Dancers Welcome to Audition for the 2019-2020 Palatine Dance Company This April

Palatine Dance Company (PDC) originated in 2001, stemming from the dancers' desires to study further and perform more often. Now facilitating on multiple levels, the PDC track provides high quality, intensive dance training in a challenging, yet safe and nurturing environment. In addition to improving coordination, developing muscular awareness, and exploring the freedom of artistic expression, students learn lifelong skills through their experience.

"PDC dancers need the discipline to push themselves to the next level, working to perfect those multiple turns and that detailed foot work," said Dance Manager Becky Lugovsky. "We are fortunate to have a group of dancers who work well together and want to learn more."

Palatine Dance invites young dancers to audition for the 2019-2020 Palatine Dance Company on Sunday, April 7 at the Palatine Park District Community Center, located at 250 E. Wood Street in Palatine. To audition, dancers must complete an application and submit to dance@palatineparks.org no later than Monday, March 18. Applications are available to view and download at palatinedance.org/company.

"We look for dancers who are well versed in ballet, jazz, and tap," said Assistant Dance Manager Katherine Siegle. Applicants will be assigned an audition time by email, preceded by a mandatory workshop. During the workshop, dancers will learn choreography for the audition and demonstrate technique in ballet, jazz, and tap. Dancers will perform these short pieces exhibiting their skills in smaller groups at their assigned audition times. Siegle asserts, "the students are dedicated, engaged, thoughtful, and talented."

"In PDC, we learn that if you stumble, make it part of your dance," said Intermediate Company student Lorna Runge. "That works for life, too."

"The judges give good, constructive feedback," according to Teen Company student Paige Reuter upon reflecting on her competition experience with the Company. "We take it, we use it, and we make recitals better." Runge and Reuter recently competed with their fellow PDC dancers at the Des Plaines Park District's Dance Idol Competition in February. The Dance Company received numerous awards and high scores, including 13 silver medals, 2 gold medals, and an Innovative Concept Award among others.

For more information about the Palatine Dance Company and to complete an application, visit palatinedance.org. For questions about program or auditions, contact Dance Manager Becky Lugovsky at dance@palatineparks.org or Cultural Arts Coordinator Ashley Schiavone at 847.496.6237.

Palatine Dance is a program of Palatine Park District. The mission of Palatine Park District is to provide a variety of safe, enjoyable, and affordable parks programs, and recreational facilities that will enhance the quality of life by promoting good health and well-being for all residents and visitors while being fiscally responsible stewards of community assets and tax dollars.