Élan Dance Company holding auditions in May

Dancers between the ages of 9 and 21 interested in joining Naperville Park District's Élan Dance Company for the 2015-2016 season are invited to audition for placement Tuesday, May 19.

Auditions will take place in Room 123 at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. Specific times for each age group are as follows:

• 5 to 6 p.m. for Junior Company (ages 9-12);

• 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. for Apprentice Company (ages 12-15);

• and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. for Senior Company (ages 14-21).

Partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, 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.

Élan Dance Company's fall 2014 calendar included performances at the Chicago Toy and Game Fair at Navy Pier, "Art for Life" with Northern Illinois University, and the Fox Valley Dance Showcase.

The company is looking forward to several opportunities this spring, beginning with a first-time appearance at the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition's Walk/Run at U.S. Cellular Field May 2 and a second annual collaborative performance with the Senior Suburban Orchestra May 16.

Those interested in learning more about Élan Dance Company may attend an informational meeting prior to the auditions. Informational meetings will take place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 2, and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center.

"We encourage all interested students and parents to attend an Élan Open House on one of these two dates," Artistic Director Chesney Murphy said. "We are happy to answer any questions and to provide an audition packet at these sessions."