The Sunset Dance Academy offers both classes and dance company opportunities for all ages and skill levels. Our affordable and inviting classes offer professional instruction in all styles of dance, and help guide the way for students to have fun, gain confidence, learn social skills, and expand their creativity.
Spring 2023 Dance Recital
Sunday, May 21, 2023
11am and 2pm
Geneva High School Auditorium
416 McKinley Avenue, Geneva, IL
Optional Opening Number Class 2210350-01
Sign up by 4/27
Sunset Dance Academy staff is planning a sensational opening number open to all SDA participants! Rehearsals will start Thursday, April 27 from 4-4:45pm and will meet once a week through May 18. Dancers will receive a Glitz & Glam commemorative recital t-shirt and get a fun opportunity to dance with the SDA instructors, Sunset Dance Company and Geneva Angels. Dancers are encouraged, but not required to dance in both showtimes. Please sign up no later than April 23 using code 2210350-01.
Dancers should arrive 15 minutes before their class is scheduled to be on stage. Dancers should arrive in full costume with hair and makeup done. After dancers complete their rehearsal on stage, they will be led to the photo area for a class photo and then returned to their adult in the Auditorium. Please allot for a total of 1.5 hours for dress rehearsal and photos.
Photos and video with no flash are allowed at dress rehearsal, but will not be allowed on recital day. New this year, Geneva Park District will provide each dancer with 1 free digital download of their recital. More information is below.
Adult Helpers
Each class needs 1-2 adult helpers who will sit with the dancers during the recital and make sure they get to and from the stage safely. Room guardians will be able to watch their dancer from the best seats in the house during the show and will receive one complimentary ticket to the recital! A sign-up sheet will be posted outside of the dance rooms. Thank you in advance for volunteering; we can’t do this without you! An optional meeting for new adult volunteers will be held at dress rehearsal at 11:30am.
Optional Adult Helper Meeting Saturday, May 21 at 11:30am
Ticket Information $9 each (2 and under do not need a ticket if sitting on an adult’s lap)
General Admission Purchase online
April 14: Dancer presales
April 28: All tickets on sale
May 19: Advanced ticket sales close
May 22: Tickets available at recitals, until sold out
You can purchase an optional $5 raffle ticket to be in a lottery to win reserved seats and enter 30 minutes before show time. (Must still purchase the tickets for $9 each.)
Photos Photos will be taken on dress rehearsal day immediately following the rehearsal time. Adults will not be allowed in the photo area. Dancers will be brought back to the Auditorium when they are finished with pictures. We ask that all students stay for photos (even if they do not plan on purchasing) so that the class can be fully represented. Every dancer will be photographed, and images will be available to purchase from a private gallery on our photographer JDEvents website within 3-4 weeks of show date. The link to the website will be emailed from JDEvents to all dance participants once the photos are available.
Recital T-Shirt $10 – code 2210346-01
Purchase by April 27
Commemorative Recital t-shirts will be sold until April 27 for $10 each using code 2210346-01. Dancers enrolling in the opening dance class, please note that this t-shirt is already included in the opening number class registration.
Digital Downloads & DVDs
New this year, Geneva Park District will provide each dancer with 1 free digital download of their recital. A link for the digital download will be emailed to the head-of-household email address on your park district account in 4-6 weeks.
DVDs are also available to purchase until May 23. DVDs are $30 each and will be mailed directly to you. Reminder: No photography or videography will be allowed on recital day.
Flowers: $10 – code 2210345-01
Purchase by April 23
Celebrate your dancer’s performance with a beautiful flower bouquet! Flower bouquets are available for pre-sale at $10 each. Order by April 23: 2210345-01. Pick up your bouquets at the ticket table before the recital Sunday, May 22.
Ballet levels are determined by age or invitation.
Mommy & Me Ages 18-29 months
In this class, tots will be guided through dance and creative movement/play with a parental figure. Tots need dance attire, adults need comfortable clothing.
Tiny Toes / Pre-Ballet Ages 2.5-6 yrs
Tiny Toes and Pre-Ballet classes introduce simple ballet movements and terminology through fun music, choreography, and props. Pre-Ballet 2 prepares four- to six-year-old dancers for Beginning Ballet.
Ballet Ages 4+ yrs
Learn the fundamentals of classical ballet. Classes will focus on technique, proper body alignment, coordination, and rhythm. Students will be introduced to barre, center work combinations, and routines.
