Dance, Music, Theater
Dance
The Dundee Township Park District dance program has class offerings for 3-18 years & older. Styles of dance range from ballet, tap, jazz, street dance, contemporary, Latin, musical theater, and pointe. Dance is offered year-round, with new class sessions beginning in the winter, summer, and fall. The winter/spring session includes a dance recital that is typically held in May. We have classes for all abilities and welcome all to come dance with us! All classes will be held in the dance studio at the Rakow Center.
Attire Guidelines
Preschool, Kinder and Ballet I - Leotard and tights of any color. Pink Ballet Shoes-with straps and leather bottom (no slippers please). Skirt or Tutu may be worn. Hair pulled back, no jewelry.
Ballet II and III- Dancers must wear a black leotard and pink tights, pink split-sole ballet shoes. Wearing a black ballet skirt or black dance shorts is optional. Hair must be up off their face, no jewelry.
Poms- Comfortable clothing (no jeans), clean gym shoes (to be worn inside only), No jewelry.
Tap & Jazz - Leotard or form-fitting top, dance shorts, capris, or leggings, and tan tap shoes and tan jazz shoes (used for jazz). Hair up off the face.
Street Dance (Kinder- III) - Comfortable clothes that you can move freely in (no jeans) Hip-hop sneaker or gym sneaker. Shoes are for dance class only and cannot be worn outside.
Contemporary - Leotard and tights. Dance shorts, dance pants, or capris may be worn over a leotard. Tan no lace jazz shoes. Hair up off the face.
Note: Ages serve as a guideline only. Dundee Township Park District reserves the right to place dancers in classes suitable to their ability.
Preschool Ballet I 44300
Learn beginning ballet techniques, basic positions, learn fun, creative dances, and creative routines.
Preschool Tap & Jazz 44311
Shuffles, Irish's, flaps and other basic steps will be taught, as well as jazz steps and fun creative dances. The focus will be on technique.
Creative Movement 44327
Learn fun choreography to upbeat music and basic leaps, turns, and jumps—a perfect class for those who like to dance.
Kinder Street Dance 44359
This class will emphasize the basics of breakdancing/hip hop. Creative routines will be taught.
Kinder Street Dance 14359
This class will emphasize the basics of breakdancing/hip hop. Creative routines will be taught.
Kinder Ballet 44302
This class will emphasize beginning ballet techniques and positions. Creative routines and form at the ballet barre will be taught.
Mini Jazz 44322
Learn fun choreography to upbeat music and basic to intermediate leaps, turns, and jumps—a perfect class for those who like to dance. Prior experience dancing is helpful but not required.
Ballet I 44303
Ballet is a base for all dance forms that instills grace and coordination. This class will include proper placement, barre work, and center work.
Street Dance I 44315
Learn age-appropriate dance moves to upbeat music with an emphasis on rhythm and attitude.
Kinder Tap & Jazz 44354
In this energetic class, students will perfect their skills. Shuffles, Irish's, flaps and other basic steps will be taught, as well as jazz steps and fun creative dances. One session of previous dance experience preferred.
Tap & Jazz I 44350
This is an introduction to tap and jazz, focusing on the fundamental footwork and technique of tap and jazz dancing. This class is geared towards the dancer who has little to no dance training. Class begins with a center warm-up and progresses to steps across the floor, combinations and repetitive exercises, instilling a solid foundation for the beginner dancer.
Ballet II 44305
Proper placement and control to execute ballet moves will be included. Students will also focus on strength and flexibility. More intricate jumps and turns will be introduced.
Pre Pointe 44304
An introduction to pointe. Students should also be enrolled in Ballet II or III. Readiness for pointe work is determined by each student's strength and physical development, not by age. Instructors will notify parents and students when they have the necessary strength and maturity to go on pointe.
Ballet III 44312
Refining technique, the quality of movement and perfecting skills will all be included in this class. Instructor approval required.
Pointe 44309
Students must have prior ballet experience and be enrolled in Ballet III. This class will include barre exercises, across the floor combination and center work.
Street Dance III 44317
This class will teach more difficult street dance moves and focus on musicality and precision in movements.
Contemporary II 44306
A style of expressive dance combined with classical, jazz, and modern elements to connect the mind and body through movement. Students must also be enrolled in a ballet class.
Contemporary III 44307
A style of expressive dance that is combined with classical, jazz, and modern elements to connect the body and mind through movement. Students will work on refining technique and performance skills. Additional enrollment in Ballet is required for this class.
