Dance troupes open season with lunch-hour shows

Naperville Park District's Élan Dance Company will perform two free, outdoor shows this summer as preludes to Children's Lunch-Hour Entertainment shows.

The first dance performance is Tuesday, July 8, at the Riverwalk; the second on Tuesday, July 29, at Frontier Sports Complex. Both begin at 11:30 a.m., with the lunch-hour entertainment beginning at noon.

Élan's Junior and Apprentice companies will perform together in a new summer musical theater ballet that will appeal to children of all ages. The Senior Company will perform a jazz dance showcasing their skills and artistry that has been choreographed for younger audiences.

"These performances are the debut of our 2014-15 company members, and they are eager to entertain," said Chesney Murphy, artistic director of Élan Dance Company. "Élan dancers enjoy performing for children, knowing that many have never seen a live dance performance and some may be inspired to begin a dance program themselves."

The Children's Lunch-Hour Entertainment performance on July 8 features Ken Schultz, also known as "The Flying Fool." His mini circus begins at noon at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, 500 W. Jackson Ave.

On July 29, Istvan and His Imaginary Band takes the stage at Frontier Sports Complex, 3415 Book Road, with interactive rock 'n' roll, country, pop, punk and singalongs.

Children's Lunch-Hour Entertainment is free, with plenty of space available for lawn chairs and blankets.

Élan Dance Company is a program of the Naperville Park District and is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. Élan's mission is to be a creative, accessible and inclusive pre-professional dance company, offering young dancers an entry point into the world of dance performance.