Allegro*: Dancers 4-7 by invitation only, who have mastered their age appropriate level requirements. Students will learn dance styles at a quicker (allegro) pace, and will study multiple styles of dance.
Ballet 1: Dancers who progress to more advanced barre and centre combinations, choreography, and terminology.
Ballet 2*: Dancers aged 9+ who have mastered the requirements for Ballet 1 progress to a more advanced barre and centre combinations, choreography, and terminology.
*Instructor approval needed for Allegro and Ballet 2.
Combo Classes Ages 5+ yrs
Combo classes give dancers an introduction to different dance styles each week. Please note that both types of shoes are required for these classes. For example, if the class is Ballet/Jazz, the dancer needs both ballet AND jazz shoes. Level 2 of combo classes are by invitation only once the child has progressed through the original combo class.
Other Styles of Dance
Acro
Dance and gymnastics in one class! Acro will be beneficial for both art forms! Learn and perfect gymnastics skills, tumbling moves, leaps, turns and tricks. This class will also incorporate different styles of dance to complement gymnastics, including lyrical, jazz, and hip hop. All levels and experience are welcome.
Hip Hop
Hip Hop dancing emulates steps created by hip-hop culture, seen everywhere from music videos to dance teams.
Lyrical
Lyrical is a combination of ballet techniques and fluid jazz movements. Dancers will learn to dance with emotion and connectivity in their movements.
Musical Theatre and Jazz
In Musical Theatre, dancers learn about famous choreographers, dances, and styles from classic and current musicals. Jazz dance introduces participants to new rhythms, steps, and movements in a fun and exciting atmosphere that will increase flexibility and strength.
Tap
Tap develops coordination, rhythm, and timing. Participants learn technique with barre, centre work, and combinations.
Combo Classes
Combo classes give dancers an introduction to different dance styles each week. Please note that both types of shoes are required for these classes. For example, if the class is Ballet/Jazz, the dancer needs ballet AND jazz shoes. Level 2 of combo classes are by invitation only once the child has progressed through the original combo class.
Sunset Dance Company
For dancers who wish to study dance more seriously, we encourage joining one of our dance companies. Sunset Dance Companies foster creativity, confidence, and communication in a friendly, no-cut environment. The Sunset Dance Companies provide participants with the opportunity to experience various disciplines of dance at a high standard of teaching.
The Sunset Dance Companies perform at a variety of events throughout the year. A full-year commitment is required to participate in the Sunset Dance Companies.
Looking to join the Sunset Dance Company? For more information, please email Miss Ryan.
Available Dance Companies
Performance Company Ages 5+ yrs
Performance Company members receive an introduction to our dance company experience by participating in recitals and performances, without the intensity of competitions. All Level 1 students and above may join the Performance Company; auditions are not required. Performance Company members must take two classes per week (one technique class and one Performance Company class).
Sunset Dance Company (Competitive) Ages 5+ yrs
Competitive Company members study and perform at a higher level of commitment, taking three or more classes per week (two technique classes and one Competition Company class). Participants will learn in a supportive environment, and be encouraged to bring forth their best effort. Competitive Company members will compete at two competitions each season, and have the opportunity to perform at a variety of local events.
Level 1 or 2 students may join the Competitive Company. At the beginning of each season, company members will be divided into levels, as well as being given the opportunity to experience different dance styles and choose the ones in which they would like to compete. Note: If the dancer wants to compete in more than one dance style, they will be required to take that additional company class (i.e. Lyrical Company class or Finale Company class)
Dance Attire
Appropriate dance attire is required for all dance classes.
Ballet and Lyrical
Up to Level 1 = pink leotard
Level 1+ = black leotard (royal blue for company members)
All levels = pink tights, ballet shoes, ballet skirts
Hair in a bun
Hip Hop
Form fitting athletic clothes
Jazz and Musical Theatre
Form fitting top and jazz pants, bike shorts, or capris
For ages 18 months to 18 years
For dancers who wish to study dance more seriously, we encourage joining one of our dance companies. Sunset Dance Companies foster creativity, confidence, and communication in a friendly, no-cut environment. The Sunset Dance Companies provide participants with the opportunity to experience various disciplines of dance at a high standard of teaching.