Poms 44321
This class offers an exciting introduction to the world of Poms. Get moving with high-energy routines and sharp, dynamic moves! Perfect for elementary to high school students interested in joining dance, cheer, or poms teams. Build technique, strength, and endurance while learning fun choreography. Come join the fun and shake those pom poms with confidence!
Street Dance II 44316
Join us in dancing to upbeat music! While emphasizing on rhythm and attitude, dancers will also be encouraged to choreograph for a group.
Tap & Jazz II 44351
Dancers will develop a keen sense of rhythm and balance. This beginner/intermediate level class is appropriate for the dancer who has had some experience with tap and/or jazz dance and is looking to continue training. This class will build the development of technique & terminology. Students will further develop skills, including musicality and sound clarity.
Teen Tap 44353
This beginner/intermediate tap class is a great opportunity for those who have never danced or who are coming back into dance. Class begins with a center warm-up, progresses to across the floor combinations and then a center combination. This class will focus on the development of tap technique & terminology.
Adult Tap- Level III 44326
Level III tap goes deeper into the details of footwork and rhythm combinations and still focuses on the technique behind the work. Participants will learn a routine in a fun atmosphere.
Adult Tap- Level I & II 44325
This fun atmosphere will provide an introduction to tap, focusing on the fundamental footwork and techniques of tap dancing and rhythm. Routines will be taught.
Music
Dundee Township Park District offers group and private music classes. We offer piano and violin classes.
Tot Rock with parent 12 months to 2 1/2 years old 44170
Sing, dance, play, and imagine with us! This movement-based program uses music to support learning through rhythm instruments, props, and creative play. Activities build gross and fine motor skills, including balance and coordination, while developing listening and direction-following skills. Each structured class offers a fun, engaging experience- join us for a rockin’ good time! Get more information at www.rockitkids.com CONTRACTUAL
Family Rock 44173
Sing, dance, play, and imagine with us! This movement-based program uses music to support learning through rhythm instruments, props, and creative play. Activities build gross and fine motor skills, including balance and coordination, while developing listening and direction-following skills. Each structured class offers a fun, engaging experience- join us for a rockin’ good time! Get more information at www.rockitkids.com CONTRACTUAL
Baby Rock with parent 44172
Wiggle and giggle with us! Baby Rock blends music, sensory play, and gentle exercises to help strengthen and stretch your baby. Activities include sing-alongs, simple instruments, sensory props, motion play, and bubbles. Designed for non-walkers, this engaging class offers a fun, bonding experience with your tiniest dancer. www.rockitkids.com CONTRACTUAL
Theater
Performances are held at the Adult Activities Center (665 Barrington Ave., Carpentersville) unless otherwise noted. All tickets are available for purchase at the Rakow Center.
For more information, please contact:
Stacey Teeple, Recreation Supervisor | (847) 428-7131 x1203 | steeple@dtpd.org
Children's Theater Production 44281
Disney's The Lion King has captivated audiences worldwide. We will bring the African savanna to life on stage with Simba, Rafiki, and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle and back again in this inspiring, coming-of-age tale. The Lion King KIDS features classic songs from the Broadway musical and animated feature film, including “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “He Lives in You,” and “Hakuna Matata.” In this class, students will focus on the three disciplines of musical theatre: acting, singing, and dancing. The class will end with two full-scale performances on the Adult Activities Center stage. Tech week will take place the week of November 9 - 12 with live performances on Friday, November 13th at 7 pm, Saturday, November 14th at 2 pm & 7 pm, and Sunday, November 15th at 2 pm. This is a tuition-based program in which all actors are assigned parts based on their auditions. Auditions will be held on the first night of class, and all participants will be asked to sing and read from the script provided. Each actor will receive 2 free tickets. Others will be available for purchase at the Rakow Front Desk at a later date.
