members to her studio for an Open House, noon – 3 p.m., August 11 at 25 S. Dunton in Arlington Heights. The afternoon will include a free dance performance by the Ensemble, an opportunity to tour the studio, try a class and speak to the instructors. All ages are welcome. “I think of this business as a family. We truly care about each other and our students, in and out of the studio. Dance just happens to be the core,” reflects McDonald. To learn more about McDonald Dance Academy, visit their website at www.mcdonaldance.com or call 847-342-1060.