400 dancers in Des Plaines Dance Idol competion
More than 400 dancers from 18 studios and three independent dancers participated in the annual Des Plaines Dance Idol Competition at Prairie Lakes Community Center.
"This is the seventh year of Dance Idol, and it is exciting to see how this dance convention has become what it is today," said Nancy Suwalski, cultural arts supervisor for the Des Plaines Park District. "I look forward to this event each year, and this year beat my expectations."
The competition began with six hours of workshops taught by professional dancers/instructors. Several dancers were awarded scholarships to attend summer intensive programs by Inaside Chicago Dance, Dancewerks and jorsTAP Chicago.
Dance For Me Performing Arts Center in Elk Grove Village, Dreams Gymnastics and Dance in Glenview, Elmhurst Park District, HOTT Productions Dance Company in Schaumburg, I Twirl Dance in Chicago, Mohler Dance Academy in Bloomingdale, Naperville Park District, North Shore School of Dance in Highland Park, Pavillion Dance Centre, Rise Up Academy in Arlington Heights, Saint Charles Park District, HE Stars Dance Company of the Hoffman Estates Park District, Stephanie's Academy of Dance in Montgomery, Studio North Academy of the Performing Arts in Wilmette, Urban Beat Dance Company in Skokie, Vibe Dance Company in Chicago and Artistry in Motion, the in-house dance company of the Des Plaines Park District, competed in five categories: solo; duo/trio; small group; large group; and production.
Dancers were judged in each of four age divisions by industry professionals over two days, Feb. 7-8.
A variety of dance styles and genres were represented, including jazz, modern, tap, lyrical, open, musical theater, ballet, pointe, hip-hop and contemporary.
"While competition is a necessary element of serious dance training, it is only one part of their overall education," Suwalski said. "We strive to expose young dancers to the artistry and beauty of all forms of dance and make dance a lifelong learning experience."