All Ages Theater Production: A Christmas Carol- The Musical 44280
With a beautiful new score, the characters come to life as never before, from a larger-than-life Ghost of Marley to a heartbreaking Tiny Tim. Laugh along with Scrooge's comical and bitter domestic servants and revel in Belle's poignant love song. Join Scrooge and his three spirit guides on a favorite holiday journey, and send the audience home singing. Rehearsals will be held on Sundays from 1 - 5 pm from September 15th - November 22nd at the Adult Activity Center. Additional rehearsals will be on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 - 8:30 pm beginning September 17th - November 17th. Tech week will be 11/29 - 12/3. Performances will be held onstage at the Adult Activity Center on Friday, December 4, at 7 pm, Saturday, December 5, at 2 pm and 7 pm, and Sunday, December 6, at 2 pm. Roles will be assigned based on auditions. Individual vocal auditions will begin at 1 pm on Sunday, September 13. Please submit a video audition to steeple@dtpd.org showcasing 30 - 45 seconds of a musical theater song or Christmas carol with accompaniment (no a cappella by September 6th. Child actors may be invited to callbacks on Tuesday, September 15th. PLEASE NOTE: Child actors will only be cast in the ensemble if they have a parent who is in the cast or who is a member of the production team. Youth under 14 yrs must have an adult present at all rehearsals and performances. You can register after getting your part.
Youth Acting Workshop- Don't Act. Be! 14283
Unleash Your Inner Performer! Step into the spotlight and discover the magic of theatre! Young actors will build confidence, creativity, and stage skills through fun theatre games, improv, character development, and scene creation. Students will practice projection, articulation, stage presence, and active listening while bringing original ideas to life. No experience required! Dress to move and bring a labeled water bottle. The session concludes with a special showcase for family and friends.
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August 10, 2026
Exciting Improvements Coming to Huffman Park
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August 3, 2026
🍂The Fall 2026 Program Guide Has Arrived!
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May 7, 2026
Dundee Township Park District Executive Director Dave Peterson Announces Retirement
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January 30, 2026
Get Ready for Spring at DTPD!
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January 14, 2026
❄️ Dundee Township Park District’s Frozen Oaks 5K Returns February 7!
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January 12, 2026
Groundhog Day Forecast at Randall Oaks Zoo
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July 31, 2025
Get Ready for Fall at DTPD!
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June 5, 2025
Board members sworn in, officers elected
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May 28, 2025
Join us for Concerts in the Park this June & July!
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May 17, 2025
Registration Website Upgrade Notice
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April 28, 2025
Unleash Your Summer Potential with DTPD!
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February 14, 2025
The Dundee Township Park District Is Using ePACT Network for Summer Camps
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December 30, 2024
Discover the Perfect Start: Preschool Open Houses This January
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August 22, 2024
Board of Commissioners Approves Phase 2 for Aquatics Facilities Consideration
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August 15, 2024
Randall Oaks Zoo Celebrates 60 Years of Animals and Wonder!
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July 18, 2024
Aquatics Needs Assessment and Community Engagement Survey
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May 13, 2024
Dundee Township Park District was awarded for excellence in financial reporting for the 6th consecutive year.
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March 5, 2024
100 Years of Golf Excellence: Celebrating a Historic Season at Bonnie Dundee
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March 4, 2024
March 6 Board Meeting - Aquatics Needs Assessment and Community Engagement Services RFP Proposals
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January 5, 2024
Join Us - DTPD Financial Review Set for January 17
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November 20, 2023
Aquatics Citizen Advisory Committee
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October 20, 2023
Sleepy Hollow Pool Decision
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October 19, 2023
Rakow Center Locker Room Renovation Complete
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September 20, 2023
Upcoming Board Meeting Reminder - September 27
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August 25, 2023
September 27 Board Meeting - Updates Regarding Sleepy Hollow Pool
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August 17, 2023
World of Wonders (small animal building) at-a-glance
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August 7, 2023
Fall Programs
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April 1, 2023
Your Summer Camp Adventure Awaits
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March 1, 2023
Rakow Center Locker Room Renovation Project
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December 22, 2022
Zoo Membership Special
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December 17, 2022
Come and explore our classrooms on January 10-12
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December 2, 2022
Get ready to run! Frozen Oaks 5K | February 4
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September 22, 2022
Sat Live! Every 1st & 3rd Saturday from October-March
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August 26, 2021
Give a unique gift of animal sponsorship for any occasion.
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December 4, 2020
Bond refinance saves Dundee Township Park District more than $1.8 million
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April 15, 2019
Dundee Township Park District awarded for excellence in financial reporting
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August 14, 2026
9 to 5 Jr. Opening Night
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August 15, 2026
FREE Yoga in the Park
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August 15, 2026
9 to 5 JR. Final Performances
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August 21, 2026
Nutty for Nocturnals
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August 22, 2026
FREE Yoga in the Park
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August 22, 2026
Family Fishing Day
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September 10, 2026
Friendship, Yoga & Wine
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September 26, 2026
Fall Festival
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November 1, 2026
Fall Festival
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November 2, 2026
Dinovember

